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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LAGUNA BEACH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
CONTACT: ANAKAREN URENO
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
949-497-7700 EXT. 5317
August 20, 2020
Laguna Beach Unified School District names 2020 Spirit of Laguna award recipient
LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. - Laguna Beach Unified School District has named Director of Special Education Irene White the recipient of the 2020 Spirit of Laguna award.
Now in its 13th year, the award recognizes a District staff member who exemplifies extraordinary service to others. White has served as director of special education for LBUSD since 2006, spearheading initiatives focused on providing supports to all students and families, specifically early learners and children identified eligible for special education services.
“I can attest that there are more people alive today because of her [White] incomprehensible ability to hold so many children's welfare and their parents' hopes and dreams in her arms and heart,” said Clerk of the Board of Education Carol Normandin. She continued, “We're human, fragile, and we make mistakes. When the worst outcome happens, Mrs. White is there to get us back up, to grieve, and to move forward. In that, she teaches us to learn and pay it forward.”
In addition to her work focused on special education, White also leads the district’s School Readiness Program, developed to support families to ensure that their children from 0-5 years old are developing appropriately and ready for school.
“It is a privilege to witness the commitment and tireless efforts of Mrs. White to support our students and families in some of the most challenging aspects of their lives,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jason Viloria. “She exemplifies our commitment to every student, every day and I am proud to have her on our team, especially as we continue to innovate the support we provide to those families during this period of distance learning,” he concluded.
White was recognized with the Spirit of Laguna Award at the district’s annual Welcome Back Breakfast for staff in August, held virtually this year due to COVID-19.
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