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| From left, Amy Illingworth ('15) and Cynthia Larkin (’13) |
San Diego State University alumni Amy Illingworth ('15) and Cynthia Larkin (’13) were honored as “beacons in the education community” at the San Diego County Office of Education's (SDCOE) annual Lighthouse Awards.
Illingworth, assistant superintendent of educational services at Encinitas Union School District, earned the Equity Champion award. Larkin, principal at San Diego’s Morse High School, earned the Turnaround School Site Leader award. Both are graduates of SDSU’s Educational Leadership (PK-12) Ed.D. program.
Illingworth was recognized for her work to adopt districtwide equity policies and practices. She led organizational equity planning and professional learning sessions for employees across the district.
“The Encinitas School Board and Equity Committee have worked hand-in-hand the last two years to advance our equity work on behalf of all students and staff,” said Illingworth, who has previously taught in SDSU’s educational leadership program.
“We are proud of the professional development sessions we led this year, where every single district staff member participated in three learning sessions focused on identity, representation and joy.
“As a system, this is and continues to be our focus.”
Larkin was lauded for her success at Morse in southeast San Diego — particularly her student-centered approach that makes students feel included, supported and cared for. At her school site, she created an Equity Leadership Team, embraced restorative justice practices and created a response team to meet the needs of struggling students.
“I really love Morse High School and I work extremely hard to ensure equitable outcomes for my students,” said Larkin, who was also recently named Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 18 High School Principal of the Year. “Leading equity work is challenging, but I am committed and devoted to leading this work. But it does take a village. Together, the Morse staff and I are working hard to make a positive difference in the lives of our students.”
Larkin and lllingworth received their awards at the San Diego County Office of Education's Equity Conference May 12-13.