Group Recognizes Educators’ Work

Six educators and educational teams will be honored Nov. 1 when the Orange County Hispanic Education Endowment Fund holds its third annual awards dinner.

The Endowment Fund, which offers a variety of programs to Latino youth throughout the county, will honor teachers who provide those youngsters with educational opportunities. The fund has a five-year fund-raising goal of $1 million.

Those to receive Apple of Gold for Excellence in Teaching awards this year are Jim McWhertor, Wilson Elementary School, Newport-Mesa Unified School District; Larry Espinoza, Santa Ana High School, Santa Ana Unified School District; Connie Pettijohn, Dana Hills High School, Capistrano Unified School District; and the Amigas de la Cultura teaching team from the Garden Grove Unified School District.

Recipients of the Service and Leadership Awards are Enrique “Kiki” Zuniga of Fullerton College and Alva Lefevre of Shorecliffs Middle School in the Capistrano Unified School District.

The awards dinner will be at the Hyatt Regency Irvine from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $100 per person for members of the public and $50 for educators. Reservations: (714) 955-1433.