Former VUSD teacher and assistant principal honored five years after death

Chris Prewitt, husband, and father was out training for a marathon.

On the morning of April 7, 2014, Chris Prewitt, husband, and father was out training for a marathon when he was hit by a driver under the influence and passed away. Chris’ students described him as inspiring, with an ever-present smile and welcoming attitude. Two organizations will honor his spirit this month.  Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) recently hosted the Ventura County Walk Like MADD 5K in his honor, and the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) awarded the Chris Prewitt Eternal Optimist Award at a District-wide meeting on Tuesday, August 20, 2019.

Prewitt was a teacher at Foothill Technology High School (FTHS) from 2003-2012, after which he became an assistant principal at DeAnza Academy of Technology & the Arts (DATA).  He also coached the Buena High School girls water polo team for many years, where he began every practice with an inspirational quote to get the girls motivated and ready to work. FTHS teacher and close friend, Cameron Crouch, said that he could hardly process what happened when the accident occurred.

“My heart immediately broke over losing a best friend, a brother, my children’s amazing uncle, my son’s godfather. He was a friend of 17 years. We had many adventures and laughs together,” Crouch said. “His impact on the community of Ventura through his teaching, coaching, as assistant principal…he gave his all in each area of his life. The world lost an amazing man.”

Many VUSD staff and their friends and family walked in the Walk Like MADD event on August 10.  Ventura Unified School District Board President, Sabrena Rodriquez, led the “Do it for Pruitt” team, which had 35 walkers and raised funds which will go back to support MADD’s mission.