Santiago High School Teacher Named 2021 Outstanding Teacher of America

Friday, February 4, 2022

Santiago High School Teacher David Allen was one of five teachers across the state to be recognized as a 2021 Outstanding Teacher of America by the Carlston Family Foundation. The Garden Grove Unified School District Board of Education recognized Mr. Allen for this prestigious accomplishment at its Board of Education meeting February 1.

Mr. Allen was nominated for the award by Santiago High School Class of 2014 graduate Fabiola Ortiz Perez who said Mr. Allen’s belief in her gave her the confidence to believe in herself and ultimately inspired her to apply for college.

Fabiola had Mr. Allen as a teacher for her freshman history course and junior AVID course. Fabiola thanked Mr. Allen for making a life-changing impact on her and her family and for serving as a role model to her. She has since graduated from UCLA with honors, is working as a legal secretary and plans to pursue law school.

“If we love kids, enjoy teaching our subject and dedicate ourselves to ensuring their success by creating engaging and inspirational lessons that address their needs and interests, they will rise to our level of expectations,” Mr. Allen said. “In fact, my experience has proven that all kids are capable of learning and exceeding their personal expectations and do more than they ever expected of themselves.”

At the Board meeting, Mr. Allen was joined by Carlston Family Foundation Executive Director Beverly Young, Santiago High School Principal Christine Pijl, Fabiola Ortiz Perez, his colleagues, wife and two daughters.

Mr. Allen was awarded a $20,000 grant from the Carlston Family Foundation, $5,000 of which will be allocated for Santiago High School’s Senior scholarship fund. Mr. Allen is the second Carlston Family Foundation honoree from Santiago High School as English Teacher Sherri Zoratti also received this recognition in 2016.

“We are so proud of Mr. Allen whose genuine love for students is changing the course and trajectory of these young people and inspiring them to reach their full potential,” said Board of Education Trustee Walter Muneton.

The Carlston Family Foundation was founded in 1987 and each year recognizes outstanding high school teachers who teach in disadvantaged urban and rural communities who consistently help their students transcend their academic expectations.

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