Anna Garcia, the mother of current fifth-grade student Kyle Garcia, was a student in her first class in 1973.

Set to retire this summer, Winston received the prestigious Golden Oak award during Founders' Day festivities two weeks ago. The event, which has been held at the school for more than 70 years, is hosted by the PTA.

"I feel very honored and very lucky because I love who I work with," said Winston, a longtime hills resident.

Parents and colleagues have been very supportive throughout Winston's 30-plus-year teaching career at Montclair, she said. And there are no plans to just let that go when she retires, Winston said.

"I'm going to help new teachers as a teacher coach," she said. "I feel I have a lot to share with new teachers."

When she's not traveling during retirement, Winston plans to stay active at the Oakland Zoo and the Oakland Museum of California, where she has volunteered her time over the years.

Other teachers and parents were also honored at Founders' Day, a luncheon and awards event held at the school April 30.

Teachers Toni Morozumi and Geoff Luce received honorary service awards, as did parents Claire Donaldson, Janet Bridges, Mike Howley, Ophelia Jayme and Tina Fernandez. The honors were bestowed for leadership and volunteer efforts throughout the year, organizers said.

Reach Mike Adamick at madamick@cctimes.com or (510) 748-1682.

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