At its seventh annual Language Leaner Celebration, the Orange County Department of Education awarded Garden Grove Unified School District with the 2019 Advocacy Leadership award for the district’s successful parent and civic engagement program. 

The award was presented to Board of Education Vice President Teri Rocco; Superintendent Gabriela Mafi; Executive Director of K-12 Educational Services Lorena Sanchez; Acting Coordinator of Parent and Community Outreach Teresa Jackson; and the district’s Parent and Community Outreach Department team members on May 2 at the Marconi Automotive Museum in Irvine. 

The special event also honored dozens of outstanding educators across Orange County, including Eisenhower Elementary Teacher Brandy Peters and Bolsa Grande High School Teacher Erich Phinizy for the outstanding educational experience they provide for English learners and emerging bilingual students.