IRVINE Intermediate School students Evelyn Martinez; Intermediate Poetry finalist, Vian Nguyen; and first place winner in the Intermediate Film Category, Carly Nguyen pose with their teacher, Sharlen Tartaglini at Chapman University for the 20th Annual Holocaust Art & Writing Contest Awards Ceremony on March 8 (GGUSD photo).

Irvine Intermediate School student Carly Nguyen won first place in the Intermediate Film Category at the 20th Annual Holocaust Art & Writing Contest sponsored by Chapman University and The 1939 Society. The short film titled “Regardless of Our Differences” is about helping others in need, no matter the differences we may have with them.

Carly’s film drew inspiration from the testimonial of Johannes de Vries, who was instrumental in saving the lives of Jewish citizens during World War II. Hearing his story made Carly realize that Johannes and his family were courageous because they helped others in need, even if it meant risking their own lives.

Irvine had a total of three students submit work to the competition including Evelyn Martinez, who was a participant in the arts category, and Vian Nguyen, who was a finalist in the poetry category. The three students were among over 8,000 participants from around the world.

Watch Carly’s award-winning short film by clicking here.

Photo Caption: Irvine Intermediate School students Evelyn Martinez; Intermediate Poetry finalist, Vian Nguyen; and first place winner in the Intermediate Film Category, Carly Nguyen pose with their teacher, Sharlen Tartaglini at Chapman University for the 20th Annual Holocaust Art & Writing Contest Awards Ceremony on March 8.

2020 OVSD Teachers of the Year announced

The Teachers of the Year for elementary and middle schools in the Ocean View School District for 2020 have been announced.

For middle schools, the winner is Jennifer Luu of Vista View Middle School in Fountain Valley. She’s worked for 14 years at Vista View teaching seventh grade math including algebra prep and accelerated math.

For elementary schools, the winner is Jennifer de Lachica of Harbor View Elementary in Huntington Beach. There she teaches fourth and fifth-graders. Her husband, Jared de Lachica, was selected the OVSD Middle School Teacher of the Year recently.

They will be honored at the April 9 meeting of the district board.

The OVSD is a K-8 district serving North Huntington Beach and parts of Fountain Valley, Westminster and Midway City.