2025 Distinguished Service Award Recipients

Ofelia Hinojosa

Principal, Fontana High School

Fontana Unified School District

Ofelia Hinojosa has dedicated over 30 years to the Fontana Unified School District, with more than a decade committed to the students and staff of Fontana High School as principal. Throughout her career - as a math teacher, an assistant principal, and principal - Ofelia has demonstrated exceptional leadership, an unwavering commitment to student success and a passion for fostering an inclusive school community, transforming the school climate and elevating the student and staff experience.

Her passion for education has been met with results. Ofelia’s strategic vision and tireless efforts have propelled Fontana High School from a school in need of improvement to one of the district’s top-performing sites. She has opened doors for students by providing them with equitable opportunities despite their socio-economic circumstances and empowering them to excel. Having once been told she was not "college material," Ofelia is committed to dismantling similar barriers for her students by expanding career-based pathways for those entering the workforce while reinforcing that all students can succeed in higher education.

One of Ofelia’s most notable accomplishments is the increase in student achievement. She has introduced initiatives such as targeted faculty professional development and the integration of AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) strategies in all classrooms, directly improving instructional quality. Additionally, she expanded the Seal of Biliteracy program, increasing participation from 50 students in 2013 to 246 in 2024, making Fontana High School the district’s leader in this recognition.

Beyond academic achievements, Ofelia is a pillar of support, known for her open-door policy, compassionate leadership, and dedication to fostering a positive school culture.

Vivian Shaw

RIMS AVID Scholarship Foundation Chairperson

San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools

As a dedicated leader in the AVID College Readiness System, Vivian Shaw has been a transformative force in Southern California, influencing the academic futures of students across San Bernardino, Riverside, Inyo, and Mono counties for decades.

Her journey with the AVID program began in 1999 when she became the first AVID teacher in San Bernardino County at Colton High School. For nearly 10 years, she has equipped students with essential skills - time management, note-taking, writing and interview techniques – while guiding them through the college application process. In addition to practical skills, Vivian organized field trips to various colleges across the state, exposing students to possibilities they might not have otherwise considered. Because of her encouragement, her legacy lives on in the success of her students, many of whom have gone on to become educators, professionals and leaders in their communities.

Even in retirement, her dedication to student success by way of AVID has never wavered. As Chairperson of the RIMS AVID Scholarship Foundation, she has provided crucial financial support to college-bound AVID seniors who demonstrate both academic potential and a commitment to higher education. Under her leadership, the program has grown substantially from awarding 37 scholarships of $1,000 to 118 scholarships of $1,500. Since its inception, under Vivian’s leadership, the fund provided over $1,000,000 in college scholarships for graduating AVID students and now distributes more than $110,000 in AVID scholarships annually. Vivian remains a driving force in expanding educational access for underrepresented students. Her vision, advocacy and unwavering commitment continue to empower future generations, leaving a lasting legacy in the region.