On Friday, former Antioch Unified School District Trustee Dr. Clyde Lewis presented special awards and a grant to employees.
ANTIOCH, CA — In an emotional farewell at his final school board meeting, outgoing Antioch Unified School District Trustee Dr. Clyde Lewis mentioned that he would present special recognition awards to three district employees, to be selected by their district peers.
The awards, established in honor of Dr. Lewis’s late mother Jamesetta Watson, were presented to teachers Craig Pearson ($100), Julie Chamberlin ($25), and classified staff member Victor Urbina ($100).
“These scholarships are a small way to recognize the incredible contributions of our educators and support staff,” Dr. Lewis said during the presentation. “They are the lifeblood of our district.”
During his heartfelt address to attendees, Lewis reflected on his motivations for initially running for the board position. “I wanted to be a voice for students, teachers, staff, and families,” he explained. “I wanted to ensure our schools had the resources and support they needed to provide an excellent education for all.”
Lewis highlighted several achievements during his tenure, including increased funding for classroom supplies, technology upgrades across district schools, and expanded mental health resources for students. He also emphasized improved relationships with the teachers’ union, custodial staff, and administration.
The awards carry special significance for Lewis, whose mother worked tirelessly as a campus security officer throughout her career while raising her family. “To honor her legacy, I wanted to give recognition to our hard-working staff,” Lewis explained.
The teacher awards recognize the educators’ dedication to “developing the minds of our young people, which is noble beyond words,” according to Lewis. Pearson and Chamberlin were selected for their outstanding contributions to student success, while Urbina was recognized for his exceptional service as a member of the support staff.
In addition to the employee recognition awards, Lewis will also provide two (2) $200 scholarships for graduating seniors (one from Deer Valley and one from Antioch High), inspired by a close personal friend, Tracey Kareem Smith, who was fatally gunned down during his senior year of high school.
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