SANTEE---A West Hills High
School government teacher and a Grossmont High School physics teacher have been
honored with the “Crystal Apple Award” from the seminary students of the Santee
Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Randy Cambou, who has been
teaching AP Government at West Hills for 10 years and Tom Eklund, who has been
teaching Physics at Grossmont for over 30 years were chosen by LDS students in
Santee, Lakeside and La Mesa that attend “seminary,” (bible study) at 6:00 a.m.
every day prior to their high school classes.
Nominated are teachers that
exemplify dedication to quality teaching and whom uphold and encourage
students' moral values and high ethical standards. Mr. Cambou and Mr. Eklund
were both honored Sunday, June 22 at seminary graduation.
“I feel very honored and happy that a
student would recommend me as their favorite and inspirational teacher,” said
Mr. Eklund. Emilie Larson, a student in
Mr. Eklund’s class, noted on her nomination sheet how he makes learning fun, creative
and pays attention to each student individually. She enjoys how he not only
teaches physics, but life lessons and good morals.
Mr. Cambou said, “It is very special that a student felt a positive
impact from the work we did in the classroom. It is quite an honor and
something I will always treasure.” Cameron Collins, a senior in Mr. Cambou’s
class wrote on his nomination sheet, “Mr. Cambou also encourages us to work
hard to achieve our goals, expand our knowledge by atteding college and
bettering our nation and be better citizens by voting.”
Santee Stake President
Randall Schimpf presented a clear apple-shaped trophy and certificate to each
of them on behalf of the seminary students.
Other
teachers nominated by students
included Ardy Riego, Tom Vanderhyde, Tom Burke, and Todd Peterson from West
Hills High School. Rebecca Short, Martin
Johnson, and Tim Barry from Santana High School. Brent Knight from Grossmont
High School. Lindsay Gampel-Qualin, Jay Tweet, Bryan Palmer, Danny Craig,
Stephanie Grabiel, Andie Cooke and Kelly Fillius from El Capitan High School.
By: Troy Hartpence
