Tulare County Office of Education

2005 Partners

Aimee Thompson
Tulare Advance-Register
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Nominated by: Jeanine Fontana, Tulare Union High School

Aimee Thompson is an Editor at the Tulare Advance-Register newspaper. Ms. Thompson has been a dedicated and caring mentor to our internship student for the spring semester. She has provided valuable information on college and careers in journalism to our students as a whole. Our internship student had the priceless opportunity and experience in working with all aspects of publishing a newspaper. Thank you, Ms. Thompson.

Betty Vicars
Ivanhoe Youth Center

Nominated by: Sylvia Franco, C-SET

Betty Vicars is a supervisor at the Ivanhoe Youth Center and strives to provide youth quality care and reinforcement by providing alternative activities after school and during the summer. She is also Co-Chair of the Ivanhoe Community Council in which she is a strong advocate who always has the youth's best interest at heart. Betty serves as a mentor and supervisor to many students in the area of Ivanhoe. She is a dedicated, hard working individual. Betty, thank you for your commitment.

Rick Dodd
Big Lots! store, Visalia
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Nominated by: Benny Rivera, Tulare County Office of Education/SEE Youth Program

Rick Dodd is the manager at the Visalia Big Lots! store. Rick has been a key player in interviewing potential internship candidates referred to him by the SEE Youth Program. Along with his staff, Rick works well to provide a positive environment for youth getting their first look at working in the "real world". He has trained and helped young adults attain invaluable work experience. Our community would be greatly different without the opportunity he offers many youth at his store. Thank you, Rick and Visalia Big Lot!, for all of your help and your continued collaboration.

Jane Caputo
Sequoia Riverlands Trust
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Nominated by: Jeanine Fontana, Tulare Union High School

Jane Caputo is the Education Coordinator at Sequoia Riverlands Trust. Jane has been an exceptional role model and mentor to our internship student during this last spring semester. She has provided our student with information regarding environmental careers and has assisted in developing strong organizational and office skills. Even more so, Jane has given much support and encouragement to reach this student's career goals. Thank you, Ms. Caputo.

Porterville Chamber of Commerce
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Nominated by: Mary S. Leavitt, B.B.D. & M. Enterprises

The Porterville Chamber of Commerce actively supports career preparation for youth not only through the Business Education Committee, but also in other capacities including annual recognition of Male and Female Youth of the Year, collaboration between the Iris Festival and Margaret Slattery Literacy Fair, employment of youth in their office in paid and volunteer positions, and active support of youth employment to the Chamber membership. Donnette Silva-Carter and her staff, Candy King and Maggie Kaylar, are excellent ambassadors for youth career preparation by example, personal commitment, and community outreach. Thank you, Donnette and Porterville Chamber of Commerce.

J.R. Delgadillo
Visalia Community Bank
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Nominated by: Elaine Rubio, Golden West High School

J.R. Delgadillo is the Assistant Branch Manager at Visalia Community Bank who has served as a dedicated mentor and business partner to the Golden West High School Business Finance Academy. J.R. has helped in this venture serving as a chaperone on field trips, guest speaker, fund-raiser, interviewer, and friend. His quick smile, enthusiasm, professionalism, and team spirit win the students over! Understanding and appreciating that business partners to the Golden West Business Finance Academy are extremely busy, J.R. has made the Academy a priority. He is well respected by the students and staff at Golden West High School and if he ever chooses to leave the banking field, we'd love to recruit him to teach high school! Thank you, J.R.

Jerome Miranda
Radio Campesina
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Nominated by: Mark Millan, Family Health Care Network

Jerome Miranda is the Public Relations Director at Radio Campesina. Jerome brought Cesar Chavez Day of Service and Learning to life for the Tulare City School District. He helps to show students the reward in community service and helped to raise over $3000 for graffiti removal. In addition, the students were able to learn the values of the late civil rights leader. Many local families are in better condition because of the changes brought forth by Cesar Chavez, and are proud to see that an agency like Radio Campesina cares enough to devote it's time and resources to commemorating him. Jerome Miranda, thank you!

Juan Avila
Kentucky Fried Chicken, Dinuba
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Nominated by: Susie Lopez, Proteus

Juan Avila is the Manager of Kentucky Fried Chicken in Dinuba. He has consistently utilized and hired from the Proteus work experience program. The fact that those hired by Juan have been working at his establishment for more than four years is a direct reflection of not only his employee work ethics, but also his ability to maintain a positive work environment. He always takes time to discuss any problems that arise or just to tell us how well his employees are doing. Thank you for taking an active role in the community by providing a positive outlet for the youth of Dinuba.

