COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Congratulations to Shanonn Brann Zelaya and Los Nietos Middle School
GWA AAUW member Shanonn Brann Zelaya is celebrating a lot these days! Shanonn is principal of Los Nietos Middle School (a STEAM Academy) and has worked with our branch over the years by sending many outstanding students to Tech Trek Camp and our annual Math Science Conference.
The California Department of Education recently honored Los Nietos Middle School as a 2024 California Distinguished School. This honor is given to the state’s most exemplary and inspiring public schools. Schools selected for the Distinguished School Award demonstrate significant gains in narrowing the achievement gap.
In addition to this great honor, 20 of Shanonn’s students completed the Los Angeles Marathon in April. Her students compete every year in this 26.2-mile race. Los Nietos Middle School is one of only a few schools outside of the Los Angeles Unified School District that are allowed to compete in the LA Marathon. They have been “grandfathered” in because they have participated faithfully for so many years.
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Belen Duarte-Sousa is another of our artistic members and creates beautiful jewelry. She wants to let you all know about her upcoming Belen’s Jewelry Trunk Show, Saturday, June 29, from 12 PM to 4 PM at her home, 4430 Woodmar Drive, Whittier, (562) 695-0178, bdmaya@aol.com. She will have champagne, wine, and sweets, so come for a fun day of socializing and hanging out with friends. As a special treat she will donate 10% of sales to the Earlyne Clemmons Nursing Scholarship of the Myra Long Scholarship Fund.
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Dolores Seidman’s husband, Charles Norman Stevens, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 16, at the age of 99. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He and Dolores had recently celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary. He was a teacher, one of the last-surviving World War II veterans, and an author. Please, no calls at this time, but cards are appreciated.
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Sadly, Claire Koehler and her husband David Groves lost his mother on May 7. She passed away after a long illness and much of their loving care. A Celebration of Life event was held in her honor on May 17 at Searchlight Ministries in Fullerton, CA. Her family spoke of how Sally always pressed past the obstacles in her life, like racial discrimination, to make life better for her own family and for her grandchildren. She was a spunky feminist, and an adoring mother. Sally was strong, bold, and passionate about life, and she will live on in their hearts.
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We all want to hear about what is happening in the lives of our AAUW community. This section includes community news as well as your personal news, tips, and stories. Send me yours so I can include them in our next newsletter.
Paula Ocampo, Newsletter Editor
(562) 447-7483
