Bright Star Educators Recognized
TWO BRIGHT STAR SCHOOLS EDUCATORS SELECTED FOR “CHAMPIONS EDUCATE HERE” LEGACY PROGRAM, AWARDED OVER $37,000 TO EXPAND STUDENT PROGRAMS
Rise Kohyang Middle and High School educators recognized for supporting the academic, mental health, and social-emotional needs of students through sport, play, and movement
LOS ANGELES, CA – Two educators from Bright Star Schools, a charter public school network with 9 schools across Los Angeles, have been selected for the “Champions Educate Here” legacy program by the College Football Playoff Foundation, the Los Angeles College Football Playoff National Championship Host Committee, and the LA84 Foundation and awarded over $37,000 to expand their work at their school.
Yolanda Galeazzi, Athletic Director for Bright Star Schools’ Rise Kohyang High School, and Colin Yamashita, a teacher at Bright Star Schools’ Rise Kohyang Middle School, were selected among 46 educators across Los Angeles who “nurture the academic, mental health, and social-emotional needs of students through sport, play, and movement.” Both Galeazzi and Yamashita were awarded grants of nearly $20,000 each to purchase play equipment, social-emotional learning resources, field trips, coaching education, wellness spaces, and/or apply it to infrastructure projects to continue their work with students.
“At Bright Star Schools, we care deeply about our students as whole people, and focus on their academic success, provide social-emotional support, and emphasize wellness and connection to ensure they thrive in all aspects of their lives,” said Hrag Hamalian, Executive Director of Bright Star Schools. “Yolanda Galeazzi and Colin Yamashita are dedicated, veteran educators with an unrelenting commitment to our students, and we’re thrilled they’re being recognized for their critical work and contributions to our students, schools, and communities.”
Located in Los Angeles’ Koreatown community, Bright Star Schools’ Rise Kohyang Middle School and Rise Kohyang High School focus on rigorous academics, holistic and inclusive support, and rich life opportunities beyond the classroom so all students thrive.
Yolanda Galeazzi and Colin Yamashita
“I am honored to receive this recognition and award to grow our sports program at Rise Kohyang High School. Our athletics program has provided our students with access to experiences and opportunities that help them succeed in and beyond the classroom. I’m thrilled that we’ll be able to grow our program through the ‘Champions Educate Here’ grant to benefit more students,” said Yolanda Galeazzi, Dean of Student Activities & Athletics for Bright Star Schools’ Rise Kohyang High School.
Rise Kohyang Middle School serves over 330 students in grades 6 through 8, and Rise Kohyang High School serves over 470 students in grades 9 through 12. Both schools are 100% free, public, and open to all students of all abilities.
“I believe that we rise by lifting others, and I am truly honored to have received an award of this magnitude to benefit our students here at Rise Kohyang Middle School,” said Colin Yamashita, an educator at Bright Star Schools’ Rise Kohyang Middle School. “The award of $20,000 will impact our PE programs significantly and enable us to add full badminton sets, aerobic step boxes, resistance bands, volleyballs, ball cages, and more to continue to support our students’ well being.”
Yolanda Galeazzi, Colin Yamashita, and the other selected educators were publicly acknowledged on Saturday, September 17 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum during a USC vs. Fresno State football game.
In addition to public recognition, the “Champions Educate Here” recipients will participate in professionally produced videos to create more exposure for their programs and share techniques to inspire fellow educators.
The College Football Playoff Foundation, the Los Angeles College Football Playoff National Championship Host Committee, and the LA84 Foundation will continue to connect and support educators leading up to the 2023 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship on January 9, 2023, at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
About Bright Star Schools
In nine, tuition-free public charter schools across three communities in Los Angeles (South Los Angeles, Koreatown, and the San Fernando Valley), Bright Star Schools’ 3,500+ students experience rigorous academics, inclusive education, social-emotional support and rich life opportunities beyond the classroom from transitional kindergarten through 12th grade and up to six years of higher education support.
More information is available at www.brightstarschools.org.
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