The Lakers are proud to announce December’s Student
of the Month winners: Kelsey Klunder, David Lopez
and Emily Werman and Teacher of the Month winners:
Brenda Lopez, Kathy Wallace, and Elizabeth Williams.
This month’s winners demonstrate an outstanding
commitment to academia, athletics, and community
outreach.
Kelsey Klunder, a 12th grader at La
Mirada High School. Kelsey is a scholar athlete,
dedicated to community service. She is enrolled in
Honors level classes and also a member of the 3A
State Champion girls soccer team. Outside of school,
Kelsey is involved in outreach programs and has
logged over 150 hours of community service during
high school.
David Lopez, a 4th grader at
Saticoy Elementary. David is a top student in his
class, where he has earned a perfect score on the
math section of his California Achievement Test for
2 years in a row. David is also a member of the
Saticoy Student Council and a youth leader who gives
up his recess time to assist younger students.
Emily Werman, an 9th grader at
Village Glenn. In the classroom, Emily is a
dedicated student and a member of her school’s
Student Council. Outside the classroom, Emily
volunteers at The Friendship Circle, where she helps
students with special needs. She is also an
exceptional tennis player and chess player.
Brenda Lopez, a teacher at Magnolia Science
Academy. Ms. Lopez is a dedicated teacher who stays
after school to mentor and tutor students on a daily
basis. She is also the founder of LA Life, a club
that exposes students to the different neighborhoods
and experiences of Los Angeles.
Kathy Wallace, a 3rd grade teacher at
Ramona Elementary School. Ms. Wallace runs a fun
and energetic classroom that engages her students,
every day. She also serves as a member of the Ramona
Site Council and was Ramona’s “APPLE” liaison during
last school year. Outside of school, Ms. Wallace is
actively involved with her church.
Elizabeth Williams, a 2nd grade
teacher at Leo Politi Elementary School. Mrs.
Williams is a gifted teacher who provides
well-planned and inspired instruction to her
students. Her hard work has paid dividends for her
classroom of economically-disadvantaged students.
Over 90% of her students score “proficient” or
“advanced” in language arts and math on state
achievement tests.
The Students and Teachers of the Month were invited
to the home game on December 14th against the
Minnesota Timberwolves. They were honored during a
halftime presentation where they received a plaque
and a $50 gift certificate to Staples. The
nominations for the December Student and Teacher of
the Month were submitted by principals and teachers
of each school based on exemplary efforts,
achievements, and extracurricular activities.