March 4, 2024
The OC STEM Initiative in partnership with Cox Communications honored 12 of Orange County’s most outstanding STEM educators for their unique contributions to STEM Education and the Orange County community. This celebration was hosted at The Cove at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) Beall Applied Innovation on February 12, 2024.
Exemplars of best practice in the delivery of inquiry-based STEM learning opportunities, these practitioners stand out for their ability to innovate, engage, motivate, and inspire learners.
Each awardee was presented with a gift of $500, and their respective organizations will receive an additional $1,500 grant to support STEM activities.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the investments Cox Communications continues to make in the lives of all scholars. Thank you to Cox for empowering educators to bring new and innovative teaching methods to their classrooms wherever they may be,” said Dr. Leyla Riley, Ed.D., Executive Director of OC STEM Initiative.
The 12 awardees were nominated for the following categories:
| Early Childhood | Elizabeth Moth | Orange Unified School District – Early Learning Center |
| K12 Education | Karin Barone | La Veta Elementary School |
| K12 Education | Norma Lomeli | McFadden Institute of Technology |
| K12 Education | Nino Polizzi | Samueli Academy |
| K12 Education | Ed Hernandez | Tustin High School – T-Tech Engineering Academy |
| Career Awareness | Edwin Vazquez | Santa Ana Unified School District – Career Technical Education |
| Post Secondary | Matt Wolken | Irvine Valley College |
| Expanded Learning | Yarib Dheming | Orange County Department of Education – Inside the Outdoors |
| Virtual Innovation | Juan Pablo Larios | Villa Park High School |
| Leadership | Jon Ruffridge | Jordan Academy of Language and Computer Science |
| Leadership | Karen Gauthier | Capistrano Unified School District |
| Community Advocate | Sara Ludovise | Orange County Department of Education –Inside the Outdoors |
The new partnership between Cox Communications and the OC STEM Initiative is part of the larger investment and commitment Cox has made to innovation in education since its founding more than 125 years ago. Support of the OC STEM Initiative and its Outstanding Educator Awards give Cox the opportunity to support STEM education not just for K-12 learners, but for a diverse population that includes those in secondary education, adult learners, learners with different abilities, as well as veterans, and those from historically marginalized communities.
“We’re committed to supporting STEM opportunities for anyone who wants to learn, grow, and pursue careers in our increasingly digital world and highly technological world,” said Colleen Dillaway, Orange County Market Vice President for Cox Communications. “The program provides us the opportunity to bring innovative technology and skills development into many educational arenas throughout Orange County, and these grants allow educators to enhance their knowledge and innovative teaching strategies for the betterment of their students who are the workforce of tomorrow.”
Through our community partnerships with organizations like the OC STEM Initiative, Cox continues to support education and ensure more people, of any age, have access to learning and technology.
