Annie Cunial has always found ways to make learning fun.

While she was at Golden West and French Camp elementary schools – Cunial was program coordinators at both Manteca Unified school sites – she brought in an assortment of guest speakers from various occupations for the annual Career Days.

As part of the Great Valley Bookfest, Cunial organized the “Sip & Spell” spelling bees, putting adults to the test with challenging words such as “chrestomathy” or “pulchritude” while sipping a glass of vino from one of the local wineries.

The Great Valley Bookfest recently honored Cunial with the Literacy Hero Award.

 “In her hometown (of Manteca) and throughout San Joaquin County, Annie Cunial has diligently worked to promote and celebrate literacy,” said Melissa King, who chairs the award committee. “Her unfailing efforts to help students succeed, to help teachers reach their full potential, and to assist community programs that support education have made a real difference in our region.”

For the past eight years, Cunial has worked at the San Joaquin County Office of Education, serving as Coordinator of Student Events.

She been in charge of the county and state Spelling Bees, Academic Decathlon, Academic Pentathlon, Mock Trial, and other events.

Cunial currently serves as a director of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math of STEM.

She began her career in the classroom in 1992, working with students by teaching primary grades – junior high, high school, and even the adult ESL program.

After a decade or so at Golden West and French Camp – she also developed and implemented the after-school tutoring programs – Cunial went on to become an influential member of the Great Valley Bookfest. 

From 2015 to 2018, she served as a liaison between the Bookfest’s leadership committee and the various school districts throughout San Joaquin County, bringing public awareness about the Bookfest programs with increases in the annual attendance.

“It’s important not only to promote literacy, but also to recognize and celebrate it – which is what the Great Valley Bookfest does,” said Cunial on her fun-filled approach towards education. 

In addition, she has a long history of her volunteer efforts in the community, supporting Calla 4-H, Sierra High School, St. Anthony’s Church, the Stockton Symphony Education Committee, and the Leadership Stockton Alumni Association, just to name a few.