September 2018

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Teacher of the Year Awards 2018

CONNECTING SOUTHERN ARIZONA

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Arizona@Work Leading the Way

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

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Distinguished Humanitarian

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People that “echo” Maritza Cervantes

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Coatimundi Teachers Selected STEM Teaching Fellows

Border Eco Corner

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We want to thank our readers and customers for their continued support. Your support helps us report on the great people, events, and organizations who make a difference in our community.

Our goal is to help connect our community. Santa Cruz County is a unique bordertown rich in culture, and traditions. We are here to support our local businesses and non-profit organizations through promoting a positive message. We want to change how people perceive our border community. Please send us any information on any upcoming community events, meetings, and conferences. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for the latest events, people, and organizations who make a difference in Santa Cruz County.

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Leading the Way! 10 Distinguished Humanitarian Sheriff Tony Estrada 13 People that “echo” Maritza Cervantes

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Coatimundi Teachers Selected as STEM Teaching Fellows

Chief Editor: Adriana Romero Student Intern Reporter: Nadia Sandoval Student Intern Reporter: Chris Alcaraz Magazine Graphic Designer Consultant: Adriana Romero Sales Representative: Tony Montanez Information is correct at press time.

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Arizona@Work

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On Friday, August 10th, the long-awaited 11th Annual Santa Cruz County Teacher of the Year Awards Dinner Ceremony, took place at the Americana/Quality Inn Mayan Ballroom. With the soft contemporary/classical sounds of Ivan Orellana in the background and the room decorated in Dr. Seuss motif, the 21 nominated teachers made their way in and took their seats. The extraordinary group of teachers was accompanied by their principals, family and over 250 guests gathered to honor them.

The event was co-sponsored

by Santa Cruz County School Superintendent Alfredo I. Velasquez and the Nogales Rotary Club and spearheaded by the Santa Cruz County School Superintendents Special Events Coordinator Patricia BarrazaPreciado.

The night started with the Rio Rico ROTC presenting the colors and then superseded by Mr. Velásquez recognizing the incredible roles our county teachers play with the young children of our future.

The opening ceremonies were quickly followed by Mr. Velasquez, Ms. Barraza-Preciado, and Mr. Gamillo, treating the guests with fabulous raffle prizes, donated by businesses from around the county and a wonderful dinner.

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As the night progressed, each of the teachers was introduced

by Mr. Alfredo I. Velasquez and a short portion of their philosophy on teaching was played as they took the stage. One by one, each teacher was awarded a trophy and a platter consisting of $350.00 in cash and prizes.

A panel of five amazing and dedicated judges from every corner of the county was given the task of choosing our 2018 Teacher of the Year for Santa Cruz County. We would like to announce that Ms. MELISSA JAUREGUI from Calabasas Elementary School, has been named the 2018 Santa Cruz County Teacher of the Year. Ms. Jauregui will now represent Santa Cruz County at the state competition in Phoenix, in November.

Ms. Jauregui was awarded the Teacher of the Year Trophy, $1,000 check, Stainless steel gas BBQ grill donated by Home Depot, Samsung Galaxy Tablet, $100.00 certificate from Nogales Customs Brokers and $1,000.00 in Professional Development/classroom supplies donated by the Santa Cruz County School Superintendents Office, one night stay/golf for two at Tubac Golf Resort, Jostens ring, Wells Fargo basket, Meals for two at Zarape Restaurant, one night stay at Americana Hotel and one night stay at Holiday Inn Express and $150.00 from South 32.

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We also want to congratulate Teacher of the Year Runner-up, Bracker Elementary School Teacher, Ms. GYNNA YVETTE ROSAS. Ms. Rosas was awarded the Runner-up trophy along with a $500 check, a gas BBQ grill, Samsung Galaxy Tablet, $500.00 in Professional Development/classroom supplies donated by Santa Cruz County School Superintendents Office, $75.00 Walmart certificate from Nogales Customs Brokers, $150.00 Tubac Golf Resort certificate, one night stay at Americana and Candlewood Suites and $75.00 South 32.

We would like to thank each and every one of our Sponsors’ and Donors’ that made this event possible. Without the help of these incredible people, the event would not be the success it is.

