AN AWARD-WINNING SALINAS EDUCATOR HAS DIED. 56 YEAR-OLD CYNTHIA PENA, OF PACIFIC GROVE, SUCCUMBED TO CANCER OVER THE WEEKEND. SHE WAS A SPECIAL ED TEACH AT BARDIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL; AS WELL AS BEING A MEMBER OF THE ALISAL TEACHERS ASSOCIATION, THE NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, AND AN ELECTED MEMBER OF THE CALIFORNIA TEACHERS ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS. SHE IS SURVIVED BY 4 SIBLINGS AS WELL AS NUMEROUS AUNTS, UNCLES, NIECES AND NEPHEWS.