On Friday, the SCV Education Foundation hosted its 39th annual Teacher Tribute at College of the Canyons (COC) to honor teachers in Santa Clarita. 

SCV Education Foundation honors teachers who engage and support all students in learning and have a passion for helping all children, inspiring students and other teachers to achieve excellence, according to officials. 

“There are 54 public schools in the Santa Clarita Valley, 2,200 teachers and more than 50,000 students and our public schools are regularly ranked in the top 10 percent of the state,” said Carrie Lujan, communications representative for the City of Santa Clarita. 

The districts that were honored were Castaic, Newhall, Sulphur Springs, Saugus and the William S. Hart Union High School District. 

Each Superintendent had the opportunity to talk about the teachers that were being honored in their district and name the district teacher of the year. 

One of the district teachers who was named teacher of the year was Deborah Rupel from Castaic Union School District. 

“Not only is she an amazing English teacher, but she is also our yearbook advisor and longtime member of the (Castaic Middle School) leadership team, she often takes initiative to better support all her students in learning. She’s often the teacher to collaborate with anyone who helps. She’s phenomenal at what she does,” said Bob Brauneisen, Castaic Union School District Acting Superintendent. 

Another teacher who was also named teacher of the year was Holly Johnson from Newhall School District. 

“She is funny, kind, patient and full of imagination and energy. You can count on Ms. Johnson to put a smile on anyone’s face, whether it’s a joke or a staff meeting or a funny story about a student,” said Dr. Leticia Hernandez, Newhall School District superintendent. 

A full list of the honorees of the SCV Education Foundation awards is available here.

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