We asked our 2025 School Heroes Awards winners:
What are your 2026 goals in education?
2025 Top Teacher
David Fenstermaker
Social Science Teacher and Activities Director, Sunny Hills High School in Fullerton
This Year: “I am still at Sunny Hills in Fullerton as the activities director there, doing student government and ASB as well as teaching AP Psychology and IB 20th Century History.”
Goals: “For 2026, our ASB is working on even more community outreach. We recently donated over $4,500 to Breast Cancer Angels. We adopted two classrooms at a local elementary school for Christmas and we are gonna be participating in the Read Across America program, reading to local elementary students in March. More than anything, my goals are the same as the kids’ goals: more student involvement at Sunny Hills, great activities that make great memories for our students and staff.”
2025 Top Leader
Frank Donavan, Ed.D.
Superintendent, Magnolia School District
This Year: “I am in my 11th year as superintendent of the Magnolia School District.”
Goals: “My goals are to continue to provide high-quality programs for our students and comprehensive support for our staff members. While high expectations, rigorous academics and focus on student achievement are hallmarks of our school district, we also believe in and practice a whole-child approach. We will continue to focus on the social-emotional needs of our students, and we will continue to provide music instruction to all of our students. Our music programs are taught by our eight credentialed music teachers. We will also continue to provide direct instruction in the arts and science, technology, engineering and math.”
2025 Top Employee
Andrea Alvarez
Office Manager, Middle College High School in Santa Ana
This Year: “I’m still in the same role as last year as school office manager. My duties include coordinating calendars, meetings and school events. I prepare internal and external communications. I also maintain office files, procedures and documentation. I manage front-office operations, including phone calls, emails and walk-ins. I support the needs of students, families and staff.”
Goals: “In 2026, I will continue to grow as a calm, organized and approachable leader. I will continue to have good communication, manage high-pressure situations confidently and support students, families and staff with consistency and professionalism.”
By Jessica Peralta
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