CARLSBAD — The La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad was a hub of activity and excitement for the much anticipated Outstanding Educational Programs Award Dinner. The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce championed the May 4 soiree, which attracted more than 200 guests who applauded excellence, while enjoying savories and conversation.
Those in attendance included business community members, educational boosters and those with a passion to ensure that the youth in Carlsbad receive an exceptional education.
During the course of the evening, guests were reminded that Carlsbad does possess top-tier and groundbreaking programs in their school system.
“Our goal is to honor all of them and to celebrate their achievements and to bring attention to what Carlsbad teachers and schools are doing to educate our younger generations,” said Toni Padron, executive vice president and chief operating officer at the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. “We want our honored teachers to feel how appreciative we are of their efforts, and so we take great pains to make this event an enjoyable, memorable occasion for those who are honored.”
The evening’s emcee was Alexis DelChiaro of “Good Morning San Diego” on KUSI.
The list of winners on award night included Marina Hall of the Orchestra Program at Carlsbad High School; Robin Knox, Rae Merritt, Eileen Peer and Norma Rathgaber of the Entrepreneurial Program at the Jefferson Elementary JR Business Expo; Estella Doncouse and Jill McManigal of the Innovative Program at Jefferson Elementary for Lifelong Leaders; and Jodi Greenberger for the Science Program at El Camino Creek Elementary for Eco-Lution.
Both winners and finalists of the evening were granted monies to be filtered back into their regarded programs.
Padron described the evening as a special one on many levels.
“We all know that school funding is a big issue that impacts our community, and this event allows the business community to bolster Carlsbad’s teachers and show their support for education,” she said. “We want to let teachers know that we recognize their efforts to go above and beyond to educate their students.”
While guests relished a gourmet dinner of herb-crusted chicken with prawns and flavorful trimmings, they also watched a multimedia presentation highlighting the award finalists. The video was produced by eMotion Web Video.
The history of the Carlsbad chamber’s involvement in education started in 1994 when it founded Carlsbad Companies on Campus. Six years later, it was transformed into Partners in Education Foundation. This nonprofit entity raises monies to assist public schools within Carlsbad to help promote the educational experience for children.
In attendance were Mayor Matt Hall, Superintendents John Roach of Carlsbad and Tim Baird of Encinitas, Steve Ahle, Ted Owen, Carmen Rene, Jeff Segal, Brian McFadden, Chad Lund, and Jill Vinson Heichel.
Committee members who helped make the evening a success included Carolyn Reinmiller, Fernando Beltran Lupi and Dan Ryska.
Padron also extended a genuine thanks to their program sponsors who consisted of Hudson Printing, La Costa Resort and Spa, Legoland California, Life Technologies, MiraCosta College, NRG Energy Inc., RAM Enterprises International, SD Trophy, Sylvan Learning Encinitas, Taylormade Golf, Tri-City Medical Center and Westfield.
