STORY and PHOTOS by Tam Nguyen, Nguoi Viet
WESTMINSTER, Calif. ― The hard work of the teachers at La Quinta High School has not gone unnoticed by parents.
The parents of the student body at La Quinta High School put together a luncheon to show their appreciation to the teachers.
In fact, during their 30-minute lunch break on Thursday, the teachers were celebrated with a luncheon hosted by parents to mark Teachers Appreciation Day. Parents said it was the least they could do to thank teachers for helping their teenagers to succeed.
Teachers at La Quinta High School enjoy their special day during their well-deserved lunch break.
“Two of my children were having trouble, and now they have turned it around ― thanks to these teachers,” said Hien Pham, 63, of Westminster, who said his children’s grade-point averages have risen from 2.0 to more than 3.0. “It it wasn’t for them, I think my children would be in a bigger hole.”
The teachers said they felt honored to be able to make a difference for the students academically, as well as to earn the support of their parents.
“It’s an honor that my students’ parents would do such a thing, not only for me but other teachers as well,” said Annie Ta, who teaches art at La Quinta.
Art teacher Annie Ta said she appreciates what the parents have done in support of her students.
She said having the admiration of the parents makes her want to do even more. “It makes me want to go the extra mile to help the students succeed, and with the help of the parents, we will accomplish our goals together,” said Ta.
Melissa Dela-Xiong, a librarian at the school, has worked in education for 10 years; this is her first at La Quinta, and she said she has never experienced so much admiration.
Librarian Melissa Dela-Xiong said she hasn’t had as much parental support in 10 years in education.
“At the other school (where) I taught, the parents didn’t get involved with the students like we see today. It’s a great feeling to see the parents getting involved with their children’s academics,” Dela-Xiong said.
