​29 ROTARY HONORS TEACHERS AND STUDENTS FROM PALMS VISTA EL, 29 PALMS HIGH

The Twentynine Palms Rotary Club continues its program of honoring outstanding students and teachers from our local schools. Under the leadership of Youth Services Chairman John Cole, the ongoing award presentations are part of the service club’s commitment to support and honor education.
 
At their meeting on May 28, 2025, honorees from Palm Vista Elementary and Twentynine Palms High Schools were feted. The Rotary Club awards a distinctive certificate and a gift card
 
For Palm Vista Elementary, Principal Dr. Claudette Onumah introduced their teacher of the year, Tracy Campese, saying, “Tracy started out at Palm Vista as a sub but quickly advanced into a classroom as a full-time teacher. She has a unique way of motivating kids to success and is working to bring more sports to the school.”  
 
For Palm Vista student of the year, Onumah introduced Godus Bernard, saying, “Godus is the type of student that says nothing can stop me! In addition to her positive attitude, she excels in her reading skills.”
 
For Twentynine Palms High School, principal Mike Ruggiero had high praise for his teacher of the year, Jean Caravella. “Jean makes Twentynine Palms High School a very special place”, he said. “Jean was a huge part of bringing a program to the school where kids can get college credits while taking high school classes and serves as our dual-enrollment liaison with Copper Mountain College. She teaches advanced placement classes and has cut the failure rate in some math classes by 50%.”
 
Caravella accepted the award, giving credit to the community, “I have taught in New York and Florida, and I am happier here because of the close-knit community and their support.”
 
The 29 Palms Rotary Club is part of Rotary International, a global network of more than 1.2 million neighbors, friends, and leaders who volunteer their skills and resources to solve issues and address community needs. Founded in 1948, the Twentynine Palms Club is the oldest service club in the Morongo Basin. They meet Wednesdays at noon at the Little Church of the Desert Meeting Hall. More information is available at www.rotary29.org.
 
 
Photos:
(From left) Palm Vista Elementary Principal, Dr. Claudette Unamah, joins the presentation for teacher and student of the year with Club chair John Cole, Teacher of the year Tracy Campese and Student of the year Godus Bernard. (Rotary photo)
 
(From left) Twentynine Palms High School Principal Mike Ruggiero introduces Teacher of the year Jean Caravella with Club Youth services chair John Cole looking on. (Rotary photo)