People : Spotlight on achievers

Carol Booth Olson, Director, UC Irvine Writing Project

Olson received the Award of Merit from the California Assn. of Teachers of English for “outstanding contributions benefiting the teaching of English language arts.”

The group cited Olson’s writing and editing of two books, “Practical Ideas for Teaching Writing” and “Reading, Thinking and Writing About Culturally Diverse Literature,” which have influenced teachers and students throughout the country.

Under Olson’s leadership, more than 25,000 teachers in Orange County have attended Writing Project courses and conferences.

Art Garcia, Crossing guard, Tustin

The Orange County Department of Education has honored Garcia for his work as a crossing guard at Loma Vista Elementary School in Santa Ana by presenting him with an Outstanding Contributions to Education Award.

He received the award for his dedication to directing children and other pedestrians safely through traffic on Prospect Avenue. School officials said he knows the names of the children and parents he escorts across the street, and often arrives early and stays late to ensure their safety.

Garry Olney, Hospital chief, Fountain Valley

In his new position as chief operating officer, Olney is overseeing day-to-day operations at Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Center.

“His experience and expertise will enhance the hospital’s ability to provide quality, cost-effective care to the community,” said Richard Butler, the hospital’s chief executive officer.

Before coming to Fountain Valley, Olney was chief operating officer at St. Luke Medical Center in Pasadena.

Chris Corbin, City employee, Garden Grove

Corbin was honored by the Garden Grove City Council for saving the life of an employee who was choking. In the incident, Corbin used his knowledge of the Heimlich maneuver to dislodge food from the woman’s throat.

His quick and calm action drew praise from responding paramedics, who said the woman had stopped breathing.

Robert Robey, SCE senior engineer, Huntington Beach

Robey, who works for Southern California Edison’s power production department, was awarded one of his company’s top honors.

Officials presented him with the William R. Gould Award for developing standardized noise measurement procedures.

Robey, a 28-year employee of the utility, is a Huntington Beach resident.

--COMPILED BY LESLEY WRIGHT, WITH DEBRA CANO, BERT ELJERA AND RUSS LOAR