Music does the soul good and at Thousand Oaks High School it is transforming lives. Janna Santangelo has a gift that helps her students feel like they belong. Ms. Santangelo was recognized by Los Robles Health System on Wednesday, December 14th as the High School Recipient for the Hero’s Heart Award. An award that Los Robles started last year to honor teachers that continuously inspire our youth to be the best versions of themselves. As part of the award, Ms. Santangelo will receive a $1,000 prize. $750 to go towards her classroom or a wishlist item and $250 to be donated to a local non-profit of her choice.
Ms. Santangelo was the High School Teacher that received the most nominations for the high school category – not only from her students and their families but from co-workers and former students that are now Thousand Oaks High School alumni.
Numerous nominations from students mentioned that choir at Thousand Oaks High School was a favorite class because it has helped better their lives. Students described Ms. Santangelo as a teacher that is fun and someone that they could always count on for encouragement.
We all know that being a teenager comes with challenges and that “confidence” is certainly a trait that we learn throughout our formative years. Many students credit Ms. Santangelo with helping them step out of their comfort zone and inspiring them to try new things. Thanks to Ms. Santangelo’s kind words and care she has become a teacher that her students depend on and teaches classes that many of her students look forward to participating in. Her students thank Ms. Santangelo for the loving and positive environment that she creates—sharing positivity is definitely her superpower!
Congratulations to Ms. Santangelo, we are grateful to have extraordinary teachers like her inspiring our youth.