Not only is Mrs. Regus the first recipient of this award, but she was the impetus for its establishment.  Mrs. Regus has worked with branch members and volunteers this year as part of the branch’s SOAR (Students Overjoyed About Reading) program through which reading help has been provided to Todd students.  She has provided volunteers with training sessions and weekly lesson plans, as well as testing and inviting students to participate in the program and communicating with teachers and the students’ parents.  All of this is in addition to her job as a fourth grade teacher.

“We believe Mrs. Regus’ many efforts to support both the volunteers and the students in our SOAR tutoring program meet the criteria of going ‘above and beyond expectations’ and are worthy of this recognition,” said Laurie Gwyn, chairman of the Corona-Norco Branch.  “Most importantly, we believe she provides a great benefit to the students with whom she works.”

Todd Elementary Principal Kris Effinger said, “Heather is one of the most exemplary educators I have had the honor to work with. Her deep commitment to the success of students is deeply rooted in who she is as a person.  She is dedicated to changing the futures of our children by unlocking the doors of reading acquisition.”

Mrs. Regus has a masters degree in education, reading and language arts from California State University, San Bernardino and graduated summa cum laude from the University of California, Los Angeles.  She has more than 17 years of experience as a classroom and homeschool teacher.

Information about the branch may be obtained by emailing c-nbranch@alriverside.org.  Information about the Wine & Roses fundraising dinner may be obtained by emailing wineandroses@alriverside.org.