FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LAGUNA BEACH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
CONTACT: ANAKAREN CÁRDENAS UREÑO
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT
(949) 497-7750 EXT. 5232

December 13, 2024

Laguna Beach Unified School District announces 2024 employees of the year

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. - The Laguna Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) this week announced its 2024 Employees of the Year, recognizing June Hosokawa, a first-grade teacher at Top of the World Elementary School, as Teacher of the Year, and Paula Forino, Health Clerk at Top of the World Elementary, as Classified Employee of the Year. 

Carrying on a district tradition, Laguna Beach Unified School District surprised its Employees of the Year with announcements at Top of the World Elementary School. Superintendent Jason Viloria, Ed.D., and Principal Tom Turner, along with district staff, recognized Mrs. Hosokawa as Teacher of the Year during a classroom visit surrounded by her students. They also honored Health Clerk Paula Forino as Classified Employee of the Year with an announcement in the front office among her colleagues.

Mrs. Hosokawa and Mrs. Forino will be celebrated as part of a broader recognition ceremony at the school board meeting on January 9 at 6 p.m. Held twice a year at regularly scheduled meetings of the board of education, the student and staff recognition night brings the school community together to recognize student participants in arts and athletic programs, employees of the year, and staff members nominated by their peers for contributions to school culture and academic programs. 

In addition to the district-wide winners, LBUSD will recognize Classified Employee of the Year winners in specific categories, reflecting the diverse talents of its staff:

• Ellen Oxales: Clerical and Administrative Services, Registrar, Laguna Beach High School
• Oscar Ramirez: Custodial, Maintenance, Nutrition, and Security Services, Top of the World Elementary
• Dori Bunting: Paraprofessional and Instructional Assistance, Instructional Aide, Laguna Beach High School

These individuals were chosen through a district-wide nomination and voting process open to all classified school employees. The districtwide winners will advance to the county competition, presented by the Orange County Department of Education. 

All Orange County school districts are invited to submit nominations for the program, based on guidelines and timelines established by the California Department of Education. LBUSD uses a peer-driven approach, allowing colleagues to nominate and vote for the standout individual whose exceptional contributions and dedication have made a significant impact on the workplace.

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