Alpine School District surprises teachers with in-classroom awards at Boreham High School

Alpine School District representatives made surprise visits to classrooms at Boreham High School to present Accent on Excellence and Most Excellent Teacher honors to several teachers, district Superintendent Mr. Farnsworth said during the visits.

The presentations recognize a small number of teachers across the district each year from “thousands” of teachers, the superintendent said, and the honorees were praised for maintaining high expectations while supporting students.

The district recognized Mrs. Yokota, whom students described as welcoming and direct. A student said, “I like Mrs. Yokota because she makes me feel welcomed, and she says, like, straight on, you know. She tells you the facts and I really like that about her.”

Another honoree, Mrs. McPherson, was commended for staying “composed, stay consistent, stay calm,” the superintendent said when introducing her, citing a former principal’s description of McPherson’s approach. Students told the visitors that McPherson helped them catch up on assignments and made learning fun with art projects.

Teachers Mr. Lindbergh and Mrs. Kanuti were also named among the winners. A colleague said of Lindbergh, “He genuinely cares for the kids and he's very innovative with making my job easier,” and noted working with him for 12 years. Students characterized Kanuti as kind, patient and collaborative.

Mrs. Jones was introduced as a Most Excellent Teacher winner; district presenters said she has helped students achieve at high levels and supported other teachers and student teachers. A student said, “I love Mrs. Jones because she's so kind and understanding, and she'd listen to us as kids.”

Superintendent Farnsworth repeatedly described the district’s selection standard as honoring teachers who combine caring with high expectations; he used the district term “warm demander” to characterize that balance. The presentations included brief remarks from students and district staff and culminated in applause and celebration in the classrooms.

No formal board action, vote, funding announcement or policy change was made during the classroom visits. The event was a series of recognition presentations by district staff and did not include agenda items or decisions requiring board approval.