3 Newport-Mesa teachers earn $10,000 honors

Three Newport-Mesa Unified School District teachers received a

surprise Thursday morning when they found out they were chosen as

Teachers of the Year.

Harlow Naaz of Newport Harbor High School received the honor of

Secondary Teacher of the Year. Maria Avitia-Freeman of Costa Mesa High

School was recognized as Middle School Teacher of the Year, and Keri

Brewster from Harbor View Elementary was selected as Elementary Teacher

of the Year.

Each received a $10,000 check from the Irvine Co.

The teachers were selected after a lengthy process that included

applications, interviews and classroom visitations. The contest is

jointly sponsored by the district and the Newport-Mesa Federation of

Teachers.