Our 2025-2026 EOTY Honorees
(Front row, left to right) Marie Kuhn (Palos Verdes High School), Abigail Cowan (Vista Grande Elementary School), Cynthia Judd (Peninsula Heritage School), Michelle Duncan (Montemalaga Elementary School), (back row, l. to r.) Leslie Rowe (Cornerstone Elementary School at Pedregal), Lauren Vartanian (Point Vicente Elementary School), Pete Nordlund (Chadwick School), Brianna Tescher (Rolling Hills Preparatory School), Katherine Rieder (Miraleste Intermediate School). — PHOTOS by J. Michael West
he Rotary Club of Palos Verdes Peninsula once again honored nine outstanding educators from public and private schools on the Peninsula at the 45th Annual Educator of the Year event. Held at the Palos Verdes Golf Club on February 19, 2026, this event was led by Rotarian Co-Chairs Joan E. Behrens and Rick Humphrey, along with David Rowe who stepped in on the last day as the program’s Co-MC.
Each educator selected by their school was honored at this event with letters of commendation from local governmental entities, a name-engraved clock, a day certificate to Terranea Spa, a check of $500 from a local foundation, and other awards and honors. Following their principals' or heads' of school introduction, the heart of the program centered on each teacher's shared thoughts and experiences from their earliest childhood memories of teaching to their latest classroom lessons. They spoke meaningfully of the influences leading them to the teaching profession and their philosophy of education, while also expressing deep gratitude to all those who inspired and continue to assist them.
In conjunction with this Educator of the Year event, the Rotary Club of PVP also expresses its focus on education by raising funds from its members, foundations, and sponsors to support the Rotary Scholarship Program that offers college scholarships each year to local high school seniors.
