A proud alumna of Sultana Elementary School and De Anza Middle School and is currently a classroom teacher at Sultana. Linnie has been a part of OMSD for the last 53 years. Attending Sultana since first grade, Linnie returned to OMSD as a teacher. Following in her parents footsteps of volunteerism and credo of giving back to the community, Linnie has volunteered as a Sultana PTA parent and in the library. Linnie is inspired by her parents and her late husband, who also being a product of OMSD, encouraged her to inspire to teach the students that they can become anything and go anywhere their dreams can imagine. Linnie's mother started the first library at Sultana Elementary School. One of Mrs. Gillum’s favorite quotes is by her father, Bill Holt, who said, “You may never know the real difference you make in a child’s life. The toughest kid is the one who needs you the most.” Linnie’s advice to her educator peers is to let their students know that they care for them since her experience has been that when trust is built, then the walls come down and real learning can happen. She encourages parents to teach their children that being successful and happy has to include giving of themselves to others since our children are our hope for a peaceful future. For Mrs. Gillum, excellence is living with passion. Whatever you endeavor to do, put all of yourself into it. For these reasons, the Ontario-Montclair School District recognizes and celebrates Mrs. Madeline “Linnie” Gillum as a 2015-2016 Model of Excellence. Her commitment to excellence is certain to motivate and inspire current and future generations of OMSD students, educators, parents, and community members.