Program

Welcome

Cecile Torrente
President, Kiwanis Club of Lomita-Harbor City

Flag Salute

Cindy Segawa
Mayor, City of Lomita

Invocation

Chester Ross
Chaplin Central Baptist Church

Master of Ceremonies

Mark Waronek
Councilmember, City of Lomita

DINNER

Congratulatory Message

Tanya Ortiz Franklin
LAUSD Board Member – District 7

Award Presentations

Members, Kiwanis Club of Lomita-Harbor City

Raffle

Members, Kiwanis Club of Lomita-Harbor City

2026 Honorees

Kurt Stenzel

School
Lomita STEAM Magnet Elementary School

Nominated by Principal
Marisa Harrod

Kurt A. Stenzel is a veteran educator with 35 years of service in elementary and secondary education, including more than two decades at Lomita STEAM Magnet School in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Currently a fifth-grade teacher, Mr. Stenzel is widely recognized for his deep commitment to science education, hands-on learning, and inspiring curiosity in young students.

Throughout his career, he has been a champion for meaningful, inquiry-based instruction. At Lomita, he has served as Science Lead Teacher every year, developed a student water filtration project, organized Science, Astronomy, and Engineering Nights, established science clubs and enrichment programs, and promoted honeybee and pollinator awareness. His work has helped make science engaging, relevant, and memorable for countless students. Mr. Stenzel’s leadership has extended well beyond his own classroom. He has contributed to district and state science initiatives as a member of curriculum development teams, textbook adoption committees, assessment review panels, and engineering instruction design teams. He has also provided professional development for K–5 teachers, co-authored instructional units, and presented at major conferences, including the National Science Teaching Association conference in Los Angeles.

In every role, Mr. Stenzel has combined scholarship, creativity, and generosity in service of students and fellow educators. His career reflects a sustained dedication to excellence, innovation, and the belief that every child deserves rich opportunities to explore, question, and discover. It is with great pride that we recognize Kurt A. Stenzel as a Golden Apple honoree.”

Maritza Ramos

School
Eshelman Avenue Elementary School

Nominated by Principal
Kelly Gomez

Mrs. Maritza, our exceptional SAA, is the well-deserved recipient of this year’s Golden Apple Award. We are honored to recognize her for her unwavering dedication and direct service to our community and to Eshelman Ave. Elementary. Each day, she goes far beyond the call of duty, demonstrating remarkable care, professionalism, and heart in everything she does.

What truly sets Mrs. Maritza apart is her ability to build meaningful connections with everyone she serves. She takes the time for every single child who walks into the office, offering patience, kindness, and genuine attention. Whether a student needs assistance, reassurance, or simply a warm smile, Mrs. Maritza ensures they feel safe, valued, and heard. Her presence transforms the front office into a welcoming space where students know they are cared for.

Mrs. Maritza’s support extends just as strongly to teachers and families. She is a compassionate resource, always ready to listen, problem-solve, and provide assistance with a positive attitude. Families are greeted with warmth and respect, and staff members know they can count on her for both practical help and encouragement. Her ability to communicate effectively and thoughtfully strengthens the sense of community across our entire school.

In addition to her welcoming nature, Mrs. Maritza plays a vital role in keeping our school running smoothly. She is constantly working behind the scenes to ensure that all needs are met—big or small. From managing daily operations to stepping in wherever support is needed, she approaches every task with dedication and efficiency. Her attention to detail and proactive mindset make a lasting impact on the success of our school.

Above all, Mrs. Maritza embodies what it means to serve with heart. She takes care of the entire school community, always putting others first and ensuring that everyone feels supported. Her commitment, compassion, and tireless efforts make Eshelman Ave. Elementary a better place for students, staff, and families alike.

We are incredibly grateful for Mrs. Maritza and proud to celebrate her as this year’s Golden Apple Award winner. Her work does not go unnoticed, and this recognition is a reflection of the profound difference she makes in the lives of so many every single day.

