At the June 2 Council meeting, members of the Colton City Council recognized (16) teachers from the Colton Joint Unified School District, and proclaimed June 2 as Teacher Appreciation Day. As Dr.G read their names, he also presented each of them with a certificate from the Council, and talked about their current teaching assignment and years of service. Represented were teachers working in different subject areas at both the high school and elementary school levels.
The teacher appreciation recognition program was created in 2019 by Dr.G and established by proclamation by the City Council as an official day to recognize the valuable and important service that these professionals have in the life and education of our Colton children. With this goal in mind, these sixteen teachers were selected on the basis of their record of success, reputation with their students and colleagues, and their service to the school. In attendance were all sixteen teachers, along with several spouses, friends, colleagues as well as members of the public.
The recipients of this recognition were as follows;
Rochelle Baker - TK Teacher at Lincoln Elementary, has taught 29 years
Stacey Baker – English Teacher at Colton High, has taught 31 years.
Chris Barta – Welding Teacher at Colton High, has taught 16 years.
Leslie Cruz – Wellness Program Teacher at Colton High, has taught 1 year
Jeremy Dollins – Publications Teacher at Colton High, has taught 26 years
Sharon Hughbanks – 4th/5th gr. Teacher at Zimmerman Elem, has taught 27 years.
Dawna Hughes – HEAL Program Teacher at Colton High, has taught 22 years.
Abigail Humphrey – ELA/ELD Sp.Ed Teacher at Colton High, has taught 5 years.
Rosa Lopez – Kindergarten Teacher at Lincoln Elementary, has taught 10 years.
Andriana Macias - 3rd gr. Teacher at Lincoln Elementary, has taught 24 years.
Marcos Meza – Auto Shop Teacher at Colton High, has taught 28 years.
Nevin Murillo – RSP Sp.Ed. Teacher at Colton High, has taught 4 years.
Theresa Rago – Wellness Program teacher at Colton High, has taught 3 years.
Tyler Sampson – Band Director at Colton High, has taught 3 years.
Georgette Villareal-Dollins – Res. Spec Teacher at Zimmerman Elem, has taught 8 years.
Tom Wurz – Graphic Communications Teacher at Colton High, has taught 31 years.
These 16 teachers are to be congratulated for their outstanding success in the classroom and their service to the school and ultimately to the community. The City of Colton continues to support its teachers in the schools and is honored to recognize these outstanding professionals as part of the Colton Teacher Appreciation Day for 2026