FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Doug Schultz
Communications Supervisor
626-852-6497
dschultz@citruscollege.edu
Citrus College Trustee Joanne Montgomery Honored by Monrovia Duarte Black Alumni Association
Monrovia, Calif. (Nov. 26, 2018) – Joanne Montgomery, vice president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees, was awarded the Outstanding Educator Award at the 26th annual Monrovia Duarte Black Alumni Association (MDBAA) Gala held at the Doubletree Hotel in Monrovia on November 3.
For the past two and a half decades, MDBAA has provided peer support and scholarships to students from Monrovia and Duarte high schools. MDBAA names scholarship and award winners during each year's gala. The theme of this year's event was "Celebrating Educators."
According to MDBAA President Larry Spicer, organization members conducted interviews within the Monrovia and Duarte communities to identify the educators who had the greatest impact on their students' lives. The top 12 chosen would be presented with the Outstanding Educator Award. Not only was Mrs. Montgomery among the top 12, she also was the individual who garnered the most nominations.
"Educators such as Joanne Montgomery influenced thousands of people throughout Monrovia and Duarte," said Mr. Spicer. "Recognizing Mrs. Montgomery at our gala touched many of those in attendance. She instilled in her students not only a desire to learn, but the inspiration to become better and more empathetic people."
"On behalf of the entire Citrus College community, I commend Mrs. Montgomery on this noteworthy honor," said Dr. Geraldine M. Perri, superintendent/president of Citrus College. "As a trustee, her passion for education has never waned. She is a constant source of inspiration and offers invaluable wisdom from her long and distinguished career."
Dr. Patricia A. Rasmussen, president of the board of trustees, added: "I am privileged to serve alongside Joanne Montgomery. Her many contributions to education are profound. It is a testament to her legacy that she was selected among the greatest educators in the Monrovia and Duarte communities 20 years after her retirement."
Mrs. Montgomery taught in the Monrovia Unified School District and the Duarte Unified School District for 32 years. She instructed various grade levels, but enjoyed teaching fourth and fifth grades the most.
"I really cared about my students," said Mrs. Montgomery. "I saw each one as a success and enjoyed providing extra tutoring time or whatever else they needed to achieve their goals. I am truly honored to have received this award from some of my former students, so many years later."
###
