KATHRYN WINN won $10,000 just in time for the holidays (GGUSD photo).

With a name like Winn, you know she had a pretty good chance when she entered the California Casualty $10,000 Staycation Giveaway. Appropriately, Kathryn Winn, a teacher at Morningside Elementary School in Garden Grove, won the top prize from among 23,000 educators across the nation.

She received the prize just in time for the holiday recess.

California Teachers Association President Toby Boyd, Garden Grove Education Association President Bridget Holdermann, Garden Grove Unified School District Assistant Superintendent Lisa Schwartz and California Casualty representatives were in on the surprise and attended to congratulate Winn.

Twice as n(ice) in Surf City

It’s been fairly chilly in Orange County in recent weeks, but nothing really winter-y. So, if you’re longing for a more authentic seasonal experience, you can ice skate outdoors just a short distance from the Pacific Ocean.

Two such rinks are now open in Huntington Beach. At Paseo Hotel & Spa on Pacific Coast Highway, the rink is showing classic  holiday movies on a big screen, a DJ playing holiday music etc.

The rink is open through Dec. 31. For ticket prices and more details go to https://www.paseahotel.com/oceanfront-ice-rink. 

A short walk north is the “Surf City Winter Wonderland” at the city’s historic pier and Pier Plaza. That rink is open through Jan. 8. For ticket prices and other details, go to https://www.surfcitywinterwonderland.org/. 

Innovation showcased in WSD

The Westminster School District is planning to show off what it does well with an Academic Innovation Showcase on Wednesday, Jan. 25 from 4-5:30 p.m. at Warner Middle School, 14171 Newland St., Westminster. 

Featured will be the WSD’s specialty programs, innovative hands-on activities, student performances, achievement and collaboration, as well as a chance for one-on-one conversations with WSD educators and staff. The event is free and open to the public.