Twyla J. Thomas, Quartz Hill High School
Twyla Thomas at podium accepting award from Board of Trustees
President
Wilda Andrejcick at the May 2002 Ceremony
Twyla Thomas has been with the Antelope Valley Union High School District for over 30 years. During that time she has been a PE Teacher, Varsity Coach, Health Instructor, mentor teacher, Department Chair for the Behavioral Sciences Department, Professional Development Workshops Presenter, and has served on numerous academic and professional committees, including participation in the district’s Employee Recognition Committee. Twyla has a long standing record of excellence in teaching and dedication to her students and to the district. For this excellence, she was awarded the District’s Distinguished Service Award in 1988. Since 1971, Twyla has played a fundamental role in the formation of many district programs. Volunteering her after school time, she has gone to lengths to explore and create new avenues to help students learn and grow. For this ongoing dedication to education and contributions, the Teacher of the Year Committee honored Twyla Thomas as the Antelope Valley Union High School District’s 2002 Teacher of the Year.
Site Teachers of the Year, 2002
The following individuals were nominated by staff, supervisors or community
for outstanding contributions to the district, students or profession. Regardless
of outcome, it is an honor to be nominated. Out of all nominations received,
site's committee of peers had the difficult task of selecting each to represent
their high school site as Site Teachers of the Year for 2002. From this distinguished
group of educators, one is selected to represent the entire district as the
2002 Teacher of the Year:
Palmdale High School – Patricia Gilstrap
Highland High School- Mike Young
Antelope Valley High School - Elsa Steidl
Lancaster High School- Dave Rands
Littlerock High School- Lee Syer
Quartz Hill High School –Twyla Thomas
Desert Winds High School - Cassandra Dumas
2001 Teacher of the Year:
Darwin Ochs, Antelope Valley High School
May 2001 Ceremony: Darwin Ochs
“Mr. Darwin Ochs is a caring and highly competent teacher who has opened the doors of scientific discovery to students of all back grounds. He is highly regarded by his peers and has been an instructional leader on his campus for many years.
Thousands of students have had their first taste of rigorous scientific training in Darwin’s classroom. Many of these have gone on to successful and prestigious careers in the many fields that science touches. Darwin was one of the first teachers in the district to fully utilize computer technology in the science classroom. Much of the equipment was purchased with funds that he obtained though his own initiative.
He has a broad view of the educational process and his contributions have improved the site and it’s instructional programs. Mr. Ochs is most deserving of carrying the title of “Teacher of the Year”.
Excerpt from nomination form.
Teacher of the Year Award Information and Nomination Form.