Kathy Rosas
Kaweah Continuation High School
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Nominated by: Rosie Rodarte-Franco, C-SET Youth Department

Kathy Rosas serves as Guidance Counselor at Kaweah Continuation High School and has been a dynamic role model in helping at-risk youth stay in school. She has been a leader to the students in many aspects including encouraging them to complete their senior portfolios and prepare for their senior exit interviews. Kathy has given them close guidance and hope in building their self-confidence and has gone above and beyond to help students obtain their high school diplomas. Her positive attitude is endless. Great job, Kathy!

Laurie Isham
Pro-Youth/HEART
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Nominated by: Damian Maldonado, Tulare County Office of Education

Laurie Isham has set the vision for Pro-Youth/HEART and is evidenced by the significant expansion of the HEART program that began at three schools with 16 employees and 220 students and now operates at 15 schools with 150+ staff who serve approximately 2,300 children every school day.

As a result of this significant expansion, along with the exceptional delivery of services, HEART was selected as one of only 12 sites in a statewide initiative as California's most promising after-school programs and serves as a world-class Regional Learning Center, serving as a model for other after-school programs. HEART is recognized as the sole Regional Learning Center providing mentoring to programs in Fresno, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, and Tulare counties and works in close partnership with the Regional Lead to provide these services throughout Region VII.

Laurie continues to provide strong leadership to Pro-Youth/HEART and serves as an advocate for children. She is truly dedicated to the children of this valley and enjoys knowing that her work she is dedicated to changing lives!

Darlene Byars
Margaret Slattery Literacy Fair
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Nominated by: Porterville Chamber of Commerce Business Education Connection

The Porterville Reads Literacy Fair was named this year after its founder, Margaret Slattery who passed away a year ago. Her legacy is a true Business Education partnership with primary sponsors including the Porterville Rotary Club, Porterville Unified School District, Burton School District, Porterville Recorder, Tule River Tribal Council, PEA, Burton Teachers Associates, the Wong family, WalMart Distribution Center, the local middle school bands, and Granite Hills Jazz Band. Many community leaders including the City Council, Police Chief, Fire Chief, educators from all levels, service clubs, and individual volunteers participate. Bill Slattery serves as the financial officer for the steering committee. Darlene Byars is the general chair. We appreciate your continued efforts and commitment. Thank you.

Ramiro Gonzalez
Little Caesar's Pizza
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Nominated by: Mang Chang, Services for Education and Employment

Little Caesar's Pizza has collaborated with Services for Education and Employment to provide youth with hands-on experience, establish a work history, and learn valuable work ethics. Little Caesar's Pizza is deserving of this recognition because they care about youth's success. Ramiro has been quoted, "Many of the youth had not been given the opportunity for success. I want to give them that opportunity they've been waiting for". Ramiro, thank you for your continued support.

Manny Lucero
Dinuba High School

Nominated by: Carol Cortez, C-SET

Manny Lucero is the Assistant Principal at Dinuba High School and is always looking to refer students to the C-SET work experience program. Mr. Lucero is willing to give youth the benefit of the doubt and find a way to relate to the them in a fun, respectful, and meaningful way. He is always looking for new opportunities to help the youth when they come across a barrier. Manny has such a big heart when it comes to supporting young adults. Even to this day, graduates will seek him out for advice. Manny, thank you for your commitment.

Peter Alvitre

Nominated by: William Davis, Golden West High School

For the last two years, Mr. Alvitre has been a member of the Golden West High School Ag Advisory Committee. During his time on the Ag Advisory, he has worked to help with FFA fund-raising, assisting students with their SOE Projects and has been a strong advocate for Agricultural Education in Visalia. Mr. Alvitre is a busy individual, who has taken it upon himself to promote and further the goals and mission of the FFA in Visalia and Tulare County. He has assisted with and supported state initiatives as well as local issues facing Agricultural Education. Pete, thank you.

Raymond Navarro
Farmersville Unified School District

Nominated by:Rosie Rodarte-Franco, C-SET Youth Department

Raymond Navarro is the Director of Maintenance/Operations/Transportation at Farmersville Unified School District. Raymond works hard at providing worksites where young adults will gain valuable transferable skills to help develop a solid work ethic. Raymond justifies recognition because of his devotion to caring and believing that students deserve every opportunity to demonstrate what they can do and learn. He has been extremely valuable in assisting C-SET in providing worksites for Farmersville youth. Thank you, Raymond, for your dedication.

