Caryl Patten, a seventh and eighth grade teacher at Glendale Adventist Elementary School, for many years has been known to her students and their parents as an outstanding junior high English and reading teacher. This fact recently became more widely known when Patten was recognized by the Alumni Awards Foundation (AAF) at their 2007 annual convention in Scottsdale, Ariz.

At that event, Patten was one of 11 teachers who were honored this year, receiving the Excellence in Teaching Award. Created by the Alumni Achievement Awards in partnership with the North American Division, the award provided an opportunity to recognize and express appreciation to teachers who maintain high spiritual and academic standards and dedicate themselves to excellence in Adventist education.

"The quality of Caryl's teaching is unparalleled," said Glen Baker, Glendale Adventist Academy principal. "She has been an outstanding teacher in the junior-high division of GAA for 12 years and has been an integral part of our school's success. Her reputation as a wonderful teacher and caring Christian provides an excellent role model for all teachers."

Patten is a product of the Adventist educational system. She received her primary education at Pomona Junior Academy, her high school diploma from San Gabriel Academy and her B.S. degree from La Sierra University. She has since earned several educational certifications, which benefit both her and her students. Patten is a member of the National Middle School Association and the National Council of Teachers of English and resides with her husband, Clif, and two children in Simi Valley, Calif.