GGUSD Homegrown
HOMEGROWN! Our "GGUSD Homegrown" Social Media Campaign is here! Homegrown employees are those who attended schools in the district as students before returning to work in the district as employees. The “GGUSD Homegrown” campaign has already garnered interest from nearly 500 employees who shared their stories through an online form. Some of these stories will be spotlighted on the district’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram social media accounts.
Thao Dinh
Thao Dinh is #GGUSDHomegrown.
Thao attended Heritage Elementary, Fitz Intermediate, and graduated from Los Amigos in 2001.
“I returned to work for GGUSD because I know the teachers here are committed, dedicated, and have high standards for their students. I entered GGUSD as a child who just came from Vietnam with no English and with the commitment and dedication of my teachers, I learned English and eventually was able to attend UCLA.”
Thao has been teaching for 10 years and is currently at McGarvin Intermediate.
Chris Francis
Chris Francis is #GGUSDHomegrown
Chris attended Fitz Intermediate and graduated from Los Amigos High School in 1996.
“I was treated very well as a student, so I wanted to return to a place that held such a high commitment to students and their families. Students first! The District is filled with adults who care about kids and are willing to go above and beyond to help them.”
Chris began his teaching career at Ethan Allen, Patton, and Heritage Elementary, then moved to Alamitos Intermediate to teach math. Next, he served four years as GGEA president, and currently is the principal at Mitchell Elementary. He is in his 18th year working in GGUSD.
Gene Martin
Gene Martin is #GGUSDHomegrown
Gene is an English teacher and Drama teacher at Rancho Alamitos. He attended Lawrence Elementary, Alamitos Intermediate, and graduated from Rancho Alamitos in 1991.
“I wanted to teach in GGUSD because it’s a family atmosphere where there is respect, cooperation, and fun. I love the family community at Rancho. Also, my mother was part of the first graduating class to start as freshmen at Rancho Alamitos High School. She later taught at several elementary schools in the district, ending her career at Bryant Elementary.” Teaching in GGUSD was in his blood! Gene is in his 22nd year as a teacher in GGUSD.
Marlene Miramontes
Marlene Miramontes is GGUSD Homegrown.
Marlene is an Accounting Technician in Business Services. She attended Hill Elementary, Jordan Intermediate, and graduated from Bolsa Grande High in 2003.
“I love the people at GGUSD because they are like family and everyone gets along and has fun! I also love it here because it feels like a second home.”
Nancy Cory
HOMEGROWN: Nancy Cory (maiden name Navarro) is #GGUSDHomegrown. Nancy is an English teacher at Rancho Alamitos High School. She attended Clinton Elementary, Doig Intermediate, and graduated from Santiago High School in 2005.
“This is my community and I want to give back. I had amazing teachers and I want to inspire students just the same. I really believe in this place! Not only is our district one of the best, but it’s also full of love and support. I feel at home and cared for at GGUSD.” Nancy is in her 8th year of teaching.
Ruby Vu
Ruby Vu is GGUSD Homegrown. Ruby works in Business Services as a Fiscal Services Coordinator and graduated from La Quinta High School in 1987.
“I wanted to work for the district because of the long-term stability and room to grow within the district. I love that the district is growing in the right direction and how it takes care of its employees.”
Ruby has worked for the district for more than 20 years. #GGUSDHomegrown
Robert Salazar
Robert Salazar is GGUSD Homegrown.
Robert is the Building Operations Supervisor at the District Office. He attended Excelsior Elementary, Jordan Intermediate, and graduated from Bolsa Grande High School in 2002.
“As a child attending GGUSD schools, I remember thinking and seeing how happy the employees were. In high school, my science teacher Terri Shook, really helped me grow by believing in me. As a student, Terri would challenge me to reach my potential. Terri taught me the important skills like organization, communication, and professionalism. she became my role model and someone I looked up to. She helped me pursue my goals and wrote me a letter of recommendation when I first began applying for jobs. She made a difference for me. When I got a job at GGUSD, it felt like I was home.”
Bridget Lockhart
Bridget Lockhart is GGUSD Homegrown.
Bridget is an English teacher and Assistant ASB Director at Rancho Alamitos. She attended Hill Elementary, Jordan Intermediate, and graduated from Bolsa Grande High in 1992.
“I wanted to teach in the community I grew up in. I had really positive experiences at each of my schools. I was lucky enough to have a few teachers who really influenced me when I was student and they are the reasons I wanted to become a teacher...and then they became my colleagues. Also, I love the diversity of the district. We have the potential to foster respect, acceptance, and love of different cultures by embracing the varying perspectives of people of our community.” Bridget is in her 19th year as a teacher in GGUSD.
If you're a homegrown GGUSD employee,
please take a moment to fill out a brief survey to share your story and save the date for our "GGUSD Homegrown Spring Celebration" on April 26, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Garden Grove Community Center.