Assemblymember Chris Ward

For the final day of , I am proud to present my second honoree, Peggy Bowman. Peggy has been a nurse for over 40 years! 30 of which, she has spent tirelessly working to help new mothers and infants at Sharp Mary Birch Hospital. Over her years of service, Peggy has impacted many patients lives, and the lives of her fellow coworkers. Her work to mentor and train fellow nurses is one just one of the reasons that so many look up to her. She has also been a proud union member of UNAC/UHCP constantly working towards improved patient outcomes and dignified lives and retirement for all nurses across San Diego. Please join me in congratulating Peggy! 🏥

Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns

Everyday, countless nurses work around the clock to make our healthcare system function and run smoothly👩‍⚕️ The practice of nursing isn’t always easy, but those who choose to care for others in our most vulnerable moments should be celebrated. Which is why for I’m happy to congratulate Elizabeth Pianka, an RN at Kaiser Permanente’s Zion Medical Center, as one of my Nurse of the Year Honorees. While working in the ER department, Elizabeth’s work is never predictable. I am grateful to have a nurse like Elizabeth, in our community with her focus on not only providing stellar patient care, but also uplifting her fellow nurses through her union UNAC/UHCP. 🏥💉🩺

Kaiser Permanente UNAC/UHCP

My final honoree for Teacher Appreciation Week is Laura Hopkins! Ms. Hopkins teaches first grade dual language at Golden Hill Elementary. What stood out to me about her nomination was all the positive energy Ms. Hopkins brings to the class room, her passion for teaching, and going above and beyond for her students! Her presence extends beyond the school day, where she regularly participates in extra curricular and PTO events, where she’s known for hyping up the crowd. It was a pleasure getting to recognize Ms. Hopkins in front of her class of first graders and getting to see that joy for educating firsthand! 👩‍🏫✏️

San Diego Unified School District

I’m proud to honor an exceptional educator, Mr. Jim Ryan Hernández, a film arts teacher at Patrick Henry High School. Nominated by a former student, they wrote, “He spent his days carefully grading assignments, demonstrating his commitment to connecting with us while also giving us the constructive feedback we needed to grow.” His lasting impact extends well beyond the classroom, and I’m grateful to have teachers like Mr. Hernández shaping the students of Assembly District 78. 👨‍🏫🎥📚

San Diego Unified School District