The nominees were Carmen Velasquez of the Welcome/Advising Center, who received an honorable mention; Maria Cooper from PASSkey/Trio program; Leandro Esparza from Recreational Activities and Sports; Charley Garcia from the Welcome/Advising Center; Rachel Ramirez from Disability Support Services; Shelby Rogers II from the Learning Resource Center; and David Torres at the Campus Health Center.
Medina was recognized for her incredible work in PASSkey, a Trio program that is funded by the Department of Education. Medina is the coordinator of this program and assists students personally and academically.
PASSkey is a program that helps first-generation college students, students with low income, and/or students with disabilities get on the right track in college.
Medina, her two full-time workers and her four temporary workers serve 250 students. Medina has worked at Palo Alto for four years, but she has been with the PASSkey program for three years.
“It feels good to give back to the community,” said Medina, a Burbank graduate. She also said that raising the bar for higher standards helps students set higher goals.
Carmen Velasquez, the runner-up, is the person you need to talk to for any type of assistance in the Welcome/Advising Center. She is in charge of a program called Early Alert that is funded by a Title V grant and also the Lumina Foundation. This program helps students who are having difficulties or might not be attending class. She finds out what’s going on and helps them out. The program also gives basic information on topics such as tuition, classes and degree plans, just to name a few.
“Keeping the students on track is the most important thing in college,” said Velasquez. By making sure they are aware of what is going on around them, students will be more prepared for any task that comes their way.
The Welcome/Advising Center had another individual who was nominated for the Staff Award. Charley Garcia, who works in the Transfer Center, is someone you would talk to if you had any questions concerning degree plans, 2+2 plans, transfer scholarships or general applications. He has been at Palo Alto since November of 1997. He also coordinates the Transfer Fair every fall. This is when more than 50 universities are on campus and students can get all types of information. Garcia also coordinates the military recruiters on campus, so if you see any Navy, Army or Marines in the Student Center, Garcia made those arrangements.
“I struggled to get where I’m at… you live and you learn,” said Garcia, who has a great approach to life. “Live life as if you knew life was over at midnight, so do what you do for fun, and enjoy what you’re doing,” he said. “It’s important to make your job fun.”
David Torres of the Health Center has an open-door policy. He is the school nurse and health coordinator. You don’t need an appointment to see him. Torres has been with the district for 10 years and with Palo Alto for six. He said, “I enjoy what I do.” It took him a little while to get used to the administrative atmosphere, but now he is comfortable. With every day bringing something new, Torres is always there for health reasons, emergencies and for being a good listener.
Students may get a head start on nominations for the Spring 2005 Outstanding Service to Students Award. The nomination forms are available at the Counseling Center; Student Activities Office; Welcome Advising Center, PC 126; Recreational Activities and Sports Office, Gym 101C; and the Learning Resource Center, Circulation Desk.
Students have until April 4, 2005, to get their nominations in. |
