November 10, 2006

Gunderson student receives ‘Excellence in Education’ Award

The San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce honored its 2006 Excellence in Education and Community Leadership honorees at the Legends and Leaders held WHEN last week at the Fairmont Hotel with featured guest speaker Bob Newhart.

Julian Pizano receives the ‘Excellence in Education’ award. He is shown here with Pat Dando (left), president and CEO of the San Jose Chamber of Commerce and Nanci Williams, board chair.

This year’s Outstanding Student recipient is Julian Pizano, a junior at Gunderson High School. Pizano was chosen by his peers to be the San José Leadership Academy Student of the Year.

“Students cited Julian’s discussion skills, enthusiasm and inclusiveness as reasons for his selection,” said Rick Holden, executive director of the Academy and the San Jose Leadership Council, the governing body of Community Leadership San Jose.

“Pizano earned the award because of his diligence in attending all of the workshops, his willingness to be inclusive of all other students, his natural charm and charismatic leadership abilities,” said Karen Fuqua, San Jose Unified School District spokesperson.

This year’s guest speaker was Bob Newhart, who has entertained audiences since the 1950’s with his comedic genius and cerebral wit.

Each recipient for the 2006 Excellence in Education Awards will receive a cash grant:

Outstanding teacher - Sherry Kruse, Moreland Middle School (Moreland School District)

Bob Newhart was a guest speaker at the award ceremony.

Outstanding principal - Linda Herschbach, Anne Darling Elementary School (San Jose Unified School District)
2006 Corporate Involve-ment Award - Bank of America will receive the Corporate Involvement Award for its ongoing support for education and philanthropic activities that benefit local communities.

2006 Community Leadership Alumni Award  - Brian Adams, vice president for Client Services with Orloff/Williams & Company, will receive the 2006 Community Leadership Alumni Award” for his years of volunteer service and leadership roles in several nonprofit and community organizations. 

2006 Community Leadership Excellence Award - The Sharks Foundation will receive the “2006 Community Leadership Excellence Award” for its continued support of local education and its highly successful grant program that has awarded more than over $3.4 million to nonprofit groups throughout the South Bay.