Two Poway Unified Employees Honored with Lighthouse Awards at 2023 Equity Conference

(San Diego, CA) – The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) honored nine individuals for their leadership and commitment to educational equity as Lighthouse Awards winners. Two of the nine awardees are from Poway Unified School District.

 

❖ Molly Engblom, Tierra Bonita Elementary School Counselor: No Place for Hate Award
❖ Tram Le-Harkins, Mt. Carmel High School English Teacher: Turnaround Teacher Award

 

The SDCOE Lighthouse Awards are given annually to people who are beacons in the educational community by channeling and leading others in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Honorees were recognized during the 2023 Equity Conference in late January. 

 

The No Place for Hate Award is given to an active No Place for Hate member who demonstrates leadership in their role both on campus and in the community.

 

Molly Engblom is a school counselor for Tierra Bonita Elementary School and runs the campus No Place for Hate program. She supports students who make the pledge to help create an accepting, No Place for Hate community. Molly is committed to supporting students in a variety of ways through activities that are valuable, engaging and restorative. She ensures her campus has inclusive learning environments for all students. 

 

The Turnaround Teacher Lighthouse Award honors a teacher who embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion, and has helped achieve positive social and academic outcomes for students.

 

Tram Le-Harkins is an English Teacher at Mt. Carmel High School, where she is a strong voice and advocate for the school’s equity work. She openly shares her personal experiences and encourages others to share their own in order to help the community understand racial challenges some face. In her Ethnic Literature class, she provides opportunities for students to discuss their personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences as it relates to the role of race in their lives and in broader society.