Students should knock on Wood

Suzie Harrison

Cheers erupted in a roar and a hula dancer swayed to Hawaiian

music as Stacy Wood was awarded Duke’s Outstanding Educator

Recognition Award.

The Dwyer Middle School physical education teacher was surprised

with the honor while out on the field with seventh- and eighth-grade

gym students.

“She always makes us have a better spirit,” said Jenna Balester,

13. “She is always helping [us] with self esteem and becoming better

at whatever we do. She’s a good teacher.”

Wood was thrilled with the honor and shocked at her prize -- a

trip to Hawaii -- courtesy of Duke’s Huntington Beach Restaurant and

Barefoot Bar.

The award was part of the restaurant’s ongoing program that awards

teachers in the Huntington Beach City School District every month for

their outstanding efforts. The trip was a celebration of the

restaurant’s 25th anniversary celebration.

“Educating our youth is one of the driving forces making our

community a great place to live,” said Brett Barnes, managing partner

of Duke’s. “What our children learn at this level will become

lifelong lessons.”

For her outstanding achievement she received first class tickets

for two to Hawaii, a five night stay in Maui, $500 in cash and a

collection of Hawaiian books for the school.

Wood has been teaching, coaching many sports and helping before

and after school clubs and organizations affiliated with the school

during her eight-year tenure.

“The best part of teaching is working with the kids, watching them

grow and develop and become independent,” Wood said. “I think

teachers make a difference everyday through decision making, being a

positive influence... by encouraging positive values and holding them

to higher standards and expectations, they always rise to the

occasion.”

Dwyer Principal Duane Cox was proud of Wood who he said

exemplifies a great teacher.

“Stacy Wood is an absolutely phenomenal teacher, who cares for the

kids,” Cox said