On Wednesday morning, PEF staff and board members joined teachers, principals, and district staff for PUSD’s annual Welcome Back event, The Power of PUSD: Forward Together.
PEF, alongside our event sponsors, hosted the back-to-school breakfast for PUSD staff, helping start the day with energy for the year ahead. Staff explored a sponsored resource fair, joined interactive professional development sessions, and attended a ceremony recognizing outstanding members of the PUSD community. Lead sponsor California Credit Union further celebrated educators by providing awards and gift cards to honored teachers and staff.
Students took center stage throughout the event, with student musicians, singers, JROTC cadets, and a drum line helping bring the morning’s program to life. The program recognized service, leadership, and commitment across the PUSD community with five awards:
- Teacher of the Year: Michael Birnbryer-Lao, Blair High School
- Principal of the Year: Eric Barba, Ed.D., Pasadena High School
- Classified Employee of the Year: Dorsett Mannings, Night Custodian
- Superintendent’s Hero Award: Dr. Maria Toliver and Lanisha McKenzie, Principals of McKinley School and Eliot Arts Magnet
- Superintendent’s Above and Beyond Award: Community Clergy Coalition
Superintendent Blanco spoke about the year ahead, recognizing the dedication of PUSD educators and emphasizing her commitment to supporting them. Keynote speaker Courtney Linsey reminded attendees, “Don’t rob the students of the miracle that is you.” His message underscored the important role educators and staff play each day in supporting PUSD students.
PEF is proud to support this annual gathering and the educators and staff at the heart of our schools. As we step into the new school year together, we look forward to continuing our work in support of PUSD teachers, staff, and students.
Special Thanks to Our Event Sponsors
This year’s back-to-school breakfast was made possible with support from:
- California Credit Union
- Pasadena Federal Credit Union
- First Financial Credit Union
- NTA Life-Wise
- United Healthcare
- Planet Fitness
- SchoolsFirst Credit Union
- Superb Dental Care
- Aflac
- Starbucks
- Kroger
