CNUSD Honors 2025–2026 B.E.S.T. Winners

Celebrating the educators, staff, and community members who champion multilingual learners and advance equity across CNUSD.

The Corona-Norco Unified School District is proud to celebrate the incredible individuals recognized through the 2025–2026 B.E.S.T. Awards.

The B.E.S.T. Awards, which stands for Bilingual Educators Succeeding Together, honor educators, staff, and community members who make a meaningful difference in the lives of multilingual learners. Established in 1987, the B.E.S.T. Awards are a collaborative effort among CABE Riverside, the Riverside County Office of Education, and local school districts. The program is led by the CABE Riverside Chapter and continues to recognize those who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to ensuring equitable and excellent educational opportunities for plurilingual scholars and English learners.

In addition to honoring outstanding educators and community leaders, the B.E.S.T. Awards program proudly awards ten $1,000 scholarships to current or former plurilingual or English learner high school seniors, along with one $1,000 scholarship dedicated to a continuation high school senior. In total, 11 scholarships are awarded to help students take an important step toward their college and career goals.

This year’s honorees represent the very best of that commitment:

  • Eileen Chen, Assistant Principal, Rondo School of Discovery

  • Gulie Rudd, Teacher, Corona High School

  • Blanca Perez de Diaz, Paraeducator, Corona High School

  • Nancy Martinez, Support Person and District & County Winner, EL & Equity Department

  • Laura Villegas-Sanchez, Parent/Community Volunteer, Harada Elementary

The District also proudly recognizes Seungjoo Lee, a senior at Eleanor Roosevelt High School, as this year’s B.E.S.T. Student Writing Contest winner. His achievement reflects the voice, talent, and promise of CNUSD students.

We are incredibly proud of all senior students who participated in this contest. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the teachers and staff members who supported and encouraged their participation. Together, these honorees remind us what is possible when people lead with care, purpose, and a deep belief in every student’s potential.

Graphic celebrating Corona-Norco Unified School District 2025–2026 B.E.S.T. Awards (Bilingual Educators Succeeding Together). District winners listed: Eileen Chen, Administrator, Rondo School of Discovery; Blanca Perez de Diaz, Paraeducator, Corona High School; Gulie Rudd, Teacher, Corona High School; Nancy Martinez, Support Person District and County Winner, EL & Equity Department; Laura Villegas-Sanchez, Parent/Community Volunteer, Harada Elementary. Student Writing Contest Winner: Seungjoo Lee, Eleanor Roosevelt High School senior. Decorative navy and gold design with “Congratulations!” at the bottom.