5th Grade - Sam So, LSU Tigers

 “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
 
Born and raised in Stockton, CA, Samantha has committed her career to education.  Her love for teaching has stemmed from her Grandfather, a vice-principal in rural Cambodia.  Samantha gets her drive and passion for working with the community from her parents who were refugees.  They fled from hunger, poverty, and class warfare to make a life for themselves and their children.  Samantha graduated from UC Irvine in 2009, double majoring in Sociology and Psychology and Social Behavior. In 2010, she received her teaching credential and Masters degree from UC Davis.  Samantha has taught 1st-5th grade with Aspire Public Schools.  Her hobbies are cooking, organizing, reading books, traveling, knitting, origami, renovating houses, and doing any type of DIY project.  

4th Grade - Yena Chung, Cal Bears

“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” – Mother Teresa
 
Yena grew up moving around a lot and has built experiences in a variety of environments. Her schooling has ranged from private to public, all girls and religious, to boarding. She's lived in South Korea, South Bay, East Bay, Pebble Beach, New Jersey, China, and Boston. Yena studied architecture and received her undergraduate degree at UC Berkeley. She then studied to receive her teaching credential at San Jose State University. Having settled down in Richmond for the past 4 years, she spent the first two years as a grad tutor at Grant Elementary focusing on reading intervention, and the last two years raising her son, Tyler, at home. Yena is excited to join a community of educators and hopes to help her students grow.  ​

4th Grade -Cristina Clark, San Marcos Cougars