Angels Camp, CA…On Monday, June 19, Bret Harte Union High School District Governing Board member Gail Bunge, presented the tenth annual Parent/Community Volunteer Awards at the district board meeting. This year’s winners were Shawn Westberg of Copperopolis and Joan and George Loomis of Angels Camp. Westberg was honored for his years of work with FFA and the Bret Harte football teams. He also serves on the Junior Livestock Fair Board. Along with his wife and son, Westberg breeds show pigs and helps the students learn how to raise and care for the animals. He is noted for his strong sense of integrity and values and has been an inspiration for many of the students. Although the Loomis’ have been honored many times in Calaveras County for their generosity, community commitment, and having between 1200 and 1300 foster children come through their home, this was their first award from Bret Harte. They have had their seven children go through BH, and currently have a daughter and granddaughter at the school. They give their time to help with the drama program, Academic Decathalon, and the annual veterans’ presentation. Mrs. Loomis is known for her delicious cookies which she bakes in her licensed kitchen and sells at BH meets, giving profits to student groups.

Two awards are chosen each year from parents and community members nominated by the BH staff. The board recognizes the importance of parents, guardians, and community members, welcomes their input, and is thankful that so many wonderful adults reach out to help the students. Collaboration between school, home and community benefits our children, and these award winners are not only involved with their own children, but reach out to so many others. These three recipients are representative of so many in our community who give so much.