2023 Education Medal of Honor and Distinguished Service Award Winners Announced

Eight incredible individuals, organizations, and businesses were recognized for their contributions to public education with the San Bernardino County Education Medal of Honor and Distinguished Service Awards. Honorees were awarded for their efforts at the spring meeting of the San Bernardino County School Boards Association (SBCSBA) on Monday, April 24. “Each outstanding honoree is helping create incredible opportunities for students throughout San Bernardino County,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “While they may not do what they do for the recognition, we’re proud to get the opportunity to thank them for all their hard work and dedication.” The annual Spring Awards Ceremony is dually sponsored by SBCSBA and the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS). This is the first time in more than three years the ceremony was able to be held in person. Ceremony attendees were invited to enjoy dinner, student entertainment, and video montages of each winner to celebrate their accomplishments. To learn more about this year’s award winners and view their highlight videos, please click here. 32 individuals and organizations were nominated for the 32nd Annual Education Medal of Honor Awards. In addition, eight individuals were nominated for the 25th Annual Distinguished Service Award. A panel of independent judges selected the eight nominees they believed most closely matched the requirements for each respective category. DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD: This annual award recognizes individuals for exceptional leadership and significant contributions to public education in the county. Criteria for nominations include how individuals have improved the quality of education in the county, and through their efforts, have achieved a positive, ongoing impact on significant segments of public education within a school district or throughout the county or region. This year, two individuals were honored with a Distinguished Service Award. Dr. Ronald J. Powell Retired CEO of the California Association of Health and Education Linked Professionals Dr. Sandra Rodriguez Assistant Superintendent of Student Services at San Bernardino City Unified School District EDUCATION MEDAL OF HONOR: This prestigious achievement honors outstanding contributions to public education by volunteers and service groups, business and government partners, educators, and alumni. There are six categories for the Education Medal of Honor awards, and nominations include ways in which an individual or organization makes an impact or lasting contribution, serves as a positive role model, and creates awareness and support for public education in communities across San Bernardino County. Volunteer in Action/Community Volunteer Jackie Lawson Volunteer at Competitive Edge Charter Academy in the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District Volunteer in Action/Service Group Music Changing Lives Josiah Bruny, CEO and Founder  Partners in Education/Small Business or Franchise Alverson Family Daycare Dawn Alverson, Owner Partners in Education/Corporation or Government Agency CalPortland Company Excellence in Education/Education Professional Dr. Lisa Lamb President/CEO of the Lewis Center for Educational Research Excellence in Education/Student Alumni Dr. Rhea McIver Gibbs Lead Strategic Agent at Rialto Unified School District and Eisenhower High School Graduate