Ten Peer Assistance Leadership (PAL) programs and more than a dozen advisors have been recognized for their efforts to stay connected and support their schools despite the challenges of the past year.
Administered by the Orange County Department of Education, PAL programs are built on the concept of students helping other students. Youth leaders in grades four through 12 are empowered to create positive school environments through mentoring, new-student transition support, conflict management, service learning, tutoring and prevention activities.
In partnership with SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, OCDE created the PAL Perseverance Award to honor the programs and leaders that found innovative ways to support student engagement and contribute to positive school climates through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here’s a list of the honorees:
2021 PAL Program Perseverance Award Winners
Anaheim Elementary School District
Abraham Lincoln Elementary School
Capistrano Unified School District
Aliso Viejo Middle School
Bernice Ayer Middle School
Ladera Ranch Middle School
Vista del Mar Middle School
Laguna Beach Unified School District
Top of the World Elementary School
Saddleback Valley Unified School District
de Portola Elementary School
Serrano Intermediate School
Tustin Unified School District
Pioneer Middle School
Westminster School District
Warner Middle School
2021 PAL Advisor Perseverance Award Winners
Anaheim Elementary School District
Erica Mendez, Abraham Lincoln Elementary School
Nicole Barrera, Sunkist Elementary School
Capistrano Unified School District
Amanda Hatcher, Ladera Ranch Middle School
Kalyn Rodriguez, Aliso Viejo Middle School
Leesa Shults-Amon, Vista del Mar Middle School
Centralia Elementary School District
Dianne Wen, Los Coyotes Elementary School
Laguna Beach Unified School District
Jolene Hamilton, Top of the World Elementary School
Norwalk La Mirada Unified School District
Tarra Swoboda, Gardenhill Elementary School
Oceanside Unified School District
Devin Demerjian, El Camino High School
Teresa Vallete, El Camino High School
Private School
Nicola Huerta, Rosary Academy/Diocese of Orange
Saddleback Valley Unified School District
Carolyn Fries, Foothill Ranch Elementary School
Janis Carlson, de Portola Elementary School
Judy Harrison, Foothill Ranch Elementary School
For more information about PAL, visit www.ocde.us/pal, or contact Project Liaison Deirdre Hill at 714-966-4342.