FULLERTON, CA. – The Fullerton Chamber of Commerce has named Becky D’Arrigo, Educational Services Coordinator for Fullerton School District, as 2010 Educator of the Year, and awarded Brian Warner, Career Guidance Counselor for ROP and Fullerton Joint Union High School District, a Lifetime Achievement Award. D’Arrigo and Warner will be presented the prestigious awards at the Chamber’s 31st Annual Salute to Education, on Thursday, May 27, at the Holiday Inn & Suites Fullerton, located at 2932 E. Nutwood Ave. The luncheon will also honor four Young Citizens of the Year, receiving scholarships of $500 and $1000.

In the past six years Becky D’Arrigo has led more than 13,500 Fullerton School District students into world class science academics and explorations. She has made preserving science education a priority in the Fullerton School District.

D’Arrigo has gone above and beyond to maintain a competitive science educational program in Fullerton School District through her efforts with the Science Advocacy Council, Adventures in Science Program, Ask a Scientist Night and many other programs. Throughout the years, district-wide student achievement, as measured by the California Content Standards Test, has dramatically increased because of the supports that the Science Advocacy Council and D’Arrigo have put into place.

Through the many partnerships that D’Arrigo has made with various organizations, both teachers and students benefit. She has coordinated monthly training opportunities for teachers with science professors from California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton Community College, Beckman Coulter, Southern California College of Optometry, and Raytheon, adding value to their curriculum.

D’Arrigo is an active member of Fullerton’s Assistance League Professional Humanitarian Auxiliary of Fullerton, and provides time and monetary donations to support the All the Arts for All the Kids Foundation, Fullerton Technology Foundation and Fullerton Educational Foundation.

“I have witnessed first hand her dedication and support of the students of the Fullerton School District,” states Morris S. Berman, Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs for The Southern California College of Optometry. “She continues to succeed in communicating the importance of setting early career goals in youngsters.”

Lifetime Achievement Award honoree Brian Warner has worked for the past 42 years for the Fullerton Joint Union High School District and North Orange County ROP. He began as a teacher and work experience coordinator for the first 11 years of his career, and the last 31 years as a counselor for Fullerton Union High School District and as a Career Guidance Specialist for ROP and Fullerton Joint Union High School District. Warner is also very active with Eastside Christian Church for more than 20 years.

During his career, he has led the development of school and community resources to provide personal help and hope for many students. Students have been empowered under his leadership, enabling them to become part of the community. As a La Vista High School staff member, he volunteers his time for every student and parent by directing morning and afternoon traffic in the parking lot, to assisting with financial aid and community college workshops.

At North Orange County ROP, Warner voluntarily serves on the Career Education Foundation Board, and has also been a member of the Curriculum Chair and Budget Task Force committees.

This year, Warner will retire from education, and will be missed for his good humor, cheerfulness and positive attitude by many of his coworkers and students. “I am so grateful for having met Mr. Warner, as he has inspired me to be my best, to set goals and reach them, to go to college and succeed in finding the career I dream of and much more,” says Christina Corona, former student of La Vista High School.

Since 1979, the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce has been recognizing outstanding individuals who have made a difference in the education of young people with the honor of Educator of the Year. The esteemed award is selected through specific criteria, including community involvement, ethics, service, innovation, and leadership. Additionally, four students will be honored with the 2010 Young Citizens of the Year Award.

The mission of the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce is to develop, advance, and promote the professional, business, educational, civic, and cultural well-being of Fullerton. For more information on these or other activities, please call 714-871-3100 or visit www.fullertonchamber.com.