Riviera Roundup: Riviera Elementary Award Recipients
I have a soft spot for Riviera Elementary — my wife, Suzy Silver Nastaskin went there, as did our children, Isabelle, Aaron and Jacob. It has always been a top-notch school and continues to provide a first-rate education to Riviera students. Congratulations to these honorees who were recently selected by the Riviera PTA for working & volunteering above the call of duty and making a lasting impression on the Riviera community. From left to right:
Presenting the awards, proud Riviera principal, Christie Forshey
Jen Carter- Outstanding Staff Award. Riviera’s health assistant for the past 6 years, during the last two years Jen increased from 3 to 6 hours a day to provide excellent care and implementation of safety protocols to ensure the well being of the school community during COVID.
Jacqueline Ahn- Outstanding Staff Award. Riviera’s licensed vocational nurse, Jackie’s knowledge and expertise were critical as students returned to school post-COVID closure. Implementing safety protocols, contact tracing and communication with families, staff and district nurses were all essential to the school’s operations.
Jen Adams- Honorary Service Award. A Riviera parent for 12 years, Jen has served in multiple capacities, including planning Craft Fair, Movie Nights, Father-Daughter and Mother-Son events and Handbag Bingo.
Sara McKown- Honorary Service Award. Sara has volunteered on campus for five years and served as PTA President during the pandemic, keeping the school’s community connected during uncertain times. She is also a TUSD Substitute Teacher.
Jenny Yiakas- Honorary Service Award. A Riviera parent for 8 years, Jenny co-chairs the Annual Giving Campaign which raises over $100,000 for field trips and enrichment and supports all PTA programs. She is also an Adventures In Art docent and playground volunteer.
Jill Strosneider- Very Special Person Award- A Riviera parent for 6 years, Jill served on the Executive Board as Recording Secretary and has planned many community service events, including Red Ribbon Week, Blue Ribbon Week and the Holiday Basket Auction.
Marissa Bernal- Very Special Person Award– A parent volunteer for 9 years, Marissa served on the PTA Executive Board, was Room Parent for multiple classes and has planned Riviera’s Gala and International Fair. Marissa has been a Student Supervision Assistant for the last two years. Post-Covid, she checked temperatures at the entry gates and supervised socially distanced snack and lunch breaks.
Betty Lieu, a TUSD School Board member and Past Honorary Service Recipient, attended the ceremony. Her two sons were Riviera Elementary students.