Chamber honors Elizarraraz as Educator of the Month
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
Published: March 12, 2010
A Santa Paula High School teacher and coordinator of the vitally important English as a second language program was honored by the Chamber of Commerce as Educator of the Month.
Gilbert Elizarraraz was honored at the March Good Morning Santa Paula breakfast meeting held at Logsdon’s restaurant at the airport.
SPHS Principal Paul Marietti introduced Elizarraraz, but first thanked the Chamber for their regular recognitions of outstanding educators. Elizarraraz is the migrant program coordinator, teacher, “counselor, director and administrator. He does it all,” working with mostly English language learners, which Marietti said make up 35 percent to 38 percent of the high school’s student population.
“It’s a large population, also a population that is a special group,” drawing the attention of state and federal examination. “When they look at our school and see how we are exceeding,” the program ranks high. Elizarraraz also works with the program on a countywide level, Marietti noted.
The teacher is dedicated both inside and outside the classroom: “He works closely with students to make sure they graduate, to make sure they go on to a university,” and works with students on testing and college tours. Marietti said Elizarraraz also works with the parents of students, “giving them the knowledge to be successful parents,” and also works at Renaissance High School. “He has,” noted Marietti, “a full plate... and I really thank you for recognizing him today.”
“I am a product of Santa Paula,” and Elizarraraz said he “grew up in this city, moved to Los Angeles for about 15 years. I was young and there were a lot of things to do there.” But he realized “I wanted to come back to the community; there are few who make it and come back, but I wanted to make sure these kids succeed.” Elizarraraz thanked Marietti for his support, noting, “When Paul gives the green light a lot of good things will happen.”
Marietti reminded the GMSP crowd not to miss the Blanchard Community Library Centennial Exhibit prepared by SPHS teacher Ed Arguelles and his academy class. The Santa Paula California Oil Museum display demonstrates that “Eddie did a wonderful job and his students did a wonderful job” on the exhibit.
GMSP Moderator John Chamberlain noted how education is “a very important economic driver,” and the Chamber has a strong Education Committee led by chamber Board Director Connie Tushla.
John Macik/Santa Paula Chevrolet provides the Chamber’s monthly award plaques.
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