Sam Kane served more than 51 years in education until his retirement after the 2020-2021 school year. He began his career in 1970 with the Conejo Valley District where he rose from teacher to counselor to administrator. Sam earned the praise of his colleagues, who celebrate his heart for kids, his amazing brain, and his willingness to do “Whatever it Takes!”

Sam taught math at Sequoia and Colina Middle Schools, Westlake High School, and Moorpark and Oxnard Colleges. He served as Sequoia’s Counselor from 1979 to 1983, then as Colina’s Counselor from 1983 to 2008. From 2009 through February 2021, he served as Counselor and Evening Administrator at Conejo Valley Adult School.

Known as a dedicated educator, Sam often extended himself far beyond his role as school counselor. For example, at Colina Middle, he conducted some 10 annual contests, including American Junior High School Math Contest, Cal Math League, and “Bees” in Spelling, Geography, History, Science, Art, and Music.

Sam initiated, and for 25 years sponsored, extracurricular student assistance groups/ programs: Special Friends (helping special needs student through mainstream experiences), Peer Helpers, Peer Tutors, Teen Topics, and Career Speakers.

At Colina Middle, in addition to being a full-time counselor, Sam created a comprehensive database and communication system that was used schoolwide from 1993 to 2006. He was Webmaster of ColinaMiddIe.org, for 15 years, expanding school news to the community at large. He further extended community outreach by sponsoring a field trip to the Museum of Tolerance, every year from 1993 – 2008, for 100 students in the 8th grade.

In 2009 Sam became the counselor and evening administrator at Conejo Valley Adult School, as well as Coordinator of the Learning Center (for earning an Adult High School Diploma) and Test Center (GED, IT, CBEST, CSET), and SAT Prep Program. He advanced the use of technology, establishing online registration, email marketing, social media interaction, in addition to serving as Webmaster of ConejoAduItSchooI.org for 12 years. The website and email outreach allowed for community needs surveys, as well as the promotion of programs to reach various sectors of the community.

Sam was a three-time chairperson of the Adult School’s WASC Accreditation application, each resulting in the school’s receiving maximum accreditation status.

Along with his many talents in the math classroom and as a counselor, Sam was at the technological forefront in the CVUSD, where he developed and implemented innovative programs that provided information between students, teachers, and parents. And at the Adult School, Sam was able to connect students and their educational experiences in the classroom to their aspirations and professional goals in the business world. When students were not sure where to turn next, he was able to offer a path forward.

Sam’s dedication to education led him to take on a leadership role as Counselor-Evening Administrator at the Adult School and his knowledge of community resources made him an invaluable asset to the students and staff alike.

His countless awards pay tribute to the five decades Sam devoted to his students, colleagues, and the community at large.

Richard “Dick” Mahlke dedicated 39 years to the Pleasant Valley School District before retiring in 1989.

He started in 1960 at Camarillo Heights where he taught sixth grade and served 17 years as the school’s Principal from 1964-1976. He went on to become Principal at the following schools: Las Posas (1976-1978), Los Nogales (1978-1987), and El Descanso from 1987-1989. After retiring from the Pleasant Valley School District, Dick supervised student teachers for several years at California Lutheran University.

His former colleagues praise him as an exceptional human being and educational leader. Often described as a “gentle giant,” Dick was known as “having heart,” and caring deeply for each student and staff member. He knew their names and the issues impacting their lives. Many recall that he went out of his way to make every staff member, teacher, student, and parent feel truly cared about. He remains friends with many to this day and was a faithful attendee of the CHS retirees’ lunches.

One of Dick’s many talents was singing in the school plays and his church choir. In addition, he taught himself to play several instruments. Among his many volunteer roles, he was also active with the Friends of Camarillo Library.

As a Principal, Dick was known to encourage creative and adventurous teaching techniques that helped new teachers gain confidence and establish a firm foundation for their careers. His gentle sense of humor and willingness to guide them made their job a joy. His former teaching staff remembers that while he was Principal everyone got along. The school had a pleasant atmosphere for the students and faculty alike. Knowledge blossomed schoolwide under Dick’s leadership.

Dick was known as a warm, fair, and caring Administrator. Each student was equal and worthy of his unique ability to reach them all. He took time during recess and lunch to get to know his pupils. As a result of his dedication, his students honored him when he transferred from Camarillo Heights Elementary School in 1976 to become Principal at Las Posas. When he left, the students sang a song to their departing Principal: “Everyone knows Mr. Mahlke is the finest man around…”

In addition to his service in the field of academics, Dick taught Sunday School at Peace Lutheran Church and led the Sunday School Program with his wife, Rhoda. There he was recognized as an outstanding leader. Dick also served his community at the Pleasant Valley Historical Society.