. >> wheel of like to ask how principle -- ask principle mark alvarado to present the first distinguished award. >> is my pleasure to introduce romero. i met him at john o'connell, he is one of the graduates from there. come by and between going to school at o'connell as was working there, i think we are 20 + years. probably one of the most phenomenal math teachers i have had the opportunity to see because he is able to connect with students in a way that grabs them and engages them in math, which is very difficult to do. he has moved and taken a new position as a teacher on special assignment and is bringing the classroom knowledge to building out the 21 program, an emerging program. it is a pleasure and honor to introduce him. [applause] >> of like to thank you for this award, which keeps that passion for me is the kids and the co- workers over the years. they have that same passion. i would like to thank you very much for this. [applause] president mendoza: we have a special service award. >> will live like to invite the principal from garfield elementary school to tell us about the sp