The Valley Economic Alliance will recognize San Fernando Valley schools, students and staff for their national achievements in education at the organization’s board of governors meeting on Tuesday. The annual program includes four awards. The Steve Allen Excellence in Education award, named after the late Valley-based television personality Steve Allen, honors nationally recognized achievements in the field of education. This year’s recipients include Granada Hills Charter High School, for winning the U.S. Academic Decathalon; Oakwood School, for producing the Academy Award-winning short film “Period. End of Sentence.”; and all winners of the National Merit Scholarship Program. The “Champion of Education” Award recognizes an individual who has dedicated his or her life to improving education. This year’s recipient is Linda Del Cueto, Local District Northeast Superintendent for Los Angeles Unified School District. The “Innovation in Education” Award recognizes educators for their creative use of the arts in the classroom. This year’s recipients are California State University – Northridge’s SIMPACT Immersive Learning Program and Steven Baxter, Local District Northeast, Los Angeles Unified School District. The program will also issue “Business and Education Partnership” awards. Winners have yet to be announced. The ceremony will take place Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at California State University – Northridge in the College of Extended Learning. Awards will be presented by Bill Allen, Steve Allen’s son and executive board member of the Valley Economic Alliance.
