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Camille’s honors Miyamura’s Navarra as ‘Teacher of the Month’

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Winner is in second year of teaching financial literacy at MHS

Jose Navarra is the latest area educator to be recognized as Teacher of the Month by staffers at Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe. The restaurant, located in downtown Gallup and owned by local businessman James Rich, lauds a teacher each month of the year.

“It’s something that we do every month to honor an area educator,” Jennifer Kerr, director of restaurant support and a spokeswoman for the restaurant, said. “The winners have come from schools all over McKinley County and from all teaching levels.”

A native of the Philippines, Navarra, 34, teaches financial literacy at Miyamura High School. He taught at Crownpoint High School for five years prior to his two-year stint at Miyamura. Navarra, who has served in the US Army, said he’s elated to be recognized for the award.

In winning the honor, Navarra received a car-care kit and tickets to free meals and discounts at Camille’s and Taco Bell in Gallup.

“It’s a very nice honor,” Navarra said. Navarra possesses a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from a university in the Philippines. “It’s not something that you expect to win.”

Kerr said each recipient of the honor is nominated by customers who frequent Camille’s. She said winners are randomly chosen.

Jack McFarland, principal at Miyamura High, said Navarra has been a model employee and has helped students understand the finer points of business math and finance. “Well done,” McFarland said of Navarra receiving the recognition. “He’s does a good job and the honor is evidence of it.”

Navarra said he’s particularly pleased that he won the award this year, as 2016 might be his last in the United States due to immigration reasons. He said he’ll know his immigration status within the next several months.

By Bernie Dotson
Sun Correspondent

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