Teacher of the Year : Janelle Rotman
Emily is a 2023 Ann Sobrato High School graduate . She has been a dedicated leader at her school , serving in the Associated Student Body each of her four years . She just completed her second term as a representative on the Sobrato School Site Council — a group of teachers , students , parents , and interested community members who meet monthly and work together to develop and monitor the school ' s improvement plan . She served as a student representative on Sobrato High ’ s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports ( PBIS ) team , the Student Voices team , the LatinX Student Union , Bring Change to Mind Club , FFA , and Operation Smile .
Emily is curious , confident , and humble . Her hard work ethic has served her well and will continue to do so as she pursues higher education at Stanford University and a career in the medical field .( 1 )
Legacy Award : Cecelia Ponzini
Ann Sobrato High School Chemistry Teacher Janelle Rotman is known by her students for her innate ability to make science come to life . Her peers admire her love of collaboration and her passion for the job . In presenting the award , the Morgan Hill Chamber noted her work ethic is rooted in compassion and care for others .
Rotman supports every student to ensure they have access to the academic materials they need . In classroom , she prioritizes class culture and community . She will not hesitate to collaborate with other staff members to improve the student experience on campus . ( 1 )
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2023 Celebrate Morgan Hill
Student of the Year : Emily Celallos
ecelia Ponzini is up every day before the sun . After a quick “ hello ” to her many followers on social media , she gets to work planning , creating , and going about her day , helping families facing hardships in a multitude of ways .
Her Edward Boss Prado Foundation provides meals , backpacks , and clothing to school aged children . Free internet and tutoring are provided twice per week . The Foundation ' s Cecelia ’ s Closet and Food Pantry provides food and gently used clothing to families in need . In all , the organization runs more than 15 programs to serve the community with “ dignity not charity .” Cecelia is the driving force that propels her board and hundreds of volunteers who work “… with relentless passion to empower people in need with resources that foster dignity and respect .”
This year , the Foundation provided four full college scholarships to local high school seniors . By focusing on key partnerships and sponsorships , the Foundation stands in the gap for South County families to improve self-esteem , foster dignity , and respect . Since 2013 Cecelia and her foundation have served over 20,000 families .
Congratulations to all our award winners , and thank you for continuing to be an inspiration to us , and to so many others . Our lives , and our communities , are better because of the contributions you make . — gmhTODAY
( 1 ) Information provided by the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce
gmhtoday . com gmhTODAY Magazine : Go . Make history ... SUMMER 2023 27