Richard McCullagh

School
St. Margaret Mary Catholic School

Nominated by Principal
Leanne Raad

Mr. McCullagh is a true blessing to the SMMAS community. As a third-grade teacher, he is motivating, encouraging, creative, and fun. He wants the best for all of his students and goes out of his way to make each day exciting for his class. His classroom is always buzzing with activity; from math games to reading centers, art projects to class discussions, Mr. McCullagh finds a way to make learning come to life for all his learners. He is a team player, always willing to work with his colleagues to make SMMAS a great place to be. He jumps into action whenever there is a call for help – from helping with crosswalk duty, to chasing critters out of classrooms, to fixing desks, and setting up technology. Mr. McCullagh always participates in school activities and brings his energy and enthusiasm to all that he does. We are so grateful for the kind way he treats everyone in our building and the dedication he shows his students every day.

Mitsuko Suminaga

School
President Avenue Elementary School

Nominated by Principal
Charity Weber

Mrs. Mitsuko “Hailey” Suminaga is proudly recognized this year by her peers with the Harbor City–Lomita Kiwanis Annual Golden Apple Award, honoring her unwavering dedication to her students and her profession. With 30 years of experience in education, she brings a remarkable depth of knowledge, passion, and expertise to her classroom each and every day.

Mrs. Suminaga sets high expectations and fosters a rigorous learning environment while ensuring that every student feels supported, valued, and capable of success. Those who know her best appreciate her kind and gentle spirit, which shines through in all that she does. Through her genuine care and love for her students, she creates a warm and welcoming classroom where children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Suminaga is deeply committed to engaging families and building meaningful partnerships that enrich student learning and strengthen the school community. She truly exemplifies what it means to be an exceptional educator, and her impact will be felt for generations to come.

Victoria Overbey

School
Alexander Fleming Middle School

Nominated by Principal
Didiana Ramirez

Victoria Overbey is a dedicated educator and instructional leader with 32 years of experience, including 12 years in Northern California and 20 years with the LAUSD. Throughout her career, she has served as an English teacher and English coach, supporting school communities at Narbonne HS, Banning HS, and currently Fleming Middle School.

A proud South Bay native, Ms. Overbey’s journey into education is both inspiring and deeply personal. As a student, she faced significant academic challenges and struggled during her senior year of high school, ultimately failing most of her classes. Determined to rewrite her story, she enrolled at Los Angeles Harbor College, where she rediscovered her potential and commitment to learning. She later earned her Bachelor’s degree from UC Davis and a Master’s Degree from CSU Sacramento—achievements that reflect her resilience and belief in the power of perseverance.

Today, Ms. Overbey serves as an Instructional Coach at Fleming Middle School, where she supports our school-wide literacy initiative. She is a strong teacher, coach, and instructional leader who believes in the power of effective systems to strengthen teaching practices and improve student outcomes. Over the past four years, her work has had a profound impact at Fleming MS. She has supported teachers through strategic planning, fostered meaningful collaboration, and guided the development of lessons that promote student growth in reading and writing.

Ms. Overbey’s greatest joy as an educator comes from witnessing both students and teachers recognize their own potential, celebrate their growth, and take ownership of their success. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and her belief in the transformative power of education make her a truly deserving recipient of the Golden Apple Award.

Christine Perea

School
Dr. Richard A. Vladovic Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy

Nominated by Principal
Desiree Douglas-Montoya

It is my great pleasure to nominate Ms. Christine Perera as our Monarch Golden Apple recipient. Serving as our School Climate Advocate since 2019, “Ms. P” has been the heart of our school climate, creating a warm, welcoming environment where every student feels seen, valued, and connected.

She knows each student by name, and often their families as well, building authentic relationships that foster a strong sense of belonging. Every morning, she greets students at the gate with a smile, uplifting music, and joyful energy, setting a positive tone for the entire day.

Ms. P’s dedication extends far beyond the school day. She regularly stays after school and returns on weekends to support students with projects, campus events, and whatever is needed to ensure their success. Students, staff, and families trust her, rely on her, and know they can count on her unwavering support.

