Excellence in Education honorees included Sandy Agajan, a Mill Valley Middle School support staffer who has been a registrar and data processor for 21 years. She was joined by Dr. David Wain Coon, President, College of Marin, at left, and Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce Director of Operations Paula Reynolds. At right, along with Wain Coon, is Chris Hill (also known to her friends as Chill) has, a science teacher, Club adviser, emergency management Coordinator, department chair, and everything in between. At bottom is a photo of all of the honorees.
For the fourth straight year, the Mill Valley and San Rafael chambers of commerce partnered with a group of dedicated sponsors to honor teachers at the Excellence in Education Awards at an in-person event on April 26 at the Smith Rafael Film Center in San Rafael.
With sponsorship support from Redwood Credit Union, Law Offices of Louis Napoli, First Federal Savings & Loan, Bank of Marin, Poppy Bank and the aforementioned chambers, this year’s celebration will highlight eight educators. All honorees will receive a $500 check from Chamber business sponsors with a generous donation match from Redwood Credit Union! in appreciation of their outstanding and continuous service to our students.
The honorees included Sandy Agajan, a Mill Valley Middle School support staffer who has been a registrar and data processor for 21 years, with 17 of those years coming at MVMS. According to Mill Valley School District Superintendent Kimberly Berman, Agajan is “an exemplar in our community, not just because of her positivity & diligence, but because of her dedication to the school. For the past 17 years, Sandy has processed grades, configured schedules, rotated students, coordinated multiple large projects, and brought joy to our school through the Sunshine Committee. You’ll never hear a negative word come from her, as she always maintains a positive attitude and a solutions-oriented approach. Sandy is beloved by the entire school community, and is irreplaceable in her position. We are so fortunate to have had her here at MVMS for so long.”
In a different role but a very similar style as Agajan, Chris Hill (also known to her friends as Chill) has, for the past eight years, graced us with her passion & dedication to public education As a Science teacher, Club adviser, emergency management Coordinator, department chair, and everything in between. MVMS Principal Danny Chui said Hill “is the ultimate professional, and beloved by students and colleagues, as well as a champion of equity and currently teaches science and an academic workshop class as an intervention for our most vulnerable learners. Chris never wavers at the chance to innovate and collaborate, and we are so lucky to have her at MVMS.”
Dr. David Wain Coon, President, College of Marin will be the host for the evening, including a special acknowledgement at this event to retiring San Rafael City Schools Superintendent Jim Hogeboom.
Congratulations to these honorees!