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AAPASD Honors Twelve Educators with 2025 Education Excellence Awards at CCA and TPHS

San Diego, CA — [December 11, 2025] — The Asian American Parent Alliance of San Diego (AAPASD) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Education Excellence Award, now in its third consecutive year, honoring twelve outstanding educators from Canyon Crest Academy (CCA) and Torrey Pines High School (TPHS). Selected following heartfelt nominations from students and parents, these teachers exemplify exceptional dedication, instructional excellence, and meaningful impact in the classroom.

At Canyon Crest Academy, this year’s award recipients are: Kristin Sevilla (Chemistry), Bethany Parsons (Mathematics), Katelin Butcher (French), Elise LaMotte (Psychology), Kevin Leal (English), and Kaveh Shakeri (Chemistry). At Torrey Pines High School, the honorees are: Brianna Milholland (English), Colin Cornforth (History), Kristina DeVico (Mathematics), Angela Willden (Chemistry), Zakia Chowdhury (Mathematics), and Sato Umabe (Japanese).

AAPASD will host two small on-campus celebrations in partnership with the schools, with CCA’s ceremony on December 15, 2025, and TPHS’s ceremony in January 2026 (final date to be announced). Both events will take place during lunchtime on campus.

Each honored educator will receive an engraved crystal apple, along with a hosted celebratory lunch as a token of appreciation from AAPASD.

“So many of our teachers inspire and uplift students every day, far beyond the number we can formally recognize,” said Hong Wu, Chair of AAPASD. “Through this program, we hope to bring positive energy to our campuses by encouraging students to express gratitude. The program has also been strengthened by enthusiastic support from families through their volunteer efforts and contributions, which helps build a caring, connected school community.”

AAPASD is a nonprofit organization that advocates excellence in K-12 education and equal opportunities for students of all backgrounds. The group also encourages greater involvement from the Asian American community in California’s academic institutions.

For more information about AAPASD or to get involved, please contact the organization via email at info@aapasd.org or visit www.aapasd.org.

AAPASD Celebrates Torrey Pines High School Educators with 2025-2026 Education Excellence Awards

SAN DIEGO, CA (February 26, 2026) — The Asian American Parent Alliance of San Diego (AAPASD) has concluded its 2025-2026 Education Excellence Award program with an on-campus ceremony honoring the recipients at Torrey Pines High School (TPHS).

Earlier this school year, AAPASD recognized a total of 12 educators across TPHS and Canyon Crest Academy, as previously reported by UT-Community Press newspapers. While Award Cards filled with heartfelt student and parent messages were delivered in December, this week’s ceremony provided an opportunity for the community to celebrate the honorees' dedication in person.

Now in its third year, the Education Excellence Award recognizes teachers whose meaningful influence is reflected through heartfelt nominations from families. Students and parents submit messages describing how educators have inspired them, which are then compiled into personalized Award Cards.

“This award is not just a formal recognition; we see it as a bridge that strengthens the bond between families and educators,” said Hong Wu, Chair of AAPASD. “In the rush of the school year, feedback often reaches teachers only when there is a problem to solve. Our goal is to change that narrative by helping students build a habit of gratitude while pursuing academic excellence.”

AAPASD expressed its sincere appreciation to the TPHS administration for their support in making the on-campus celebration possible. The award reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to strengthening school-community partnerships and celebrating educators who demonstrate a deep commitment to academic achievement and student success.

At Torrey Pines High School, the honorees are: Brianna Milholland (English), Colin Cornforth (History), Kristina DeVico (Mathematics), Angela Willden (Chemistry), Zakia Chowdhury (Mathematics), and Sato Umabe (Japanese).

AAPASD is a nonprofit organization that advocates for excellence in K–12 education and expanded opportunities for students of all backgrounds while encouraging greater community engagement in California schools.

For more information, visit www.aapasd.org or contact info@aapasd.org.