Thank you to all the Sponsors, Donors, Judges, Teachers and Guests who have been with us year after year. You and only you make this event so special and such a wonderful event in which so many look forward to attending. Next year, we will be celebrating our 12th Annual Awards dinner and we look forward to seeing you all there.

Thank you Santa Cruz County School Superintendent’s Office, Mr. Alfredo Velasquez, Nogales Rotary Club and Ms. Patricia Barraza-Preciado.

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ARIZONA@WORK is the leading the way by connecting job seekers to employers! They will be hosting their 5th Annual Santa Cruz County Job Fair & Community Expo scheduled for Wednesday, October 10, 2018, in Nogales, Arizona to be held at the Nogales High School Gymnasium from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Last year, they had over 120 employers at the job fair.

The goal of this event is to connect employers, job seekers, and community organizations. It is a free event for employers, organizations and the general public.

The Santa Cruz County One-Stop Career Center has many community partners within their site. Those partners are the Santa Cruz County Workforce Development, Santa Cruz County Continuing Education, the Department of Economic Security, Employment Services, and the Vocational Rehabilitation Program.

All of these programs offer assistance with job search, career exploration, and training.

Arizona@Work leads the way in providing good customer service. It's not just for all the obvious reasons. The staff goes far beyond that, as it delves into the very existence of who they are as an organization and why they do the things they do for their customers.

“The way we treat our customers is indicative of our vision as an organization. We absolutely try to ensure our customers succeed,” said Maritza Cervantes WIOA Program Director

“For me taking care of our customers conveys a strong set of moral values and beliefs in our organization’s mission,” said Ma. Fernanda Corella One Stop Career Center Receptionist. #6 Pg.

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“It is very rewarding when participants approach you outside the workplace and thank you for the assistance you have provided them with. I get satisfaction from helping and guiding our participants to fulfill their career goals,” said Martha C. Sihas, WIOA Career Advisor.

“It has been very rewarding to be part of the Arizona@Work team. I work directly assisting participants, so they have the opportunity to better their lives by getting the job training they need to advance their careers,” said Marilyn Leon Santa Cruz County Continuing Education Office Assistant

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“In the time I have bee working for ARIZONA@WORK, one of my major accomplishments has been gaining the trust of our participants and helping guide them through their career path,” said Nadia F. Martinez, WIOA Career Advisor.

“I believe my job/role within this organization is special because I am the first and last person the client sees when entering or exiting our program. I get to learn a little bit of every individual, which helps me to better guide them to the correct program or training,” said Mary Castillo, WIOA Career Advisor.

“One of the most satisfying moments for me personally was seeing one of my very first participants to successfully complete her vocational training as surgical technologist and successfully getting employed,” said Irasema Olvera WIOA Program Manager and EO Compliance Officer.

“My job gives me great satisfaction as I work directly helping people meet their educational goals,” said Sylvia Godinez, CMPI-Santa Cruz County Continuing Education Program Coordinator

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Distinguished Humanitarian During the 2018 LULAC Unity Luncheon on Thursday, July 19th Sheriff Antonio “Tony” Estrada received the 2018 Ohtli Award for Lifetime of Service. The award is one of Mexico’s highest civilian honors bestowed to distinguished individuals for their humanitarian service.

The Ohtli Award is bestowed to distinguished individuals who have provided assistance or positively affected the lives of Mexican citizens.

“My goal has always been to protect and serve my community.

I serve all residents of Santa Cruz County regardless. I must uphold the law and provide a safe environment to all residents of Santa Cruz County. I am deeply humbled to have received such an award,” said Estrada. #10 Pg.

Estrada is currently the longest, and only Hispanic sheriff’ in the State of Arizona.

He has served the community of Santa Cruz County for more than 50 years.

Sheriff Tony Estrada started his career in law enforcement as a dispatcher for the Nogales Police Department before moving up in ranks to captain, which is the second-highest command position later retiring from the department.

He later ran for the office of sheriff for Santa Cruz County where he has served for seven terms, holding another record for the longest-serving sheriff in the State of Arizona.

Sheriff Estrada was born in Nogales, Sonora before he moved to Nogales, Arizona with his family as a young boy. “I care deeply for this community.

I understand the struggles many families face as an immigrant myself.

