The Willow Glen Resident

Around The Glen

District's teachers of the year get pats on the back

Thirty-two hard-working teachers from the San Jose Unified School District got some recognition for their efforts at a May 21 reception for the schools' teachers of the year. These included Dottie Slattery from Willow Glen High School, Janice Allen from Willow Glen Elementary School and Nancy Fitzgerald from Schallenberger Elementary School.

Teachers are nominated by their schools and selected by a committee of teachers, administrators and parents, according to the San Jose Teachers Association.

Slattery teaches child development and has devoted "endless hours improving the assessment, placement, achievement and social integration of the school's Second Language Learners," according to association literature. Second-grade teacher Allen's activities include the leadership committee and serving as second-grade music teacher.

Fitzgerald, a teacher for 29 years, is described as "an exciting and innovative teacher who motivates her students daily" and a "wonderful role model."

Leland High School's debate teacher, Gay Brasher, was honored as the district's teacher of the year. Other Willow Glen schools did not participate in the program.

--Rebecca Wallace

Special Olympics torch comes to the Avenue

No, it's not time for the Olympics again, but you still might glimpse a torchbearer running along Lincoln Avenue on June 12.

On that day, athletes from the Special Olympics and county law-enforcement types will take part in the annual torch run that benefits the Special Olympics.

Coming from King City, the torch is set to be received at the San Jose/Morgan Hill city limit at around 9:30 a.m., said San Jose Police Sgt. Phil Rodgers. Runners will include police officers and county judges.

About 10 runners will whip along the Avenue between 11:45 and 11:55 a.m., Rodgers said.

A ceremony awaits the torch at Plaza de Cesar Chavez at 12:30 p.m. Its final destination is San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, where the Northern California State Summer Special Olympics begin June 19.

For more information, page Rodgers at 994-4552.

--Rebecca Wallace

Presentation senior is honored by Masons

A Presentation High School senior with a 4.36 grade-point average who aspires to be a doctor has been awarded a $40,000 scholarship from the California Masonic Foundation. Melissa Bersamina is one of only 12 California high school seniors selected to receive a C.E. Towne memorial scholarship, said a foundation representative. She has been accepted with distinction to Santa Clara University.

Active in the student council, shehas also been honored by the Music Teachers of California for her piano skills.

Financial need and academic achievement were some of the criteria for selection for the scholarship.

--Rebecca Wallace

Academic stars take honors at awards

At 48 years old, Willow Glen Elementary School's golden book awards are themselves nearing their golden anniversary. And numerous students were honored June 2 at the awards night for their stellar grades.

Held in the school's little theater, the awards event starred the golden book, which looks like a giant storybook and has held a noted place at the school since 1950. Eighth-graders who got straight A's or all A's and B's at least five out of six semesters got awards and got to sign the golden book, said registrar Kathy Pottgieser. There were 23 all-A's students and 47 with A's and B's.

The 24 seventh-graders who earned all A's at least five out of six semesters were also recognized, as were the 52 sixth-graders with the same grade record.

The awards ceremony was organized by Pottgieser, assistant principal Oscar Rodriguez and parent volunteer Barbara Cohen along with PTA members.

--Rebecca Wallace

Festival volunteers needed on July 3-4

About 500 volunteers are needed to help out with a free outdoor festival that celebrates the culture of Santa Clara Valley on Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4.

The eighth annual San Jose America Festival is presented by the Emergency Housing Consortium and will be held in Guadalupe River Park at Discovery Meadow. Volunteers are needed to man information and beverage booths, assist as stagehands and oversee children's art projects.

Volunteers who complete a four-hour shift receive a T-shirt, beverage tickets and a chance to win prizes. The event runs 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. both days and is free except for Friday's headlining performance. For a volunteer application, call Yiu-Lan Liao at 298-2861, weekdays from 8 to 11 a.m.

--Rebecca Wallace

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