Janet Chun arrived in HCSD in the Fall of 1994 to teach 6th Grade English, 6th Grade Social Studies, and 7th Grade Math. She worked in that role until the 1997, when she became Assistant Principal. She served as AP for four years. She worked well alongside then Principal Larry Raffo and counselor Susan Camarillo and had great support from then Superintendent Marilyn Loushin-Miller.
When Larry moved to the district office, Janet was appointed Principal of Crocker in 2001. She spent 10 years as Principal and retired in 2011. When she retired, the school decided to name a Community Service award in her honor. Janet felt very strongly that "students in our school community had both the capacity and obligation to find ways to serve others and the community." She had overseen the introduction of the Service Learning program to Crocker in 2007 that was led by Crocker teacher Audrey Fairchild. This program offered students a variety of opportunities that included beach cleanups, serving meals to the homeless, and tutoring students at local transitional housing. Janet led by example and began serving on the board of Shelter Network for several years. Janet states, "It pleases me that honoring students for service to the community is equal in value academic achievement."
The Janet Chun Community Service Award
Janet Chun was principal of Crocker Middle School for 10 years. The duty and responsibility of service to others is a value that Mrs. Chun modeled in both her personal life and in her role as principal. Ever mindful of the fact that the student of today is the citizen of tomorrow, she supported and encouraged Crocker students to step out into the world and see for themselves that there is a great need for compassionate, caring world citizens, and she worked tirelessly with staff to promote and provide opportunities for Crocker students to become those citizens. This award is given each year to the Crocker student who best exemplifies the spirit of service, altruism and humanitarian work. This award will also include a $100 donation in the recipient's name to the charity of their choice.
From the Crocker Handbook (2014-2015)
Janet Chun retired as Crocker principal in 2011. She always wanted to keep the focus on the students of Crocker and she did not want a retirement party. The student council wanted to do something to show support for her years of service to the school, so a charity run was organized. Janet requested that the funds from this event be put to causes that would benefit the community and campus.
The Chun Run raised over $6500 to support efforts that would benefit the school and larger community.
The Crocker Mural was completed in 2012.
The ball wall on the blacktop was completed in 2016.
Sources:
Crocker Yearbooks
Personal Photos of Janet Chun
Interviews with Janet
Interview with Marilyn Loushin-Miller
Crocker Handbook
Correspondence with former winners