RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA – American Sign Language (ASL) teacher Danyel Smith wasn’t quite sure why most of the student body, fellow faculty and staff were asked to gather in the gymnasium at Alta Loma High School Tuesday morning: “We were told it was a special assembly recognizing our school. But ultimately we didn’t know what today was about.”
She would soon find out – and what a surprise it was.
Smith, who also serves as World Language Department Chair for Alta Loma, was announced as California’s sole Milken Educator Award recipient for 2024-25. Along with the Award’s national recognition and membership to the Milken Educator Network, Smith received a $25,000 cash prize she can use however she chooses. She is the first recipient awarded in the Chaffey Joint Union High School District.
The crowd of more than 1,500 erupted in cheers as Awards Founder Lowell Milken announced Smith’s name.
“Exemplary educators like Danyel Smith have the important role of preparing students to advance successfully in learning and life,” Milken said. “Danyel’s positive impact is reflected in the tremendous popularity of the American Sign Language program at Alta Loma, her compassion for her students, and her dedication to her colleagues, school and broader community. We commend Danyel for choosing teaching as a profession and welcome her into the Milken Educator Network, where she will have powerful opportunities to broaden her reach. Congratulations.”
Smith joins a national network of over 3,000 Milken Educators spanning the Awards’ 37-year history as the nation’s preeminent teacher-recognition program. Hailed as the “Oscars of Teaching,” the Milken Educator Awards inspire educators, students and entire communities to “Celebrate, Elevate and Activate” the K-12 teaching profession and encourage young, capable people to pursue teaching as a career. More than $75 million in individual financial prizes and more than $145 million have been invested in the Milken Educator Award national network overall.
“I think I have finally stopped shaking,” Smith said “I don’t think it has settled in yet. I don’t think I’ve processed it all. I feel that as a teacher we kind of keep composure in front of students, but I am feeling all of the feelings. I’m unbelievably flattered.”
Outstanding educators such as Smith are not aware of their candidacy for the Award. Recipients are sought out while early- to mid-career for what they have achieved — and for the promise of what they will accomplish given the resources and opportunities afforded by the Award.
Smith has been instrumental in the growth of the school’s ASL program. She ignites students’ passion for ASL early, developing relationships with nearby elementary and middle schools through events such as “Sprouting Signers,” which allows her students to teach ASL to visiting elementary schoolers. Smith’s students enact their signing skills through Christmas caroling with the choir, signing the national anthem at school assemblies, and providing ASL translation for school events. Smith’s ASL level one (beginning) class has a 98% pass rate – with over 55% of incoming ALHS students choosing to take ASL year after year to fulfil their world language credit.
“We are incredibly proud of Danyel and so appreciative of the important work she does, not just on behalf of our students but the community at large. It’s unusual for a high school to offer ASL, so this kind of recognition helps uplift the importance of being able to offer this to our students,” said Dr. Mathew Holton, Superintendent of the Chaffey District. “It also reflects the outstanding work that is done day in and day out across our District by teachers who are dedicated to their profession and the students we serve.”
“It’s such an honor to be able to celebrate this distinguished recognition with Danyel and our entire campus community. She embodies what great teaching is all about – caring for our students, and preparing them not just for the next step in their educational journey, but for life,” said Jason Kaylor, Alta Loma’s Principal.
Smith’s students wholeheartedly agree.
“She’s like a mother. She’s very engaging, attentive and engaging. She puts her whole heart into everything she does and everyone she communicated with,” said Sabrina Tepper, a junior at Alta Loma.
“I came (to Alta Loma) during my first year and I was kind of far behind. She got me caught up. She’s just very special. Very inspiring,” said Luke Foreman, a senior.
“Mrs. Smith teaches me in a way that just makes me understand. I love her. She always there for me,” said Mya Moya, a junior.
For more on information, please visit MilkenEducatorAwards.org or call the Milken Family Foundation at (310) 570-4772 .
