Ojai Valley News, Friday September 5, 2008
Sondra Murphy sondra@ojaivalleynews.com

The Ojai Education Foundation has named Nordhoff High School assistant principal Cheryl Widders its Education Hero Award recipient for 2008. The nonprofit organization that promotes public education in the Ojai Valley will present the award at its annual “Garden of Knowledge” benefit Sept. 13.

Widders’ “effort in support of the students of Ojai Valley have been tireless and her dedication to her profession is a testament to the quality of educators we are lucky enough to have here in Ojai,” said Carol Holly, OEF program chairwoman.

Widders has been involved in education for more than 35 years, beginning her career as a junior high school teacher in Santa Monica. Today, in addition to being an assistant principal, she is OUSD’s director of secondary education and administrator of Nordhoff’s Health Science Academy. “I have always loved teaching and working with young adults and fellow educators,” said Widders. “Never a day goes by that I don’t appreciate the path I have taken. Working with teachers and students, as well as parents, to assist in opening the doors to future success for students is very rewarding.”

Widders and husband, Ojai City attorney Monte Widders, have four sons: Evan, Blair, Drew and Reid, who she credits with always supporting her passion for education. “The Ojai Education Foundation has assisted me in so many ways throughout the years,” said Widders. “I am extremely honored to receive the OEF Education Hero of the Year.”