VAN NUYS, Calif., April 20, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The annual Teacher Mini-Grant and Young Achievers event awarded three educational grants and four student U.S. Savings Bonds.
The program provides one $500 grant going to LaRue Fernandez, one $300 grant going to Mark Rickersten, and one $200 grant going to Janette Lopez. Four top-achieving students will each receive a $100 U.S. Savings Bond.
Los Angeles Unified School District middle school teachers (grades 6-8) were chosen to receive Teacher Mini-Grants to perform educational program ideas that include aviation and community service. Through the Young Achievers Program, Van Nuys Airport (VNY) recognizes and rewards exceptional area middle school students who excel in academics, athletics, the arts or community service.
Parents, teachers, and community organizations gathered to honor the high-achieving middle-school students and innovative teachers in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles.
Teachers and school administrators recommended 30 students for recognition.
VNY, the Rotary Club of Van Nuys and Councilmember Tony Cardenas are sponsors of the Teacher Mini-Grant Program.
"Congratulations to the students and teachers recognized today," said Van Nuys Airport Manager Jess Romo. "It is spirit, drive and dedication like theirs that make our schools better."
Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders worldwide, who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.
VNY is one of three airports (including Los Angeles International) owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles. For more information on all of the airport's education programs, visit www.lawa.aero/vny and click on the "Educational Programs" link under "Information" in the left side drop-down list.
The Van Nuys Los Angeles World Airports logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=7357