College bestows honors at annual gala
By Gretchen Losi/Staff Writer/Daily Press
VICTORVILLE - It was all a-glitter as Victor Valley Community College officials honored those who help make the college shine.
Three individuals and the Daily Press received top honors at Saturday's Alumni Hall of Fame and Distinguished Service Award Celebration at the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds.
"Our winners represent more than individual accomplishments, they represent the spirit of this community as well," Victor Valley College Foundation President Diana Carloni O'Malley said. "They're all silent heroes."
This is the 12th year the college has held the event. This year, to the delight of many, entertainment was provided by The Coasters.
But not before those in attendance were introduced to the guests of honor.
This year's inductee to the college's Hall of Fame was Janie Phillips.
"The award is given to a recipient who has found success in her chosen career field and because of that success reflects positively on the college," Ginger Ontiveros executive director of the college's foundation said.
Phillips' is considered to be part of one of the families that pioneered the town of Apple Valley. She is owner and operator of Century 21 Fairway but she means more to the Victor Valley than just a business owner.
"She's involved in almost every community event and fundraising. Just about everything that happens, she and her family are involved in," Apple Valley Mayor Scott Nassif said.
This year's Distinguished Service Education Award went to a kindergarten teacher at the Lewis Center in Apple Valley, Rebecca Kobold.
"She just finds these really unique ways to teach lessons to her students. I think that is really what stood out for the judges this year," Ontiveros said.
As a teacher, she has mentored and trained middle school and high school students from the Academy for Academic Excellence to participate and compete in the 2004 and 2005 L.A. Marathon. The innovative methods she uses to connect with kids also includes partnering with the Apple Valley Fire Protection District to teach kindergarten through second grade students how to be safe in difficult situations.
Tom Schibusch was this year's winner of the Distinguished Service Community award.
"This is given to individuals who go above and beyond to make our community a better place," Ontiveros said. "It's typically given to someone who does something in one single year, but in Tom's case it's a lifetime of contribution."
Schibusch is getting ready to celebrate his 30th year volunteering and organizing the Walk America event for the March of Dimes. He not only organizes but also participates in the walk annually. An impressive feat in of itself — made even more impressive by the fact that Schibusch, 43, is a quadriplegic.
The Daily Press was presented the President's Award.
"This one's different then the other three because it's selected by the presidents of the Foundation, district and board of trustees," Ontiveros said. "They look at people who have done things to support the college specifically. This year as they were trying to find an individual to receive the award, they kept coming back to the contributions of the Daily Press made as an ensemble."
The evening was also spent raising funds for two fire trucks to be used in the college's fire technology program.
"The Victor Valley is amazing in that whenever there is a need to be met, everyone steps up to the plate," O'Malley said.
Gretchen Losi may be reached at 951-6233 or gretchen_losi@link.freedom.com.
Used with permission by Daily Press, Freedom Communication, 2006