News Summary
The Coronado community recently held a ceremony to honor dedicated educators through classroom dedications, underscoring the significant influence of teachers. Dr. Helen Anderson-Cruz dedicated a classroom to her daughter, first-grade teacher Devon Roberts, recognizing her 20 years of service. The event included tributes from local figures and showcased gratitude from students. Additionally, the Coronado Schools Foundation continues to support educational initiatives, with upcoming recognitions for the Teachers of the Year. Local restaurants are also joining in to appreciate teachers and nurses through special promotions.
Coronado – The community of Coronado recently gathered to honor the legacy of educators with heartfelt classroom dedications, highlighting the impact of devoted teachers. On September 17, 2025, Dr. Helen Anderson-Cruz dedicated a classroom at Village Elementary to her daughter, first-grade teacher Devon Roberts, marking a significant milestone in the celebration of education in the community.
The dedication ceremony was a tribute not only to Roberts’s two decades of teaching but also recognized the lineage of women in education, including her mother. More than 30 community members attended the emotional event, which featured local city council members and school board representatives. A special video tribute showcased warm wishes from friends, family, and the Coronado Schools Foundation, further commemorating the occasion.
Among the attendees was fifth-grade student Maizie Hart, who praised Mrs. Roberts, expressing that she was “the best teacher ever.” Community members collectively voiced their gratitude for Mrs. Roberts’s significant impact on countless students throughout her career.
This classroom dedication event is part of the Coronado Schools Foundation (CSF) initiative known as Naming Rights Opportunities, which allows community members to honor educators through contributions that support educational programs. CSF President Ashley DeGree emphasized the importance of this initiative in ensuring sustainable funding for the Coronado Unified School District (CUSD) and enhancing educational experiences for local students.
Another tribute occurred during the recent CSF Gala, where longtime educator Linda Litrenta was surprised with a classroom dedication by her daughter, Katie Hart. Litrenta, who spent over 30 years in education primarily at Silver Strand Elementary and returned as an ACE teacher after retirement, received a standing ovation from the community for her dedication and influence.
The classroom naming program initiated by the CSF is designed to raise funds for CUSD while allowing individuals to honor specific educators. Donations made through this program contribute to various district programs, creating a lasting legacy for educators within the community.
In addition to the classroom dedications, the community is set to recognize the four Teachers of the Year from CUSD on May 18 during a school board meeting. These individuals, selected by their peers for excellence in teaching, have made significant contributions to their students and colleagues. Laura Hill has been named CUSD Teacher of the Year for her 27 years of service in the district, particularly for her passion for art and fostering creativity among her students.
The other awardees include Kelly Sailers, Robyn Fullmer, and Allyson Silva, all of whom have been praised for their unwavering dedication and positive impact on the educational experience. The public, along with friends and family, is invited to join the recognition celebration for these outstanding educators at the CUSD District Office.
In celebration of National Nurses Week and Teacher Appreciation Week, Applebee’s in San Diego County has announced it will offer free appetizers to nurses and teachers until May 10, recognizing their invaluable contributions to society.
The classroom dedications and awards highlight the profound impact that educators have on the community and the importance of supporting educational excellence within Coronado.
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Additional Resources
- Coronado News: Legacy of Learning
- Wikipedia: Education
- KSAL: Teachers of the Year Recognized
- Google Search: Teachers Dedication Ceremony
- Coronado Times: 2023 Teachers of the Year
- Google Scholar: Education Awards
- Patch: Applebee’s Thanking Nurses and Teachers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Teacher
- Coronado News: CSF Partners with CUSD
- Google News: Community Honoring Teachers
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
