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MVSD News Release - Judge Puente Receives MVSD's Highest Honor, the Mountaineer Award

Posted Date: 08/28/26 (02:31 PM)


Circular Mountain View School District logo featuring four quadrants: an American flag, green mountains and trees, a student reading at a desk with the year “1868,” and a California bear with a red star, all bordered by the district name.

News Release

of the Mountain View School District

August 28, 2026

Judge Alma D. Puente Honored with our 2026 MVSD Mountaineer Award

Mountain View School District Mountaineer Award recipient Alma D. Puente stands holding her framed award alongside two family members following her 2026–27 recognition. A presentation screen behind them displays her photo and “Mountaineer Awardee 2026–2027.”
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Alma D. Puente celebrates with Joel Puente, husband, and one of her sons after receiving Mountain View School District’s 2026 Mountaineer Award on Aug. 6, 2026.
EL MONTE, Calif. – Mountain View School District proudly honored Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Alma D. Puente with the 2026 Mountaineer Award, the District's highest honor, during the August 6 Board of Education meeting.

The Mountaineer Award recognizes individuals and organizations whose leadership, support and commitment have made a meaningful difference for MVSD students, families and the community.

Judge Puente, a Former City of El Monte Council Member and longtime attorney, has been an important partner to Mountain View, particularly in supporting families during times of uncertainty. Through her leadership and partnership with the Mexican American Bar Association (MABA), MVSD hosted two free immigration law clinics that connected numerous community members with trusted legal guidance and individualized assistance.

"If I can inspire one little girl to know that she can accomplish whatever she dreams of...then my job's done."

-Judge Alma D. Puente

"One of the greatest responsibilities of leadership is serving others during times of uncertainty," Superintendent Raymond Andry, Ed.D., said while presenting the award. "True leaders bring people together, inspire confidence, and act with compassion when communities need them the most."

Earlier this year, Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Puente to serve as a judge on the Los Angeles County Superior Court, continuing a career dedicated to public service and expanding access to justice.

Judge Puente grew up in El Monte and is now raising her three sons in the community. During her acceptance remarks, she spoke about her relationship with Mountain View and what she has observed about the District's commitment to its families.

"One of the greatest responsibilities of leadership is serving others during times of uncertainty."

- Dr. Raymond Andry, Superintendent

"This school district keeps its fingers on the pulse of this community in a way that I've never seen before," Puente said. "The needs of this community are so apparent to this group of people. And it's not just in academics. It's in every single need that presents itself to these families and to these students."

She also shared what she hopes her journey to the bench can mean for the children growing up in the community today.

"If I can inspire one little girl in the city to understand that despite the fact that nobody in her family has been to college, that she doesn't know any lawyers, she doesn't know any doctors, she doesn't know any judges—if I can inspire one little girl to know that she can accomplish whatever she dreams of...then my job's done."

Judge Puente assured Mountain View educators that her commitment to the community remains "unwavering" and invited schools to continue calling upon her to speak with students, participate in career days and support MVSD schools.

As Dr. Andry shared during the presentation, "She has demonstrated that leadership is measured not by the positions we hold, but by the lives we touch and the hope we provide to others."

Congratulations, Judge Puente, and thank you for your continued commitment to Mountain View students, families and our community!
Mountain View School District Mountaineer Award certificate presented to Alma D. Puente, displayed in a black frame. Beside the certificate, text recognizes her exceptional leadership, compassionate service and support of Mountain View families, including her partnership with the Mexican American Bar Association to provide free immigration legal guidance to community members, and honors her advocacy, generosity and commitment to service.
The 2026 Mountaineer Award certificate reads:

In recognition of your exceptional leadership, compassionate service
and unwavering support of Mountain View families.

Through your partnership with the Mexican American Bar Association,
you helped provide free immigration legal guidance for numerous community members
during a time of profound uncertainty.

Your thoughtful commitment to serving others
sets an inspiring example of leadership and community service, while your advocacy
and personal generosity brought hope, dignity and meaningful assistance
to families in need and exemplify the highest ideals of the Mountaineer spirit.
 

📰 Mountain View in the News

This recognition was also recently featured by Mid Valley News. Click the button below to read more!
Read the Mid Valley News
 
Mountain View School District logo beside the district name and mission statement, “Inspiring Each Student to Succeed Every Day,” on a royal blue background.
About the Mountain View School District
The Mountain View School District serves students in preschool through 8th grade and is dedicated to preparing today’s students and tomorrow’s leaders for success. Following their mission to inspire each student to succeed every day, they are strongly committed to supporting the academic, social and emotional growth and achievement of all students. School counselors and mental health partners are available at every school supporting the development of the whole child. 

MVSD is proud to provide innovative learning experiences that prepare students to become problem solvers, critical thinkers, effective communicators and positive contributors to their community with programs like STEAM, Spanish Dual Immersion, AVID, Mandarin Enrichment, Visual and Performing Arts, Band, and a strong college bound culture, no-cost after school enrichment, care and instructional support, and comprehensive summer enrichment. MVSD is also proud to be one of the four Los Angeles County Disney Imagination Campus Districts.

Visit mtviewschools.com to learn more.

Contact:
Jocelyn Canel, Public Information Officer
3320 Gilman Rd. • El Monte, CA 91773

Phone: (626) 652-4953