East Whittier honors Armando Urtiaga and presents employee awards
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Summary
Trustees presented a ceremonial key and plaque to outgoing board member Armando Urtiaga after two decades of service and recognized certificated and classified employees across district schools.
The East Whittier City School District board used its Feb. 2 meeting to recognize long‑serving employees and to honor board member Armando Urtiaga as he prepares to join the Whittier Union High School District board.
Dr. Gabriela Aldana, principal of Ceres Elementary, introduced certificated staff of the year Elizabeth (Liz) Gamboa, praising her ‘‘data‑driven’’ supports for struggling students and her leadership in school initiatives. Ceres’s classified honoree, Vanessa Guillen, was likewise lauded for her daily contributions supporting youngest learners and campus morale.
In a ceremonial presentation the board gave Urtiaga a key to the district and a plaque noting ‘‘exemplary service’’ over 20 years; the plaque text in the meeting materials was dated 02/02/2026. Urtiaga thanked colleagues and recounted highlights from his service, and he said he will resign from his East Whittier seat effective Feb. 3 to take a trustee role at Whittier Union High School District.
Board members and family members offered tributes at the dais; several trustees praised Urtiaga’s leadership on bond measures, facility modernization and partnership building. The board also recognized multiple tenure and longevity milestones across district staff, and presented a community service award to volunteer Ernesto Moreno for sustained contributions to family engagement and school events.
What’s next: the board noted a photograph break for awardees and announced the next regular meeting for Feb. 17.