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Montebello Unified School District Employees of the Year Honored

MONTEBELLO, Calif., March 29, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Camino Federal Credit Union, in cooperation with the Montebello Council PTA, has named the first three honorees in a new annual recognition award program for outstanding Montebello Unified School District employees. One employee was selected from each of the district's Administration, Teacher and Classified Employees sections, with each receiving $500.

"We are delighted that Camino Federal Credit Union chose to honor these outstanding employees of MUSD," stated Richard L. Adams II, MUSD Board President. "The three honorees deserve this recognition because they clearly exemplify the genuine commitment to excellence of our employees. The District staff, students, parents and community are all grateful for their continued dedication, creativity and enthusiasm for their work."

"When MUSD employees perform above and beyond the call of duty, they promote an atmosphere founded on the principle of service to the district and devotion to a strong work ethic," said Edward Velasquez, MUSD Superintendent. "Kathy Brendzal, Sterling Schubert, and Robert Moya deserve this wonderful honor and are to be commended for their efforts and achievements."

Kathy B. Brendzal, principal of Bell Gardens Adult School, was named Administrator of the Year. She served as Legislative Chair for the California Council on Adult Education (CCAE) and Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), keeping colleagues current on important issues, and was instrumental in establishing the Montebello Teachers Association's Adult Education Director position. She has been successful in securing federal and state grants for MUSD programs and developing continuing education classes for her school, including citizenship classes and a family literacy program.

Sterling Schubert, a teacher at Schurr High School, was named Educator of the Year. He served as chairperson for a major accreditation project, making presentations to faculty and parent groups. He also sponsored a Hiking Club that introduced students to the outdoors and real snow, helped host a group of teachers from Lithuania, and is well-liked by students and staff for his sense of humor and caring attitude.

The MUSD's Classified Employee of the Year was Computer Repair Technician Robert Moya. He helped implement a paperless work order system for all 28 district schools three months ahead of schedule. He oversees maintenance and repair of the district's 3,500 computers with a positive and friendly attitude, is spearheading the implementation of an electronic inventory system, and always looking for ways to improve departmental procedures.

Camino Federal Credit Union, formerly called Montebello Schools Federal Credit Union, funded the awards and administered the nomination process. Co-workers, parents and students could download nomination forms from the Camino's web site and submit them at the credit union office.

"Since our founding in 1941, we have been a proud supporter of Montebello Unified School District," said Robert Chaffino, president/CEO. "We've recently strengthened our ties by introducing a high school scholarship award program, federal student loans, financial literacy seminars and more."

Camino FCU was assisted in developing the employee recognition program by Aubrey & Associates, a marketing, advertising and public relations agency that has worked with credit unions nationwide for more than 20 years.

(photos of award winners available upon request)

CONTACT:  Aubrey & Associates
          Dean McCleskey
          (714) 917-1444, Ext. 108
          dmccleskey@aubreyco.com
          www.aubreyco.com