Educators' Hall of Fame will induct first 10 members
By Michelle Knight knight@theacorn.com

The Ventura County Hall of Fame will induct its first 10 educators at a dinner event on Oct. 6 at Oxnard's Lobster Trap restaurant.

Darrin Parrent, the Camarillo businessman who founded the hall of fame earlier this year, said his idea to establish a way to honor educators was a simple one. "Educators don't get a lot of kudos . . . selflessly, they give a lot," he said.

"They should receive credit or thanks; that's what we're doing this for," Parrent said.

Jeanne Adams, a California State University Northridge professor and administrator who began her education career in Oxnard, said despite it being an almost universal experience to have known a special educator, there hasn't been a way to honor them, she said

"There's extraordinary teaching talent in our community," Adams said. "Darrin's idea was an exceptional one. People wondered why it wasn't thought of before."

Among the inductees are homegrown James Cowan, former Ventura County superintendent of schools. Cowan was instrumental in establishing the first Regional Occupational Programs in the state and securing the site for the Ventura County's own program at the Camarillo Airport. He helped establish the countywide Science Fair, Academic Decathlon, Mock Trial and Top Scholars Awards programs. After 38 years in education and six terms in office, Cowan retired in 1993.

"I feel quite honored," he said. "There are so many people who are qualified to fill that role. . . . I view it as being a compliment to all the people I worked with."

Rose Wisuri's 31 years of education experience includes being a Moorpark kindergarten teacher, elementary school principal and assistant superintendent. She helped bring in government funding, helping district programs flourish.

"I'm very thrilled they're doing something like this to recognize educators," said Wisuri, who retired in 1990.

Elmont Michaelson was the first principal of Rio Mesa High School During his 20-year tenure, Rio Mesa was recognized for several programs and nominated as a California Distinguished School.

For 34 years, Marilyn Bjork taught at one school- Los Altos Middle School in Camarillo. Included among her many accomplishments are coaching to victory the Camino Real Speech League and helping launch the speech program at Moorpark College.

Education Consultant and former Cal Lutheran University professor Barbara Wagner has seen the classroom from a teacher's perspective, schools from a principal's point of view and school districts from an assistant superintendent's standpoint. She helped develop innovative programs for students and parents during her years as an administrator in the Pleasant Valley School District and received numerous awards for her talents, including outstanding administrator and Camarillo's Woman of the Year.

Other inductees include Javier Gomez, Wilma Turchik and former Oxnard teacher and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell. Thomas O'Neill and Lynnell Hankins will be inducted posthumously.

To purchase the $25 ticket to the event, visit www.vceh.com or call Darrin Parrent at (805) 482-1492.