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In Loving Memory of Stephanie Adegbenro
The Porterville Educators Association honors the life and legacy of Stephanie Adegbenro—an extraordinary educator, union leader, and tireless advocate for teachers and students. For over twenty-six years, Stephanie served the Porterville Unified School District with compassion, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to her school communities.
As a classroom teacher and as Vice President of PEA, Stephanie was a fearless and principled voice for educators. She advocated relentlessly for fairness, dignity, and respect, believing deeply in the collective power of educators standing together. Her courage, determination, and willingness to speak up for others embodied the very heart of our union.
While her passing leaves an immeasurable loss, Stephanie’s fighting spirit and commitment to justice will continue to live on within PEA. Her legacy will guide our work, inspire our advocacy, and strengthen our resolve to protect and uplift educators for generations to come.
Stephanie’s influence endures in the lives of the students she served, the colleagues she mentored, and the community she loved. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
We invite our members and community to help us honor Stephanie by sharing your memories, kind words, and stories. Your reflections will help keep her legacy alive and will be featured on a dedicated memorial page on the PEA website.
You may participate in any of the following ways:
• Complete the reflection form: https://forms.gle/515r6hzhTBGAU7CK6
• Email your message or photos to peatestimonies@gmail.com
Thank you for helping us remember and celebrate Stephanie’s life, service, and lasting impact.
Candlelight Vigil in Memory of Stephanie
Candlelight Vigil in Memory of Stephanie
The Candlelight Vigil in honor of Stephanie was held on Monday, January 26, 2026, at Centennial Park in Porterville, California.
We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who attended and supported this meaningful gathering. Your presence reflected the deep love, respect, and admiration that so many held for Stephanie. Although she is no longer physically with us, her spirit continues to live on in the countless hearts she touched throughout her life.
Stephanie’s kindness, dedication, and compassion left a lasting impact on our students, colleagues, and community. The vigil served as a powerful reminder that her legacy will continue through the lives she inspired and the relationships she built.
We are grateful to all who came together in remembrance and solidarity. May we continue to honor her memory by carrying forward the values she embodied and the light she shared with all of us.
The Executive Board from PEA
Kings Tulare UniServ Chapter Leadership Conference
Kings Tulare UniServ Chapter Leadership Conference
On Saturday, August 11, 2025, Stephanie, along with other executive board members, attended the Uniserv Chapter Leadership Conference. This is just one of many examples of how Stephanie dedicated her personal time to learning how to better advocate for students at PUSD.
Although you are no longer physically with us, your spirit remains strong within our community. Your legacy lives on, and we will continue to advocate for all students—especially those who are underserved and underprivileged—throughout PUSD.
With gratitude and love,
PEA Executive Board
When I decided to switch careers from professional singer to teacher, Steph was ecstatic and very encouraging. She is my cousin and teaching runs rampant in our family. She and 2 of my uncles kept in touch more often than they already had. She kept promising I would love teaching as much or more than the career of an opera guy. All the words and all the love and encouragement she gave is something she doesn't do for family, but she does for everyone. Whether you're blood or not she looks at everyone as family. I love you, Prima! - Efrain Martinez
Stephanie Adegbenro was my 6th grade teacher in 2014. I loved her as if she was my own mother and she loved each and every one of us in that class. She was one of my biggest influences on wanting to becoming a teacher and every time I saw her out in public she reminded me to continue going to school to achieve my dreams. I will always honor her and cherish the moments I have with her. She helped me through difficult situations while I was in class and I will forever see her as that loving person. - Lupita
Rest in Power Amiga
My little one went to preschool for two years before entering TK and it was faces and connections like hers that made me feel safe and just warm inside continuing our experience at West Putnam Elementary School. She would often do morning supervision near bus area & always hype my little one up with his sports gear he had on or just saying hello daily. I can't imagine all the souls she made a difference with all this time may she rest in peace - Yvette Teran
Stephanie's Spirit will live on in those she Loved and touched in her every day walk of Life. Truly an exceptional Lady, a Warrior...our lives are Blessed and Better because of Stephanie. Thank you PEA for your Loving, Heartfelt Tribute to Stephanie, a remarkable woman who lived her life Loving, caring, and serving others. Miss you my Forever Friend... - Vickie Salcido Banks
I had the honor to work and be friends with Stephanie for many years.
Stephanie was a unique and beautiful soul fearless, giving, and deeply dedicated to her students and people she loved. She was strong in ways that mattered most, always thinking of others before herself, always showing up for both the joyful moments and the difficult ones. No matter the circumstance, Stephanie was there.
Her laughter had a way of filling any room, lifting spirits without effort, and her bright, warm smile faced every problem with courage and grace. She met life head-on, never backing down, never losing her compassion. She was a true warrior a fighter who remained resilient until the very end.
Above all, Stephanie cared deeply for those close to her. Her love, strength, and selflessness left an imprint that will never fade. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit lives on in the lives she touched, the love she gave, and the courage she showed every day. She will always be remembered, cherished, and missed beyond words.
She will forever have a special place in my heart. - Gabriela Robles
Una maestra excepcional dedicada amable que en lo personal ayudó a mi hijo sin importar que le costaba mucho trabajo aprender por su lento aprendizaje ella siempre estuvo ahí para lo que necesitara apesar qué fue un año difil por la pandemia siempre estarémos agradecidos con ella. Dios la tenga en un lugar especial. - Blanca & Richie
Stephanie was a strong advocate for all educators as well as her students and community. She advocated on the national level, state level, Kings/Tulare level, and community level. We are all lucky to have known her. - Alicyn Thomas Cawley
Stephanie was an amazing educator, advocate and wonderful woman and friend. I share to her family my condolences and send prayers this shining light will be missed.
Rest in peace my friend - Matos-Brown
Who rocks the house the Tigers rock the house best part of my elementary years - Annabel Aparicio
One my favorite teachers, such an inspiring soul! Her classroom was a safe space for me and so many others! I strive to be half the teacher she was - Bri Torres
It is with great sadness we share the passing of Stephanie Adegbenro. Stephanie was an active member of the Tulare Kings Service Center. She is a former Vice Chair for the service center. Stephanie was also a long time National Education Association Representative Assembly Delegate.
We will mis her warm smile and infectious positivity at meetings. - Tulare Kings Service Center
Thank you Mrs. Adegbreno for being a wonderful loving and caring teacher to my Maia - Michelle De La Rosa
As Stephanie and I were the only 6th grade teachers at West Putnam Elementary, I had the privilege of working with her for several years. We did everything as a team and for the benefit of the students we had. Attending meetings, trainings, field trips, and especially Scicon, will forever be, special memories. Eternally grateful for her friendship and getting to know who she really was on a day to day basis. She was a dedicated educator and wanted her students to succeed. - Sean Phillips
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