The Torrance Refining Company LLC (TORC) is pleased to once again provide $100,000 to support teachers in the Torrance Unified School District (TUSD) through the company’s “Innovation Education Grant Program (IEGP).” This unique program seeks to enhance curricula in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math, commonly known as STEAM.
A grant-selection committee comprising Torrance Refinery employee and community volunteers selected the winning grant proposals submitted by TUSD teachers. TORC thanks the following volunteers (pictured above from left to right) for their time and effort serving on the Grant Selection Committee:
Russell Akiyama, Sunflower Farms
Salvador Sanchez, Sharefest Community Development, Inc.
Manish Misra, TORC
Jeffrey Snoddy, City of Torrance Office of Emergency Services
Dr. Ramona Chang (Program Advisor), TUSD
Evan Coates, Torrance City Library
Tera Black (Program Advisor), TUSD
Tony Robinson, TORC
Vanessa Franco, TORC
Darren Stroud, TORC
Matthew Forrest, TORC
Nannette Nolan, Torrance Council of PTAs
Steve Giffin, TORC
Debbie Hays, Old Torrance Neighborhood Association
Heather Shohet, TORC
Rafael Anguiano, TORC
Edmund Golpashin, TORC
Barbara Graham (Program Advisor), TORC
Marianne Hamada, North Torrance Homeowners Association (Not pictured)
Tuski Mason, TORC (Not pictured)
Monica Sanchez, TORC (Not pictured)
In total, 37 teachers were awarded grants. They will implement their project proposals during the 2018-19 school year. To qualify, teachers were required to show a direct link to “Design Thinking” techniques, which provide solution-based approaches to problem-solving, while incorporating “Common Core” state education standards and “Next Generation Science Standards” into their proposed curriculum.
The program will culminate in June 2019, when TORC will host a special showcase event to highlight the projects funded through the program and recognize the winning teachers for their projects and programs.
Congratulations to the grant-winning teachers listed below!
| Allen Chin, Adams Elementary |
| April Pages, Victor Elementary |
| Carol Hankey, Arnold Elementary |
| Christina Aguinaga, Victor Elementary |
| Christina Martin, Torrance High |
| Darcy Ogata, Arnold Elementary |
| Evalina Tena, Carr Elementary |
| Jay Estabrook, North High |
| Jennifer Walsh, Arnold Elementary |
| Jennifer Watanuki, Hickory Elementary |
| Joe Petito, Richardson Middle School |
| Katharina Blevins, Victor Elementary |
| Kathy Black, Arnold Elementary |
| Katie Doupe, North High |
| Kim Gauna, Hull Middle School |
| Laura Hecht, West High |
| Lauri Talbott, Carr Elementary |
| Lindsay Moretti, Casmir Middle School |
| Luminita Denisiu, South High |
| Lynette Larson, Casmir Middle School |
| Mathew Teaney, North High |
| Maureen Arevallo, Adams Elementary |
| Michael Atkinson, Victor Elementary |
| Michael Okazaki, North High |
| Michael Rosenberg, South High |
| Nancy Ton, Madrona Middle School |
| Patrick Donahue, Bert Lynn |
| Paula Paulson, Victor Elementary |
| Robert Patterson, Torrance High |
| Ron Ambro, Hull Middle School |
| Ronen Donde, Casmir Middle School |
| Sherri Nelson, Carr Elementary |
| Stan Masaoka, North High |
| Steve Jennewien, Victor Elementary |
| Tara Fink, Victor Elementary |
| Tim Magnus, Victor Elementary |
| Xylina Burns, Carr Elementary |