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Sierra Highs Larry Grimes receives $10K teaching award
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Larry Grimes, Sierra High School’s Science Department Chairman who teaches Biology, Physiology, and AP Biology, is the recipient of the prestigious Cortopassi award for 2013.

The announcement was made during the Board of Trustees meeting Tuesday night. Grimes, who holds two doctorate degrees, — philosophy of science and science education – received the award from Sierra High Principal Steve Clark.

Along with the recognition plaque, the Cortopassi award came with a $10,000 cash prize — $5,000 for Grimes and the remaining $5,000 given to the school to enhance the Timberwolves’ science department.

The Excellence in Teaching Awards is presented every year by the Cortopassi Family Foundation of Stockton.

“Dr. Grimes is one of the finest teachers I have known in my 20 years in public education,” Clark said before presenting the plaque to Grimes.

Grimes is also a teacher who gives his lunch hour to tutor students, Clark added.

In 2011, the Cortopassi Award for math and science went to Manteca High School teacher Doug Obrigawitch.

The Cortopassi Family Foundation gives out five awards to teachers in science, math or alternative education for at-risk youth from public or charter high schools in San Joaquin County. The foundation has awarded more than $170,000 to area teachers and their schools since its inception in 2009.

Other announcements made during Tuesday’s Board of Trustees meeting:

• East Union High School Principal John Alba is retiring. Named to succeed him at the Lancers’ top post was Raul Mora, vice principal of Manteca High School.

• Athletic directors Anthony Chapman of Sierra High School, and Bill Slikker of Lathrop High School were honored and recognized by the board for being Sac-Joaquin Section Athletic Directors of the Year.

• Manteca Unified School District was honored by the Department of Defense for extraordinary support of employees who serve in the California National Guard and Reserve. The recognition came with the “Seven Seals” award, which is the highest recognition presented by the California Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, an agency of the Department of Defense.