Redlands teachers honored for excellence at annual celebration

Standing tall in front of the crowd of about 150 people, Amy Pfister’s poise and speech defied her age. The seventh-grade student was one of six people who spoke at the Teacher of Excellence night, April 17, honoring five teachers throughout Redlands Unified School District. The local congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has hosted the event for over a decade.

• Halee Hoch – Crafton Elementary School
• Brian Hollett – Redlands East Valley High School
• Peter Wicks – Mariposa Elementary School
• Carmen Berumen – Moore Middle School
• Brianna Gheorghe – Smiley Elementary School

Carolyn Williams, a former educator, introduced Hoch, calling her classroom a “well-oiled machine” after she had substituted a few times. “This teacher walks on water,” she said. Hoch’s kindergarten teacher moved to second grade and then third grade, so Hoch and her classmates benefited from the same teacher for multiple years, leading Hoch to follow in her footsteps.

“I love to see lightbulbs go off,” said Hoch of her career. “I’m living the dream. I can’t believe this is my life,” she said, referring to getting to go to work every day and work with students.

Seventh-grader Amy Pfister highlighted Carmen Berumen, her previous social studies teacher. Berumen’s undergraduate degree is in architecture, followed by her master’s in education. “Berumen’s name before she married was … Berumen,” said Pfister. “After she was married, it was… Berumen. She wanted to honor her father and kept her name.” Pfister ended her accolades with a keen observation: “In architecture, you design the shape of a building. In teaching, you shape the lives of students.”

Evelyn Ingram, a former student of Gheorghe’s, spoke of her devotion to her students and to learning, although learning did not come easily for her. Gheorghe earned her undergraduate degree at the U of R, then went back to earn two more degrees, including her teaching credential. She places an emphasis on holistic learning. Colleague Kristin Boyce said of Gheorghe, “She is the kind of teacher every student hopes to have. Everyone in her classroom feels safe, valued, seen and heard.”

Three of Amy Strong’s four children have been part of Brian Hollett’s band and orchestra program, she said as she introduced the band and orchestra teacher. Hollett has had the opportunity to perform all over the world. As part of the Marine Corps as a full-time bandsman, he played in ceremonies, parades, and concerts all over the United States and beyond. As a freelance musician, he has performed in concerts and recording projects. He is also currently a professor of horn at CSUSB.

“He often explains things first in a way that describes life, then he relates it to his class and what he is teaching. For example, he taught my class to not rush or drag our music through an analogy of a bus—that when we rush or drag, we are trying to take the wheel from the driver and everything gets chaotic,” said current student Jessica Rubow.

Dallin Fischer and Jake Larson went back and forth, weaving memories and stories about Peter Wicks, their fifth-grade teacher. Rumor had it, Wicks would choose students who were good at “capture the ball,” so both boys made that their goal. After high school, Wicks enrolled in a program helping underprivileged students, and from there, got his BA in psychology and then his teaching credential. “There was never a dull moment in his class,” said Larson.

“This is one of my favorite events because it honors teachers,” said Juan Cabral, RUSD superintendent. “The number one reason kids are successful is because of the teachers.”

Mayor Mario Saucedo and representatives from Supervisor Dawn Rowe’s office and Pete Aguilar’s office were in attendance, as well as school board and Redlands Educational Partnership members.

President Henk Fischer, local leader of the Redlands Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, wrapped up the evening with his comments. “Awe is a force. It moves people. Good teachers are in the business of awe.”