SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today congratulated the third California educator this year to receive a Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award.

Cyndi Paik, an assistant principal at California Elementary in the Orange Unified School District, learned she received a Milken award during a surprise assembly today at her school. She is one of 100 winners across the nation presented with this award this year. Davide Busetti of Santa Ana (Santa Ana Teacher Receives Milken Award - Year 2004) and Christine Wood of Bakersfield (Second Teacher wins Milken Award - Year 2004) were given the same awards this fall.

"Ms. Paik has demonstrated exceptional leadership as an assistant principal," said O'Connell. "Her ability to bring together the diverse needs of students, their parents, and staff should serve as a model for other leaders. Once again, I would like to thank the Milken Family Foundation for honoring the very best educators in the nation."

Paik is described by her colleagues as being an extraordinarily young yet natural leader with a depth of knowledge and insight that cannot be taught. Paik has the unique ability to promote collaboration among parents and staff in teaching children that helps promote student success. Test scores also have gone up since she's been on the job, which her colleagues attribute to Paik's involvement with teachers and her adoption of an English-language arts program of instruction.

Educators are considered for this prestigious honor without their knowledge by a blue-ribbon panel appointed by each state's department of education. They are judged on factors such as exceptional educational talent that is evidenced by outstanding instructional practices in the classroom, school, and profession; outstanding accomplishments and strong long-range potential for professional and policy leadership; and having an engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues, and the community at large.

Lowell Milken is the chairman and co-founder of the Milken Family Foundation. He created the largest teacher recognition program, the National Educator Awards, in 1985 to celebrate the nation's most outstanding teachers, principals, and specialists in K-12 education. Since the program's inception, a total of 2,077 educators in 47 states and the District of Columbia have been recognized and received $50 million in Foundation awards. For more information, please visit Milken Family Foundation [http://www.mff.org] (Outside Source).

Paik will receive an unrestricted $25,000 award. She may be reached at California Elementary at 714-997-6104, extension 4388.