To teach
is to touch a life forever!

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Deanne's Story

In 1977, Pleasant Valley Education Foundation Board member Deanne Ellison was a shy seventh grade student at Los Altos Jr. High when she met the woman who would change her life forever.

Speech and Debate Coach Marilyn Bjork saw something in Deanne (as she did in all of her “Speech Kids”) and brought her out of her shell. She coached and challenged Deanne to become a competitive, award-winning public speaker, and gave her the confidence to succeed.

But the story actually has two happy beginnings…fast forward 30 years to 2007 when Deanne’s 3rd grade son Sam competed in the PVEF Speech Tournament and was awarded “Best Speaker” by none other than the wonderful Mrs. Marilyn Bjork. It was on that magical day that Deanne had the opportunity to thank Mrs. Bjork for changing her life and giving her the most important tool in her successful career.

Deanne and Mrs Bjork now coordinate the PVEF Speech Tournament together. Deanne serves as tournament chair, in honor of Mrs Bjork and all Speech Coaches, so that she can give the children of Camarillo the same opportunities Mrs. Bjork gave her.

Honor Our Teachers is an opportunity to recognize a teacher, administrator or school staff member who has been an inspiration to you or a family member. This fundraising campaign lets parents and students honor someone who has had a profound effect on a student's life. Honorees are sent a beautiful card from PVEF in your name. Notification of the honor is also sent to their principal and the district superintendent, and the honoree’s name will be listed on a special page of PVEF’s website. And by ordering an Honor Our Teachers card through PVEF, all money received goes back to Camarillo’s public schools!

Please order an Honor Our Teachers card for a donation of $20 per honoree. Honor the teacher(s), staff member(s) or administrator(s) of your choice.

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