Ms. P truly represents the best of what it means to be a Monarch. Through her care, commitment, and heart, she helps create the positive, inclusive culture that defines our Monarch Family.

Dave Bunnell

School
Humanities and Arts Academy of Los Angeles

Nominated by Principal
Raymond Vasquez

Tell us why the nominee is so great.: If I had to describe Dave Bunnell in a few words, I would say: English teacher, artist, photographer, in-house legal advisor, and co-founding father of our school. But even that list feels incomplete, because Dave’s impact reaches far beyond titles—it lives in the culture, the creativity, and the very foundation of HARTS Academy.

For the past 13 years, Mr. Bunnell has been an integral part of our story. As a co-founder, he helped bring HARTS Academy to life, contributing to the original proposal and helping shape the Educational Vision that continues to guide us today.

In the classroom, Mr. Bunnell brings learning to life in ways that are both artistic and deeply meaningful. Whether through film, photography, yearbook, digital imaging, or English, he creates authentic, real-world experiences that engage students and give them a voice.

Beyond the classroom, Mr. Bunnell has worn many hats with grace and dedication. Mr. Bunnell has helped us navigate complex district and union matters, offering clarity and wisdom in interpreting agreements like the MOU. His guidance has been instrumental in preserving our autonomy as a pilot school and ensuring we continue to thrive.

Mr. Bunnell’s leadership has also been felt through his work on the Instructional Leadership Team and the Governing School Site Council. In every space, he brings thoughtfulness, integrity, and a deep commitment to doing what is best for students and staff.

And perhaps what stands out most is Mr. Bunnell’s unwavering presence in our community. Whether at a sporting event, a performance, or a school activity, he shows up. He supports. He connects. His rapport with students and colleagues is genuine and lasting, and it has helped shape the inclusive, supportive environment we are so proud of at HARTS.

It is with great pride and gratitude that we honor Mr. Bunnell with the Golden Apple Award.

Congratulations, Dave Bunnell.

Cheryl Johnston

School
Narbonne High School

Nominated by Principal
Andrew Kasek

Ms. Johnston is one of Narbonne’s finest teachers, as she is constantly challenging her students and building an exciting and inclusive classroom environment.

In addition, Ms. Johnston is the head of our School of Advanced Studies Program (SAS) and teaches a plethora of our Advanced Placement Classes in Social Science. Her Advanced Placement scores are constantly showing growth and are some of the higher scores in Region South.

Finally, I am very proud to mention that Ms. Johnston is our WASC Chair and she just led us through an outstanding WASC Accreditation Visit that we believe was one of our finest visits.

John Corbally

School
Los Angeles Harbor College

Nominated by President
Dr. Luis Dorado

Right after graduate school, John spent nearly 13 years as a “freeway flyer,” teaching part-time at multiple colleges across the Los Angeles area, often juggling several campuses in a single semester. With full-time English positions scarce in the late 1970s and early 1980s, he eventually shifted careers in the mid-1980s after marrying and buying a home, moving into mainframe computing. Starting in an entry-level role, he quickly advanced to Systems Analyst due to his ability to understand technical manuals and teach computer operators, working for companies such as Hughes Helicopters.

Despite this career change, he continued teaching part-time because of his strong connection to Harbor College, where he enjoyed the diverse and engaging student body and supportive colleagues. He was given the opportunity to teach World Literature courses—initially controversial because he was a part-timer—and developed his own curriculum by combining existing materials with international perspectives gathered from fellow faculty. His innovative approach proved successful and continues to influence his teaching today.

John eventually secured a full-time position at L.A. Harbor College in the mid-1980s and has been teaching at Harbor for over 45 years. Over that time, he has taught English to generations of students, sometimes from the same family! He is a beloved part of the Harbor community. We wish him all the best in his coming retirement knowing he will be back with us as an adjunct after the waiting period.

Congratulations John on your Golden Apple Award—well deserved!