WESTMINSTER : 3 Honored for Work on Behalf of Students

The Westminster School District’s PTA lauded a dentist, a dancer and the district’s superintendent last week with Honorary Service Awards for their work on behalf of students.

Huntington Beach dentist Robert Stella won recognition for providing free dental screenings for more than 8,000 elementary school students in the Westminster and Ocean View school districts during the past three years. He has also provided free cleanings, dental work and emergency care to low-income families referred by school nurses, district spokeswoman Audrey Brown said.

Tim Nelson, a 12-year music teacher, was honored for his enthusiasm on the job and his volunteer work. In addition to teaching music and drama at three elementary schools, he has directed several school choirs, provided entertainment at district events and served as director of the district’s Foundation for Educational Excellence variety show for three years, Brown said.

The PTA also honored Supt. Gail Wickstrom for her dedication since joining the district in 1991, including working to defeat the 1993 school voucher initiative, which would have provided tax money for parents to spend on public or private schools.