Page 7 - Heroes In Education Program for Flip_Neat

Mary Melvin

Golden Apple - Regional Director

Mary Melvin has dedicated over 30 years to education within the Los Angeles Unified
School District (LAUSD), consistently championing student success and family
engagement. She began her career as a classroom teacher, where she built a strong
foundation in education and quickly emerged as a natural leader.

Melvin’s administrative journey began as an assistant principal, a role in which she balanced leadership with
hands-on support for students and staff. She later became principal of Lanai Road Elementary, where she
introduced innovative curriculum strategies and strengthened community ties. One of her most notable
accomplishments was serving as the founding principal of Porter Ranch Community School, where she shaped
the school’s culture and educational vision from the ground up.

For nearly six years, Melvin has served as a regional director, overseeing multiple schools and mentoring
principals across LAUSD. At every stage of her career, she has remained focused on creating environments
where students thrive and families are empowered partners in the learning process.

Known for her compassionate leadership and deep educational knowledge, Melvin is respected for her
unwavering commitment to public education. Her career reflects a powerful belief: that strong schools are
built through collaboration, innovation, and a shared dedication to student success.

Diego Martinez

STEM Teacher of the Year - Granada Hills Charter

I now know that it was my destiny to become a teacher and coach. In fact, my first
job out of college was as a chemistry teacher in Santa Clarita. However, when an
engineering job opportunity came to me, I hastily left my teaching job and decided
to prove to myself, and others, that I could become a successful engineer.

With the help of senior engineers and brilliant factory workers, I did become a
successful engineer. But, my soul was not nourished. Engineering was not my passion and I could no longer
quiet that voice that started as a whisper.

After soul-searching, and many anxiety-driven nightmares, I quit my job as an engineer with no real plan. I
was petrified, but I knew I made the right choice. Then, fate intervened. My college friend called me and said
they were hiring at his high school, where he worked as a math teacher. I submitted my application, enjoyed
the interview and the ambiance of a school campus, and quickly accepted the offer to be a long term sub.

I am now a proud teacher at Granada Hills Charter, and quite honestly, I love what I do. I found my passion
and purpose. I learn so much from my students and colleagues and my soul is fulfilled once again. I have the
opportunity to impact a child’s life, and I thank all my teachers and mentors (and my own mistakes) who
helped guide me to become the man I am today. They believed in me, and molded a one-time shy,
undocumented immigrant boy into a confident, selfless first-generation professional. And for that, I am
eternally grateful.