Many immigrants today are afraid to report crimes against them as a result of our current political environment. My role as sheriff is to enforce the law throughout the county while providing humanitarian aid," said Estrada.

Sheriff Antonio “Tony” Estrada received the 2018 Ohtli Award for Lifetime of Service

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Your vote does matter!

Regardless of one’s party affiliation voting is our civic duty. Most people believe their vote doesn’t make a difference, but it does. How often do we hear people complain about the conditions of our roads, the increase in property or sales taxes, etc.? These specific issues are dealt with on a local level. All the more reasons why one should vote. Voting is essential as it dictates policies and reflects the future of our community. Voting locally determines the direction our city and county will take in future years to come. Not voting is giving the other party a voice.

Voting is a way for one to advocate for their community. Remember voting in local or state elections is an opportunity for your voice to be heard. Our local city and county government have several seats up for grabs.Your vote will determine the future of our local city and county government. It is not just another election cycle, make it a point to take part in history as every single vote matters! Make sure to remind your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers about the importance of voting this election cycle.

For information on where to vote please contact the Santa Cruz County Recorder’s Office at (520) 375-7924.

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Maritza Cervantes is the new WIOA Program Director but not new to the community.

Late in life, she pursued a higher education from a promise she made to her father prior to him losing the battle of Emphysema. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a Master’s Degree in Administration.

She gained a wealth of knowledge and experience from working in various roles with NUSD. These work experiences strengthened her skills and capacity to effectively fulfill her new position while she continues to grow as a leader and public servant.

“This organization encompasses serving our community through various outlets. It provides me with the opportunity to learn about the needs of the community while allowing me the chance to serve my community.

This position challenges me in many ways to grow while applying my skills and knowledge at a different level. I am people oriented, I strongly believe in teamwork and collaboration,” said Cervantes.

Ms. Cervantes has worked for the Nogales Unified School District for 25 years. She was named in 2015 Teacher of the Year. “I was blessed with the opportunity to touch many young lives both in and out of the classroom.

Assisting students reach their goals is the most gratifying Ms. Cervantes is a Nogales native. She moved to Los Angeles, with her parents in her early teens. Later moved back to Nogales, where she returned to NHS to graduate with her childhood friends. accomplishment ever,” said Cervantes.

Ms. Cervantes a proud mother of five children 4 boys, and 1 girl. Her oldest is married and successfully settled with his beautiful family in the community. She has two fulltime college students attending institutions in the Tempe area. Her two youngest attend NHS one is a senior and a freshman.

“Arizona@ Work offers eligible participants’ the tools necessary to help them succeed by helping them set a career path, so they can meet their goals. We provide services that will help them successfully reach their goals. The end results benefit the participants and employers of Santa Cruz County. We want to ensure Santa Cruz County residents become acquainted with the services we offer. My goal is to continue promoting the effectiveness of the program and increase our participant success rate.,” said WIOA Program Director Maritza Cervantes.

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Coatimundi Teachers Selected as STEM Teaching Fellows This summer, Coatimundi Middle School teachers Alex Palumbo (7th grade Math), Jennifer Huerta (8th grade Math), and Christina Williams (8th grade Science and Math) were selected as Fellows in the 2018 Cohort of the Trustey Family STEM Teaching Fellows program at the University of Notre Dame.

Coatimundi is one of 10 schools selected from across the nation whose teachers were chosen for the 2018 Cohort of the Fellows program – the fourth cohort since the program started in 2015.

The Trustey Family STEM Teaching Fellows focuses on improving teaching and learning in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) for middle school students.

Fellows attend three Summer Institutes at the University of Notre Dame, the first of which was in July 2018. Throughout the school year, Palumbo, Huerta and Williams, will receive content specific coaching and support from program mentors as they expand access to and opportunities for STEM learning at Coatimundi.

"I am very proud of my teachers,” said Coatimundi Principal Rebekah Cabrera.

“They are hard working and dedicated professionals who are willing to grow, learn and share. Just from their two week experience at Notre Dame, they have brought back many great ideas and strategies that are currently being used in their classrooms and shared with staff.

STEM strategies and lessons are being implemented in the classrooms where students are excited to learn and engaged in complex tasks that reflect real-world situations.

I look forward to what they will continue to learn and bring back for our students and colleagues at Coatimundi Middle School."

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