Garden Grove Unified honors employees, Simon Scholars and community heroes
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Summary
The board honored two employees of the month, welcomed 46 Simon Scholars receiving $16,000 scholarships, and presented Community Heroes awards to student- and staff-led relief efforts.
The Garden Grove Unified School District Board recognized staff and students at its regular meeting, honoring two employees of the month, introducing the class of 2027 Simon Scholars and presenting Community Heroes awards.
Assistant Superintendent Jason Bivajas introduced Susie Smythe, a Sunnyside Elementary teacher, and Santiago Galvez, a district receptionist, as the October Employees of the Month. Smythe was noted for outreach that secured university T-shirt donations and coordinating a repainting project with parents; Santiago was recognized for bilingual outreach and frontline customer service. "She is an asset to Sunnyside community," Bivajas said of Smythe. "Congratulations to Susie and to Santiago," he added.
Dr. Stephanie Hefflin introduced the districtclass of 2027 Simon Scholars. Andy Robles, executive director of the Simon Family Foundation, said the program provides each scholar a $16,000 scholarship plus mentoring, college coaching, testing support and continued guidance in college. "Becoming a Simon Scholar is truly a life changing opportunity," Hefflin said.
Dr. Lorena Sanchez presented Community Heroes awards to Samantha Avina Flores and her mother Claire Avina Flores for founding the Monarcha Initiative, which collected and distributed food and supplies for families affected by increased immigration enforcement, and to a Santiago High School team including Nicole Dune, Carlos Cruz and Eric Borayo for organizing donation drives that served hundreds of families. "Their actions remind us all that leadership does not require a title," Sanchez said.
A short video highlighting honorees was shown (technical difficulties were noted and the video will be posted online). Trustees praised the partnerships with the Simon Family Foundation and district staff who support the scholars and community programs.
Trustees said the recognitions underscored district partnerships and student support efforts as the board moved on to regular business.
