“The question for the child is not ‘Do I want to
be good?’ but ‘Whom do I want to be like?’”
— Bruno Bettelheim, Austrian-American child psychologist, author (1903-1990)

POC Award Winners, 2004

September/October: Character & Responsibility

Mr. Ontiveros (History)
Mr. Ontiveros is a teacher with high standards and strict rules that he enforces throughout the year.

Mr. Peters (Principal)
There is no one like Mr. Peters. He fulfills his infinite responsibilities as the school principal with kindness and diligence. In a phrase, he “gets the job done”. As a multi-tasker, he attends school dances, sporting events, musical performances, and all other conceivable OA student activities. He also participates actively in the School Site Council, the Foundation, the PTSA and other parent- or adult-organized groups on campus. Most importantly, Mr. Peters is admirable for being a humanitarian.

Mrs. Shibley (Parent/Volunteer)
Mrs. Shibley constantly demonstrates character and responsibility by contributing valuable time setting up, taking down, and running various events at OA including Student of the Month and PTSA events. She always follows through with what she says she will do, and she is known for exceeding requests made of her, and then volunteering for more.

November: Attitude & Gratitude

Mr. Hunter (Science) and Mr. Viramontes (Mathematics)
Mr. Hunter is the science teacher most known for his calm and relaxed manner. He is well-versed in classroom discipline issues and resolves them with ease. His sense of humor always comes through, and this is evident from his persistent smile.

Mr. Viramontes is an excellent math teacher who displays patience in class, and a positive attitude on campus. He is willing to answer students’ questions over and over, and he conducts himself in a professional yet relaxed manner.

Mr. Blevins (Substitute) and Ms. Smith (AP Office)
Ms. Smith gladly welcomes all students into her office for them to pay for school activities such as dances, conferences, membership fees, and other OA activities. Not only does she welcome students before school, at lunch, and after school, she accepts payments from Virtual Enterprise employees during company operating hours, works and trains VE employees, especially the Accounting and Finance Department. Ms. Smith always has a friendly attitude and is willing to go above and beyond her daily duties to help other staff members out by doing additional duties.

Mr. Blevins is our most popular substitute teacher. The students enjoy being around him, they respect his authority in the classroom, and they are fortunate to have him as another exceptional adult role model.

Mrs. Weber (Parent/Volunteer)
Mrs. Weber shows her “gratitude” in many ways. She remains dedicated to serving the OA students, faculty, and parents as the PTSA President. She is always thankful of things done for her, and always greets everyone with a smile.

December/January: Caring & Respect

Mrs. Powell-Cordon (Foreign Language)
Mrs. P-C, as she is affectionately called by many, is known for enforcing respect for others and good manners at all times, both in and out of the classroom. “Please” and “thank you” are part of her active vocabulary, and she expects the same level of respect from everyone with whom she interacts. She is extremely approachable as a teacher, she greets everyone in a friendly and caring way, and the students are often surprised by how much she knows about them, as she always goes out of her way to ask about how the game went, how they did on their English test, or how their parents are doing. She is warm and kindhearted, and we are lucky to know her.

Dr. Triplett (Assistant Principal)
This gentle-man and his gentle nature help take the edge off of a traditional “trip to the AP’s office”. Dr. Triplett is so caring and respectful in his interaction with students that as they leave his office they are quoting the Arrowhead Water slogan, “It’s better up here”, as they enjoy their candy and head to their next class. Dr. Triplett embodies caring and respect.

Mrs. Everson (Parent/Volunteer)
Mrs. Everson is a very caring parent who for years has interacted with students, faculty, and staff through her work in the Counseling Center. She is involved with school beautification and is always willing to be a parent representative within the district whenever requested. She is always willing to volunteer in any capacity, treats each student with respect and compassion, and takes the time to get to know the students. Some even refer to her as their “surrogate mother”.

February: Citizenship

Mr. Nguyen (Science)
Mr. Nguyen is committed to serving not only our students (as the National Honor Society and Key Club Advisor), but also the greater Oxford Academy and AUHSD community. He is always willing to help with a smile, he embraces the attributes of life-long learning, and he is guided by the principles of self, community, and service.

Mrs. Goldsberry (Counseling)
If there were an adult award for school spirit, this Registrar would win. Mrs. Goldsberry is a great citizen for driving all over the southland to attend OA athletic games and support our student athletes. She also keeps the teachers in check by collecting and processing progress reports and grades with precision.

Mr. Doi (Parent/Volunteer)
Mr. Doi is extremely supportive of school events and activities. He spends countless hours in School Site Council and Foundation meetings, and always observes policies. He also represented our school at the district level as a former member of the Board of Trustees.

March/April: Honesty & Trustworthiness

Mr. Chavez (Mathematics)
Mr. Chavez is a great teacher and individual. He is patient in explaining problems repeatedly without showing frustration in class, he encourages his students to do better and compliments them when they do, and he has a sincere smile and is genuinely interested in others. As the faculty’s union representative, Mr. Chavez finds time to represent and protect the teachers’ interests in a conscientiousness and dependable way. He is a wonderful example of honesty and trustworthiness.

Ms. Nakayama (Main Office)
Ms. Nakayama is an honest and trustworthy person who exceeds the expectations of all who come into contact with her. She takes time to assist everyone in anything imaginable, from students to parents to teachers to staff, and especially the administrators. If there’s a question that needs answering, Ms. Nakayama is the person to see. She always gives a straight answer and is dependable and caring, and for this she is respected and appreciated by the entire OA community.

Mrs. Roggenkamp (Parent/Volunteer)
Mrs. Roggenkamp wears many hats at Oxford, and is one of the founding parents of the school. Some call her the “money lady” because she can be found volunteering countless hours as treasurer for the Foundation, OIMBA and Vocal Motion (the orchestra and choir booster clubs, respectively), and every other school group imaginable. She is compassionate and honest, and appreciated by many.

May/June: Fairness & Perseverance

Mr. Anderson (Mathematics)
Mr. Anderson speaks with a purpose and is always fair in his classroom and beyond. His students feel welcome and are never surprised to learn their grades at the end of the quarter. They know what to expect from him and respect him for his impartial treatment of all students.

Mrs. Hoffman (Counseling) and Mrs. Perez (Main Office)
Mrs. Hoffman is always available to students with questions on college entrance and scholarships. She offers advice and service to all students by making appointments to meet with each of them personally and discuss their future goals, and she organizes guest speaker presentations from a myriad of colleges to talk to students about programs available to them.

Mrs. Perez perseveres as the face of Oxford’s main office, receiving anyone and everyone who walks through that front door with respect.

Mrs. Page (Parent/Volunteer)
Affectionately called “Grandma” by all, Mrs. Page helps the PTSA to coordinate the ever-popular and work-intensive Magazine Drive, and she also volunteers daily and “perseveres” in the cafeteria for about five hours each day.

POC Award Winners, 2003	Parent/Volunteer	Teacher	Staff Member
September/October: Character & Responsibility	Mrs. Margie Mayersohn	Mrs. Diane Seguin	Mr. Carlos Cruz
November: Attitude & Gratitude	Mrs. Michele Renn	Mrs. Ann Powell-Cordon	Mrs. Harumi Noda
December/January: Caring & Respect	Mrs. Marissa Encarnacion	Mr. Bruce Stevens	Ms. Donna Smith