Lucerne Valley Elementary School teacher Ms. Immel was one of nine Lucerne Valley USD staff members to receive a $1,000 stipend for serving in the military. Here she is with her students and administrators who visited the staff members last Friday. Superintendent Peter Livingston, center back row, presented the award. Joining him are school board members Jason Hansen and Jim Harvey, LVES Principal Joanna Mora and Assistant Principal Suzie Manley.
LVUSD Report
Every year around Veterans Day, the Lucerne Valley Unified School District shows its appreciation for its military veterans who are now making a difference as school district staff members by presenting them with a $1,000 stipend. On Friday, November 8th, Superintendent Peter Livingston, school board members Jason Hansen and Jim Harvey and school site administrators visited the nine veterans in their classrooms, offices and out in the field to present their bonuses in person.
The school district kicked off the new tradition with an emotional ceremony on November 9th, 2023. Complete with the high school’s band performing the National Anthem and its Ranger cadets presenting the colors, the event was held on hallowed ground — the Sgt. Brian Walker Memorial Gymnasium, which was named in memory of 2005 Lucerne Valley High School graduate Brian Walker. Walker died after his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device on May 13, 2012.
Instead of a marching band or cadet corps, this year’s presentations were intimate affairs with students joining in on the appreciation of their teachers’ service. Mr. Livingston asked students what was happening on Monday and students answered with, “It’s Veterans Day!” Students answered questions about the importance of military service and a number of them said they would like to serve in the military.
On Friday, Mr. Livingston asked the veteran staff members what they would be doing with their $1,000. Answers ranged from buying Christmas presents for their family to buying bitcoin to helping to pay for their upcoming wedding. Despite Mr. Livingston’s light-hearted cajoling, none said they would use the stipend on a weekend in Las Vegas.
Mr. Livingston, left, presents the certificate to Mr. Jennison on Friday, November 8th.
The following are the Lucerne Valley USD staff members who received the Veterans $1,000 Stipend:
Lucerne Valley Elementary School
Larry Kennedy - Transportation staff member served in the U.S. Air Force from 2003-2005.
Sherri Immel - Intervention teacher Ms. Immel served as a weather specialist in the U.S. Air Force from 1991-1995.
Chris Jennison - 6th grade teacher Mr. Jennison served in the U.S. Navy from 1986-1992.
Lucerne Valley Middle High School
Jason Story - Principal Story served in the Navy from 1998-2001.
Edward Carter - Maintenance and Operations staff member Mr. Carter served in Damage Control in the U.S.
Gary Cope - 9th and 12th grade teacher Mr. Cope served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1995-2000.
Jacob Klinger - Sgt. Klinger, who teaches military science and advises the Lucerne Valley Rangers, served in the U.S. Army from 2005-2010.
Louis Madrid - Mr. Madrid, who teaches 11th and 12th grade, served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2010-2014. He was the point man in an infantry squad that inspected ordnances in Afghanistan.
Cynthia Parker - Mathematics teacher Ms. Parker served in the California State Military Reserve - Army (CSMR) from 2013-2016. She worked on the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos with one of the educational programs located there.
Note: Photos with Larry Kennedy and Cynthia Parker will be added soon.
Mr. Livingston addresses Ms. Immel and her class.
Mr. Jennison's entire class is shown here in support of their teacher.
LVMHS Principal Jason Story received his award for his military service.
Employee Edward Carter received his special award in front of the LVMHS FFA mural.
Mr. Livingston, right, commended Mr. Cope for his military service during the presentation.
Joining the special presentation for Mr. Cope were (from left) Principal Jason Story, school board vice president Jason Hansen, (Mr. Cope), Superintendent Peter Livingston and school board member Jim Harvey.
Sgt. Klinger and his class were pleased for Mr. Klinger's award.
Mr. Klinger, right, receives the veteran award from Mr. Livingston.
Mr. Livingston, right, presents the award (and $1,000 stipend) to Mr. Madrid.
Mr. Madrid, center, was joined by VIPs, from left, school board member Jim Harvey, superintendent Peter Livingston, (Mr. Madrid), school board vice president Jason Hansen and Principal Jason Story.