Science teacher Brian Bleser and Japanese teacher Hiroko Nomachi were recently given awards for teaching. Bleser won the WAVE award and Nomachi won the Eddy award. 

Bleser was awarded at a ceremony held by the Venice Chamber of Commerce Education Committee.

The ceremony was held at Coffee Connection on Venice and Centinela. 

“They have a big banquet hall there which was special for me because as a kid, it used to be an Italian restaurant named Bruno’s, that I used to go to,” said Bleser. 

Bleser won the award through nomination via his peers at Venice. 

“I think this award is really special because it’s not given by an outside organization, it’s actually given by my colleagues,” he said. 

Nomachi was awarded the Eddy by the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce at the 40th annual Eddy Awards. The ceremony was held at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel.

“It was very large scale in terms of the celebration,” Nomachi said. 

“Initially, I was surprised, but I am thankful for the recognition.”