ALACOSA salutes its stars

Breaking down barriers to student success

When high school senior David Vera Robles heads off to college, it will mark a huge milestone for his family. He will be the first in the family of migrant farmworkers to pursue a college degree.

The path to educational success was not easy for David, a student at La Mirada High School in Norwalk-La Mirada USD, who missed summer enrichment programs to help his parents pick oranges during his summer break. He never let any obstacle stop him from achieving excellence.

David's courage and resilience earned him the Association of LA County Office School Administrators (ALACOSA) Every Student Succeedingscholarship award, which was presented during the virtual ALACOSA Salutes Its Stars awards ceremony last week

"(David) is a testament to the fact that, when given support and resources, migrant students can excel," said Francisco Ramirez, Norwalk-La Mirada USD coordinator of Supplemental Education Programs.

Migrant Education (Region 10) Director Dr. Mirna Miranda-Welsh described David - who has been part of the Migrant Education Program for the past eight years - as "selfless, hardworking and charismatic."

While staying on top of his workload as a full-time student, David managed to excel in track and cross-country, as well as in various extra-curricular activities. He has maintained a 3.4 GPA and has helped support his family financially over the years.

David has participated in many academic and leadership building programs for Migrant Education students, including Speech & Debate and the Migrant Institute for Education Leadership. He is dedicated to uplifting his community and supporting those in need through his work with the Hermanos Unidos Club and the Teen Alliance Program in the City of Norwalk.

The Migrant Education staff at the district and regional level are very proud to be part of David's success story. "David understands the importance of having a strong support system," said Miranda-Welsh, who nominated David for the scholarship award. "There is no doubt in our minds that he will one day become that mentor and support system for our youth in the future."

ALACOSA President Kirit Chauhan said the scholarship award celebrates the hard work of students who - with the support of teachers, counselors, administrators and others - have overcome many obstacles to pursue the education they so richly deserve.

Administrator of the Year awards

ALACOSA has also announced this year's LACOE Administrators of the Year:

Business Services Administrator	Sonia Hooks
Technology Administrator	Jose Del Toro
Business Services Administrator	Rick Chau
Business Services Administrator	Alyssa Martinez
Student Services Administration	Dr. Michelle Perrenoud
Central Office Administration	Dr. Jennifer Kottke
Curriculum and Instruction Administrator	Dr. Kathryn Edwards
Special Education Administrator	Christine Jackson

"Most of the awardees would gladly just do their work quietly, but it's important to thank and recognize them for their excellence, achievements and dedication to public education," said Chauhan.

Certificated and classified managers at LACOE are nominated by their supervisors to receive the Administrator of the Year award.

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