Dianne Quinby-Anders left an indelible mark as an educational leader in Ventura County during her 37-year career. Teaching across all levels from preschool to university, she utilized her expertise, energy, and accomplishments to positively impact the lives of thousands of students. Her active role in the community underscored her commitment to education, demonstrating her dedication to shaping young minds and fostering a love for learning.

Dianne embarked on her teaching career in 1968, following her graduation with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences and the attainment of her Life Standard Elementary and Standard 7-12 credentials. Her first teaching position was in the San Lorenzo School District, where she spent one year before transitioning to the Pleasant Valley School District in 1969. After several years of teaching in Pleasant Valley, Dianne expanded her horizons by spending five years with Conejo Valley Adult Education and Moorpark Community College. Returning to the Pleasant Valley School District in 1976, she brought with her new credentials, including a Specialist in Early Childhood Education. In her role as the district resource teacher for Early Childhood Education and School Improvement, Dianne furthered her education by completing a Master of Arts in Education and earning her Administrative Credential. Her journey continued as she became the Instructional Leader at Santa Rosa School for one year. Subsequently, she returned to the classroom for four years. In 1985, Dianne began her administrative career as the Teaching Principal of Bedford Open School. Then served as the Principal of Santa Rosa School, where her leadership was instrumental in transforming the staff into district leaders in curriculum development.

Dianne’s leadership extended to Las Colinas School, a K-6 school, where she also oversaw the construction of Tierra Linda Elementary. Upon its completion, she became the Principal of Tierra Linda, guiding it to achieve California Distinguished School status and consistently high API levels above 800. In 2001, Dianne was Principal at La Mariposa School while simultaneously managing Tierra Linda. She played a pivotal role in opening La Mariposa by assembling a strong staff and setting a standard of excellence that endures. Although she retired in 2003, Dianne

remained active in education, serving as a field supervisor for student teachers at Pepperdine University and California Lutheran University for the next two years.

Former colleague Judy Crenshaw, a member of the Ventura County Educators’ Hall of Fame, Class of 2013, praised Dianne’s exceptional leadership skills.

Similarly, Fred J. Phipps, Ventura County Educators’ Hall of Fame, Class of 2021, nominated Dianne and endorsed her contributions, noting her innovative teaching methods and positive relationships with staff, students, and parents.

On a personal note, Dianne is the mother/stepmother of four beautiful children, Deborah Vellmure, David Harms, Kurt Anders and Christina Anders. And she was married to fellow educator and PVSD Administrator, Erich Anders, who passed away in 2018.

In 1984 Ken became the very first person to hold a Smog license issued in the State of California. He actually helped write the test for Vehicle Smog Certification in California. Ken was a strong environmental advocate and believed in the need to regulate emissions, clean up and improve the quality of the air that people had to breathe. This was a passion of his.

He went back to school at night, after running his business all day, and obtained his Bachelors and then Masters degrees. Ken then began teaching automotive repair certification at the Ventura Regional Occupation Center-he was then hired by Oxnard College to teach Automotive Tech and Smog Certification Programs. Ken taught at Oxnard College for 30+ years.

In this automotive tech classes, he emphasized customer service- and an image of honesty and integrity in the local community. He knew the best way to do business, as a mechanic, was to let people talk about the good treatment and service that they had received.

Ken Gorenflo was born in Brookhaven Mississippi, but lived a full and meaningful life in Ventura County for 73 years. Ken passed away December 4, 2017.

In 2008, Billie Jean began volunteering on the board of the Educators’ Hall of Fame, demonstrating her passion and enthusiasm for serving the educators of Ventura County. She dedicated her time and energy to ensuring that educators in Ventura County were treated with dignity and celebrated at the Hall of Fame’s annual Induction dinner. Her unexpected passing on April 17, 2023, deeply saddened the community. Billie Jean was born on June 4, 1967. She graduated from Adolfo Camarillo High School in 1985 and then attended Cal State Northridge, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree. In 1988, she was crowned Miss Camarillo. She is survived by her daughter, Alexis Valenzano, her mother, Donna Katzen, her sisters Marty Sudman, Becky Herbert, Kim Kavanagh, and her brother, Anthony Moreland. Despite facing health challenges, her lifelong ambition was to become an English and Drama teacher. She was unable to fulfill this dream, but upon discovering the Ventura County Educators’ Hall of Fame she found a new purpose. She devoted herself to honoring exceptional educators, administrators, and school staff and to preserving the esteemed heritage of the teaching profession in the United States. Billie Jean conscientiously served for 15 years until her passing. At Hall of Fame events, Billie Jean was often found working behind the scenes, ensuring that everything ran smoothly. She was a social butterfly and cherished her involvement with the Hall of Fame. Her absence will be deeply felt as each passing year serves as a reminder of her profound impact.

In January of 2023, it was decided that Billie Jean would run and organize the next Hall of Fame Induction dinner-this very event held today, Billie Jean was enthusiastically looking forward to this. Sadly, because of her untimely passing, this was not to occur. Billie Jean was an extraordinary person who will be sorely missed. She was our Billie Jean.

Dr. Lawrence E. Miller is fondly remembered for his unwavering dedication as a teacher, coach, and administrator in the Oxnard Union School District, where he served from 1994 to 2018.

Larry’s journey in education began after he graduated from Hueneme High School in 1970. His passion for learning never waned, leading him to complete a master’s degree at Grand Canyon University to become a high school administrator. He then accepted roles as Assistant Principal at both Oxnard and Pacifica High Schools. During this period, he earned his Doctorate in Sport Psychology.

While continuing his role as Assistant Principal at Pacifica High School, Larry was selected as an instructor in the Kinesiology Department at Cal State, Northridge. There, he took great pride in mentoring students. Following his tenure at Cal State, Larry spent a few years at Oak Park High School then applied for the position of head football coach at Hueneme High School. Notably, in 1969, he was honored with the Thom McCann Award as the top football player in Ventura County.

Reflecting on Larry’s impact, Jim Benkert, Head Football Coach at Simi Valley High School, recalled, “I first met Larry Miller in the spring of 1989 when he came onto the practice field at Westlake High School seeking an interview to help coach football. From his first day on the field, it was evident he was born to coach. The players were drawn to him, and his signature ‘Yabba Dabba’ greeting became a staple.”

Larry’s legacy also left an influence on his family. His nephew, Keary Colbert, a former Hueneme High School football player from the class of 2000, shared, “Growing up in Oxnard, I always heard about my Uncle Larry’s remarkable legacy as a Hueneme High School running back, a journey that took him to Fresno State University and into the Canadian Football League. After his playing career ended, he was determined to give back to his community in South Oxnard. His goal was to be a resource for the next generation of Vikings and guide them towards higher education. Upon his return to Hueneme High School as a teacher and Head Football Coach, the football team was struggling, having won only twice in 50 games. One of my Uncle’s greatest strengths as a head coach was his ability to hire exceptional assistant

coaches from within the community and his talent for leading and motivating his players. Coach Miller was devoted to enhancing the lives of those around him.”

Though Larry passed away in 2022, his legacy endures through his children: Zachary, Natasha, Amber, Rashad, and Jimmy.