Arlene LeGaspe Honored with Esperanza Award

Arlene LeGaspe Honored with Esperanza Award
Posted on 12/14/2022

     The Mountain View School District was proud to honor Arlene LeGaspe, an 8th grade teacher at Parkview School as the District’s 2022 recipient of the Bobby Salcedo Esperanza Award.  The award was presented at the El Monte Promise Foundation’s Annual Tamalada held on December 8.  The Esperanza Award commemorates the life and legacy of Roberto “Bobby” Salcedo, a respected teacher and administrator and acknowledges outstanding educators for their hard work and dedication to the students they serve, as well as their commitment and contribution to the advancement of their schools, students or educational community.

     LeGaspe has been a teacher in the Mountain View School District for 29 years, dedicating 27 years to teaching 7th and 8th grade at Kranz Intermediate School and the past two years teaching 8th grade at Parkview School. 

     “Mrs. LeGaspe is very deserving of the Bobby Salcedo Esperanza Award.  Her passion for serving the students and families of the District and the El Monte/South El Monte communities is unsurpassed,” said Dr. Raymond Andry, MVSD Superintendent.    “Her heart for students is evident in everything she does.  She is an exemplary teacher who cares deeply about the welfare and success of her students and she provides an instructional environment where they can excel academically, socially and emotionally.

      Throughout her 29 years in education she has demonstrated a commitment to providing quality instruction which promotes academic excellence for all students while meeting their unique needs.  In addition to her excellent work in the classroom, LeGaspe is the advisor for the after school SeaPerch Program, an innovative underwater robotics program that provides students the opportunity to learn about robotics, engineering, science, and mathematics (STEM) while building an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV).  Under her leadership, the Kranz and Parkview SeaPerch teams have achieved great success at competitions throughout LA County.  LeGaspe also supports the leadership class and coordinates the Summit Scholarship Awards Program for 7th and 8th grade students at her school.

     “To receive this award means so much to me because of the everlasting impact Bobby Salcedo had and still has on the community,” said LeGaspe.  “Inspiring our youth to pursue their dreams is my passion and I’m grateful to be a teacher because there are so many incredible rewards that come with supporting students.”

     LeGaspe’s support for students to succeed goes beyond her school campus as she has been involved with the Partnership Scholars Program (PSP) for over 20 years, serving as the PSP Coordinator and as a PSP Board Member.  PSP is dedicated to expanding college and career opportunities for highly motivated students in under-served communities.  Through positive adult mentorship, educational and cultural enrichment activities, and college-access guidance and support, PSP helps students prepare for and gain acceptance to four-year universities, and obtain needed scholarships to support their education. 

       “Thanks to Mrs. LeGaspe’s dedication and hard work over 217 former Kranz students have experienced life-changing opportunities through PSP and approximately 90% are in four-year colleges or graduated from college with scholarship aid,” said Dr. Andry. “Her tremendous work with PSP has been instrumental in the advancement of her school, students and the community.” 

      “There is nothing Arlene can’t do,” said Olga Gallegos, fellow teacher.  “She is very well loved and respected by our middle school students and staff and we are so fortunate to have her on our team.”

   LeGaspe grew up in El Monte and has roots in community service in the community. Prior to becoming a teacher, she served as a coach in the City of El Monte’s Parks and Recreation Department, coaching, mentoring and inspiring youth throughout El Monte.

     “Mrs. LeGaspe understands her students’ abilities and struggles and is their biggest cheerleader as she encourages them to believe in themselves and go after their dreams.  She embodies our District’s mission, “Inspiring Each Student to Succeed Every Day” and her passion for education along with her ability to build positive and productive relationships with her colleagues, parents, students and the community, make her very deserving of the Bobby Salcedo Esperanza Award,” said Dr. Andry.

  • Mountain View Preschool Programs
  • Magnolia Learning Center