Most of us have had teachers who have made big differences in our lives. I know I have had several whom I credit for helping me learn the basics, such as reading, spelling and arithmetic, and others who helped me understand the importance of more complicated subjects like government, history, psychology, marketing, conflict resolution and writing English compositions. I thank those educators for dedicating their lives to helping mold minds belonging to us who needed, and still need, their guidance. I include our editor Cory Bilicko in that group of teachers. As a former educator, Cory tries desperately to teach me proper grammar, sentence structure and punctuation. Sometimes I am sure he thinks I am a lost cause.
I am writing on the topic of teachers because I recently received a press release from Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell’s office pertaining to nominations for his upcoming Inaugural Teacher Recognition Ceremony. Below is that press release. Please read it carefully and do nominate a local teacher who meant or means something special to you, your child or grandchild.
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Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell (D-Long Beach) is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying outstanding local teachers for his Teacher Recognition Reception, which is being co-hosted by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson on Thursday, June 11. Nominations for extraordinary teachers within the 70th Assembly District will be accepted until May 29th through email, fax or mail via the Assemblymember’s website.
 “Having taught in the classroom for over 20 years, I know firsthand the hard work and dedication that goes into educating our students,” said Assemblymember O’Donnell. “As chair of the Assembly Education Committee, it is my pleasure to have this opportunity to celebrate teachers who have gone above and beyond to serve their community.”
 Prior to the event, Assemblymember O’Donnell will host a roundtable with State Superintendent Torlakson along with local education and parent groups to discuss relevant education issues.
 The reception will take place at the Expo Arts Center located at 4321 Atlantic Avenue in Long Beach. The event is open to the public and RSVPs can be submitted through the website or by calling Assemblymember O’Donnell’s district office. Nomination submissions can be directed to:
Office of Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell
c/o Allison Gallagher
110 Pine Ave, Suite 804,
Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone: 562-495-2915, Fax: 562-495-2983
Allison.Gallagher@asm.ca.gov
asm.ca.gov/odonnell
