Victoria Elementary goes to bat for teachers

Christine Carrillo

The teaching profession is noble. It determines personal successes

through the successes of others. Teachers have the ability to touch

the next generation. They have the chance to prepare them for the

world.

On Wednesday, Victoria Elementary School in Costa Mesa decided it

was time to recognize them for achieving that and so much more.

Students, administrators and Newport-Mesa Unified School District

officials honored the 32 educators at the school with an event just

for them.

“If there’s any group of teachers that rises above, it’s our

teachers,” said Judy Laakso, the school’s principal. “They always

give their best. Our teachers absolutely give it their all every day

and we thank them for that.”

On the day dedicated to their teachers, students showed their

support and appreciation for the people who help them learn.

“It’s really cool because they work really hard and they teach us

lots of stuff,” said 8-year-old Mattie Lingenfelter, a third-grader

who rooted for her teacher from the sidelines.

Her classmates agreed.

“I think it’s really fun,” said 9-year-old Jessica Naja, also a

third-grader. “It’s the teachers’ day. It’s nice because they’ve been

helping us every day. They help us learn.”

Emphasizing the importance of learning, former California Angels

baseball player Jay Johnstone made a special appearance and spoke to

the Victoria student body about the significance of education.

“Every day that you come to school, you have an opportunity to

learn something new,” Johnstone said. “You have all these wonderful

teachers ... that would all take the time to help you understand.

That’s how you learn.”

After an inspirational speech from the former Angel himself, the

games began.

Paired off in teacher-student teams, the event continued with a

mini-baseball game. The students surrounded the small field,

screaming and cheering their teachers on. They watched their teachers

and classmates trying to get a hit off the former professional

baseball pitcher himself.

While the event contained its share of fun and games, its focus on

the school’s teachers was not forgotten.

The teachers were inducted into the Victoria School Hall of Fame.

Supt. Robert Barbot and Trustee David Brooks authorized the induction

of the 32 educators for exemplifying the school’s motto of “Rising

Above,” they said.

Presented with certificates, an artist’s rendition of the school’s

motto and school-wide support, the teachers at Victoria said they

felt the gratitude for the efforts they put forth each and every day.

“It’s overwhelming. ... It gives me chills,” said Anette

Robertson, who teaches adaptive physical education at the school. “I

think [the event] has made everyone feel more like a team. It’s like

a family.”