Former student Ashton Fernandez still remembers the lessons he learned in Eilean Plumley’s classroom—not just about academics, but about character.

“Mrs. Plumley taught me not only how to be a good student, but what it meant to be a good person with good character,” Fernandez said.

That kind of impact was at the center of the annual Teacher of the Year ceremony hosted by the La Verne and San Dimas Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Bonita Unified School District. The program honored 22 educators from local public and private schools, alternative education programs, and higher education institutions.

Silvia Melendez of the San Dimas Chamber of Commerce said the chambers sponsor the event because teachers play an important role in preparing future leaders.

“By recognizing educators, the chambers are investing in the people who help build the foundation for long-term community and ethics,” Melendez said.

For many students and families, the recognition represented more than classroom instruction.

“It is more than just educating them,” said Matthew Wien, superintendent of Bonita Unified School District. “It is providing encouragement, teaching coping skills, igniting passion, and opening doors to new experiences.”

Plumley, a second-grade teacher at Oak Mesa Elementary School, said teaching extends beyond academics and into helping students develop values they carry throughout life.

“This is not just a personal recognition,” Plumley said. “It reflects the amazing support and dedication of the staff I work alongside every day.”

Parent Kelly Podzimek said Plumley made a lasting impact on all three of her children. Her daughter Maddie said Plumley helped ease the anxiety of transferring schools during the pandemic and encouraged her love of reading. 

Podzimek’s son, Troy, a fourth-grade student, said he still asks to return to Plumley’s class because of how much he enjoyed learning with her. Her youngest, Zoey, a current student of Plumley’s, said she appreciates Plumley’s humor and encouragement, especially when helping her improve her writing.

Former student Ashton Fernandez said Plumley always made learning fun and made her students feel excited to come to school.

“Mrs. Plumley taught me not only how to be a good student, but what it meant to be a good person with good character,” he said.

Ramona Middle School physical education teacher Peri Berkler said her own supportive teachers and coaches inspired her to pursue education.

“Those people believed in me before I believed in myself,” Berkler said.

After 36 years in education, Berkler said she hopes students learn not to let fear stop them from trying new things or pursuing goals that once felt out of reach.

Educators from alternative and private school settings also were recognized during the ceremony.

Anthony Orji, an education specialist at Glenn Rockey Camp School Camp, supports students across a wide range of subjects while helping meet their academic and behavioral needs.

Orji said this award represents more than his efforts, but also the resilience and growth of his students.

Orji said he was inspired to become an educator to make a meaningful difference by supporting students through challenges, setting goals and helping rebuild their confidence through consistency and encouragement.

“I believe every student deserves someone who sees their potential, even when they may not see it themselves,” Orji said.

At Damien High School, teacher Charity Maricic said she knows what it is like to struggle alone and said her own experiences help her relate to students who may be struggling.

Maricic is the head coach for the robotics team and assistant coach of the Mountain Biking team. She feels being a part of activities with her students helps her have a stronger relationship with them to better help them in the classroom.

“They have to trust you, and they need to feel a connection to truly thrive,” she said. “I hope that my students remember what it felt like when they struggled with a concept and then finally got it.”

Former student Chris Kim, who is currently attending the University of California, Los Angeles, said Maricic helped shape both his interest in engineering and his confidence in himself. He said he will use the skills Maricic taught him for his future career in mechanical engineering. 

“She helped me believe I was capable of learning, growing, and becoming more than I thought I would,” Kim said. “A lot of the work she did was the kind of work people may not always see. It was late nights, the competitions, the planning, the problem-solving, the encouragement and the constant effort.”

Ken Bringas of Life Pacific University said he hopes students know they have resources and support when they face challenges in life.

“Teachers have the unique role of helping students process information in a way that promotes wisdom for living well,” Bringas said.

Winning the award, he said it felt like an affirmation of teaching being his calling. Bringas offers sessions to his students outside of class to help aid in their studies.

Watch the 2026 Awards Ceremony

Video produced and edited by KWST-TV.

2026 Teacher of the Year Award Winners

Bonita Unified School District

Jeannine Alvarez, Allen Avenue Elementary School
Kelly Solis, Fred Ekstrand Elementary School
Suzanne “Suzie” Goddard, Gladstone Elementary School
Karen Ruelas, Shull Elementary School
Veronica Amaral, Grace Miller Elementary School
Karla Iniguez, La Verne Heights Elementary School
Eilean Plumley, Oak Mesa Elementary School
Christina Thompson, Roynon Elementary School
Meghan Ondatje, Lone Hill Middle School
Peri Berkler, Ramona Middle School
Takashi Matsumoto, Chaparral High School
Jaime Chavez, San Dimas High School
Mandy Mendoza, Bonita High School

Private and Specialized Education Programs

Charity Maricic, Damien High School
Ken Bringas, Life Pacific University
Danielle Gulack, Canyon View School
Anthony Orji, Glenn Rockey Camp School
Philip Anih, Afflerbaugh-Paige Camp School
Sheela Dinesh, Calvary Baptist School
Mary Branca, Holy Name of Mary
Cynthia Bowers, Joan Macy School
Margery Bloom, Leroy Haynes Educational Center/Bliss Academy