We Honor Ours (WHO) Award recipients are the backbone of local union successes

SAN DIEGO — Each year since 1966, WHO Awards have been presented to those members of California Teachers Association (CTA) chapters throughout the state who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of the teaching profession through their local leadership and effective representation on the Service Center Council and CTA State Council of Education.

At the Catamaran Hotel celebration, keynote speaker and CTA President E. Toby Boyd reminded fellow educators of the importance of honoring these exceptional leaders. “This year’s recipients have exhibited a continuing willingness to devote endless hours of effort, thought and dedication to the improvement of the welfare of teachers. In the opinion of our WHO Awards judges, these educators have evidenced such devotion to their assigned and elected duties, and are outstanding examples of committed leadership and deserving of this recognition.”

The golden owls are symbols of respect from peers for jobs well done, and more. The recognition process and ceremony, created here in San Diego County, has spread statewide, with the unique owls consistently presented. Furthermore, a Service Center Council may choose to select a candidate for recognition statewide as a CTA honoree.

CTA is proud to acknowledge each recipient for their service to their local chapter, regional service center and state union in enhancing educational opportunities for every student in California.  

STATE WINNERS:

• 2022 – James Messina, Grossmont Education Association
• 2021 – Cathy Sprecco, Lakeside Teachers Association

LOCAL WINNERS:

• 2022 – Mickey Sullivan, San Diego Education Association
• 2022 – Lisa Morris, San Diego Education Association 
• 2022 – Donna McCain, Cajon Valley Education Association  
• 2022 – Laurie Kania, Vista Teachers Association   
• 2022 – Rickeena Kamei, San Diego Education Association 
• 2022 – Meghann Hughes, San Diego Education Association 
• 2022 – Blair Holloway, Cajon Valley Education Association 
• 2022 – Kimberly Edmonds, Sweetwater Education Association 
• 2021 – Laurie Wood, Lemon Grove Teachers Association 
• 2021 – Sharon Sullinger, Lakeside Teachers Association
• 2021 – Ellen Spitzer, Lemon Grove Teachers Association
• 2021 – Paula Smith, Cajon Valley Education Association
• 2021 – Dalisay Quitilen, Sweetwater Education Association
• 2021 – Cori McDonald, Ramona Teachers Association  
• 2021 – Veronica Johnson, Lemon Grove Teachers Association
• 2021 – Pierre-Lynne Finney, Lemon Grove Teachers Association
• 2021 – Erin Dayus, Vista Teachers Association
• 2021 – Rachel Conroy, Cajon Valley Education Association
• 2021 – Susan Bruner, Lemon Grove Teachers Association
• 2021 – Nicole Brown, Ramona Teachers Association
• 2020 – Lucy Ugarte, Sweetwater Education Association

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