South San Francisco, CA April 27, 2016 Submitted by John Horgan, SSFUSD 
Two schools in the South San Francisco Unified School District have been named recipients of coveted 2016 Kent Awards.
Martin Elementary School was honored for its Family Stories program which seeks to foster a positive literary experience for young students, most of whom are of Hispanic/Latino heritage.
Baden High School was given its award for its partnership with the Peninsula Humane Society. The partnership provides Baden students with an opportunity to work with, and care for, neglected or abused animals. In the process, pupils have a chance to consider possible careers in animal science.
The Kent Awards, named for former San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools J. Russell Kent, are awarded annually by the San Mateo County School Boards Association.
The awards honor innovative programs offered by San Mateo County public school districts, the County Office of Education and the County Community College District.
The 2016 Kent Awards banquet, at which the Martin and Baden programs will be feted, is scheduled for the evening of May 23 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Foster City.
Carrie DuBois, a member of the Sequoia Union High School District Board of Trustees, is the current president of the County School Boards Association.