Professional Awards and Honors:

Phi Theta Kappa International Honor
Society, 2013

Proclamation, Clark County, Las Vegas
Nevada 2005

Walt Disney Teacher of the Year Nominee,
2002
Best Education Display, Black Expo, 2002

Certificate of Recognition, United States Golf
Association, 2000

Certificate of Recognition, 5th District
California Legislature, 2000

Who’s Who Among American Poets and
Educators, 1997

Literary Recognition, State of California
Legislature, 1996

Literary Recognition, California State Senate,
1996

Letter of Commendation, Youth Employment
Service, State of California Youth Authority,
1989

U.S. Army: National Defense Service Medal,
Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign
Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm,
Good Conduct Medal

Two-time Pulitzer Prize nominee. Nominated
for the Coretta Scott King Book Award,
John Newbery Medal and Caldecott Book Award