GGUSD Teachers Honored at OCDE’s Teacher of the Year Dinner at Disney

• Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Three Garden Grove Unified School District (GGUSD) teachers were honored at the 2018 Orange County Teacher of the Year awards dinner hosted at the Disneyland Hotel’s Grand Ballroom on October 24.  Carrillo Elementary School teacher Carlos Primiani was one of six Orange County Teacher of the Year finalists, and was featured in a special video recognition and honored on stage with Minnie and Mickey Mouse.  Carrie Lankford from Fitz Intermediate School and Jenny Jurgemeyer from Hare High School were among 62 celebrated teachers from across Orange County

The event is sponsored by SchoolFirst Credit Union and featured musical performances from students, teacher highlights, and all of the magic of Disney.  All 62 teachers were recognized on stage by Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Al Mijares and received a cash award donated by the Dr. James Hines Foundation. 

“This evening shines a spotlight on the selfless dedication and passionate devotion that our county’s top teachers pour into their classrooms every single day to make a difference for young people,” said Lan Nguyen, GGUSD Board of Education president.  “Carlos, Carrie, and Jenny are amazing advocates for their students and very deserving of this honor.”

Carlos Primiani teaches sixth grade and is highly revered by his students, parents, and colleagues.  He spearheaded and helped support a massive increase in access to technology at Carrillo Elementary School and connects with students personally by playing softball and soccer with them after school.  

Carrie Lankford is an English and AVID teacher at Fitz Intermediate School. She is a vocal advocate for equity, an AVID trailblazer, and a trusted leader to her colleagues. 

Jenny Jurgemeyer teaches U.S. History and Media Production at Hare High School.  She spearheaded the school’s popular Top Dawg program, a show that celebrates student success and is live streamed on YouTube.  The show, and Jenny’s teaching style, has helped students at the continuation school, feel more connected to their own academic journeys. 

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