NORWALK - Richard Aragon, a Buena Park resident and automotive professor at Cerritos College, received the Los Angeles County Industrial Technology Education Association (LACITEA) Community College Teacher of the Year Award.The annual award is among the highest honors given to a technology education community college teacher and is presented in recognition of outstanding contributions to the profession and students. "His dedication to the program and most importantly his students' success is the driving force behind his commitment," said Steve Berklite, instructional dean of the Technology Division at Cerritos College. "He works tirelessly to improve instruction and to advance the technology he teaches. This is a well-deserved honor." Aragon, who also serves as the college's Chrysler College Automotive Program coordinator, has taught in the Cerritos College automotive technology program since 1994. Hundreds of students have filled the need for qualified technicians in local Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep dealerships. Aragon is also responsible for the facility and instruction in the area of brakes and suspension within the automotive program. "Richard was the most outstanding instructor I ever had," said automotive program graduate Gerardo Oka. "He absolutely deserves (the award), not only for his knowledge but also for his kindness and commitment to students. I wish I were there to congratulate him in person."

********** Published: June 9, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 8