PASS Program Awards

For more information and nomination forms click on the following links: Awards Memo ~ PASS Student of the Year ~ PASS Contact Person of the Year

PASS Migrant Student of the Year Award for Washington State

2009/10 SY Juan R. Mendoza Zillah School District PASS Student of the Year

Juan Mendoza was 4.5 credits behind his classmates when he entered Zillah High School as a junior. Yet he had met the reading, writing and math state standards in the WASL the previous year. As a junior, he began to care about graduating.

Many people encouraged Juan, including his parents, friends, and girl friend. “That really meant a lot to me, having people who cared about me encourage me to succeed,” Juan stated in his essay. He received academic support from Mrs. Cruz and the 21st Century Schools program at his school.

Of his 7 PASS courses, “the easiest course I had to do was Algebra 2,” notes Juan. “Even though I didn’t have a math teacher to help me; I managed to obtain an A….At this point I realized that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to.” Juan’s PASS Contact Person, Dalia Cruz, commends Juan for his support for other students. “Juan is a role model….; he is constantly helping his friends that are struggling with Geometry and Algebra.”

Through PASS, Juan regained all the credits needed to graduate with his classmates in Spring 2010. He plans to attend Heritage University for 2 years, receiving support through the CAMP program. From there he will transfer to Eastern Washington University to pursue a career in engineering. Congratulations, Juan, on your success! Good luck in reaching your dreams!

2009/10 SY Abigail Estevez Yakima School District PASS Student of the Year

A decision to re-enter school after stopping out gave Abigail Estevez new hope, though she learned she was now behind her classmates in credits. Her family’s migrant lifestyle moves from California to Wenatchee and Washington’s central valley, had undermined her belief that she could ever graduate from high school. Since the age of 10, she had been working in the orchards.

However, notes her PASS Contact Person Sylvia Sanchez, “Abigail is very capable.” Offered the opportunity to take extra classes through PASS and catch up, Abigail seized the opportunity. “Abi has had excellent success in the PASS program. She has scored 100% on many of the units that she has tested on,” notes Mrs. Sanchez. “She has passed many of her [10 PASS] courses with A’s.”

Abigail has been involved in the Student Leadership Program for migrant students. She participated in an after school dance group, and helped at the Hispanic Academic Achievers Program. She has volunteered at the South East Center, serving food for the needy, and interprets at the elementary schools for parents who speak Spanish.

Abigail graduated from high school with her class in Spring 2010. “To have made it this far in school still amazes me,” Abi notes. With all the support and persistence of one teacher that believed in me and told me that I had the potential to graduate, I made the choice to stay in school. Through her I became aware of the PASS program. My teacher [Sylvia Sanchez] has been my mentor as well as a joyful and confident woman whom I admire.” Congratulations, Abigail, on your success! Good luck in reaching your dreams!

PASS Contact Person of the Year Award

2009/10 SY Peter Jelsing Wenatchee High School PASS Contact Person of the Year

Pete Jelsing is “an exceptional teacher in forming relationships with students, particularly those students who are behind in credits and are often migrant students,” reports high school counselor Dianna Gill. “He is always positive and conveys a ‘can-do’ message to student so they stay motivated to do their best and complete courses.” Another counselor, Marc Miller, adds, “He also holds his students accountable, but does it in a very kind and caring manner.”

Migrant Graduation Specialist Alejandra González also commended Pete Jelsing’s personal interactions with students. “I have collaborated with Pete since last year. I am amazed by his constructive interactions, the compassion he exudes and the encouragement and confidence that he gives to our students. Without Pete’s hard work, which comes from his heart, many of our students won’t graduate!” Mary Parsley and Mary Howie also commended Pete’s caring interactions with students, and his ability to nurture their motivation to succeed.

It is a pleasure to recognize the outstanding service of Peter Jelsing to PASS students of Wenatchee High School. Pete is a certificated teacher who began to serve students through PASS as part of his responsibilities in September 2007. Pete Jelsing and previous recipients of the award are acknowledged in the Success Handbook for PASS Contact Persons.

2009/10 SY Amanda Carpenter Kiona-Benton City High School First Runner-Up, PASS Contact Person of the Year

Amanda Carpenter was nominated for this state award in her first year as a teacher and PASS Contact Person. An ESL teacher, says Chandra Markel in her nomination, “Mandy works very closely with the counselors to see what credits students are missing and what classes can be made up using PASS.” Amanda “takes a personal interest in each of her students, whose success is her top priority.” Chandra continues, “When Mandy sees a need to help her kids there is nothing that will stop her.” It is a pleasure to recognize this outstanding service.

The PASS Contact Person of the Year and Migrant PASS Student of the Year awards will be recognized at the Statewide MSDR Conference awards banquet in Yakima.

Past Award Recipients SY Year Contact Person Student 2008/09 Bill Hudnall Alex Ramirez 2007/08 Veronica Gonzalez Jose Valle 2006/07 Kim Holladay Brisa Vasquez 2005/06 Julia Renteria *Charles Wesley 2004/05 Nohra Giraldo Lacy J. Gaspard 2003/04 Kevin McKay Ladislao Avila 2002/03 Kathryn "Kathy" Ortolf Julie Bueno 2001/02 Mariano Renteria Francisco Moran *Judith Gonzalez 2000/01 Diane Anthony Elsa Mendez 1999/00 Alice Villanueva Stacy Kerr Canales

*National PASS Center Student of Year Award