Shirley Rowell
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Nominated by: Debbie Prescott, Porterville Adult School

Shirley Rowell is the Office Manager at Dr. Ramon Resa's office. She has consistently provided openings for students from Porterville Adult School who require job shadow experiences as well as accommodating students who wish to complete an externship in a pediatric office. It is obvious that her interaction with students goes far beyond just career training; she helps to develop the "whole" student and instills confidence in their job performance. She runs an efficient office and expects nothing but the best a student has to give, and in turn she gives her best to them. Good fortune fell upon Porterville Adult School and its students when the partnership was formed with Dr. Resa's office. She has employed seven Porterville Adult School students in their office, and has even gone so far as to seek employment in other medical offices for several students. Thank you, Shirley! Porterville Adult School is privileged to work with you.

Tim Starling & Jessica Hurtado
Tipton Elementary School
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Nominated by: Lou Marchant, Tulare County Office of Education School-to-Career Program

Teachers make all the difference ,and Jessica Hurtado and Tim Starling exemplify the outstanding traits necessary to be an excellent teacher. They provide a learning-friendly atmosphere that challenges their students to excel in the classroom, as well as learning to interact with each other. Hosting a School-to-Career event is more than sitting and watching. Tim and Jessica were extremely helpful in implementing the various aspects of the School-to-Career Community Challenge Grant. They provided extra time to complete assignments and group activities. The "graduation ceremony" at the completion of the program had the largest turnout of parents and staff among the seven school districts who participated in the grant. Jessica and Tim, we salute you.

Dr. Todd Martin

Nominated by: Jeanine Fontana, Tulare Union High School

For the past school year, Dr. Martin has been an exceptional mentor to our internship student. He has devoted his time to discuss college courses, explain physical therapy methods and treatments, and provide extra support when needed. He has been an exceptional role model and provided guidance to our internship student. We thank you for all of your generous time and help.

Carol Chavez, RN
Kaweah Delta Health Care District

Nominated by: Theresa Giannandrea, Mt. Whitney High School

As an employee of Kaweah Health Care District, Carol Chavez recognizes the need for active community partners. She continues to develop and maintain a partnership with Kaweah Delta Heath District, Visalia Unified School District, and Tulare County Organization for Vocational Education. For the past twelve years, she has provided a unique learning experience to individual students who are enrolled in the TCOVE Health Occupations class. Carol always surpasses normal expectations, demonstrated by her most common phrase "It's not a problem." Thank you, Carol!

Angie Graziano, RNC and Teresa Cavazos, RNC
Tulare District Hospital
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Nominated by: Steven Holdridge, Tulare Tech Prep High School

Tulare District Hospital's Angie Graziano and Teresa Cavazos give true meaning to the word partnership. Tulare District Hospital is the main training center for all Tulare Joint Union High School students who are interested in pursuing a career within the health care industry. They provide job shadowing opportunities in both clinical and non-clinical areas; equipment, staff, and space for training future nurses; mentoring; non-paid and paid co-op, on-the-job training opportunities; and other resources such as a full medical library. Angie and Teresa's positive attitude and enthusiasm both go far and above to welcome and provide "real world" experiences for all students in the hospital. Both are very active in district advisory committees, providing invaluable input in the continuing improvements of our programs. In addition, Angie is very involved in the CNA State Board Exam working as a rater, evaluating nurse assistant candidates for state certification. These ladies are always accepting of our nurse assistant co-op students and hire many upon completion of their internship; encouraging and providing incentives to further student education in pursuing a degree in nursing. Angie and Teresa both are shining examples of how working together as a team can make a difference.

Porterville Relay for Life
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Nominated by: Porterville Chamber of Commerce Business Education Committee

Porterville's Relay for Life to benefit the American Cancer Society began in 1998. Last year, the project had over 60 teams participating, which involved hundreds of individuals, many of them youth. The relay raised over $230,000 in that event and cumulatively close to $1 million since its inception. For the community involvement, sense of purpose, benefit to cancer victims and their families, Porterville Relay for Life was recognized as the Chamber's Community Service Project of the Year in 2004. Many of the participants at all levels of the event are youth. While many represent school service clubs, there are significant numbers who volunteer because their lives have been touched by cancer. Through this event, the youth have the opportunity to develop positive relationships with adults, learn skills of organization and service, develop self esteem, and learn how to give and receive support in time of need. They also have the opportunity to be a part of the community, and understand the variety of skills necessary for such a project. It is often such experiences that provide youth with the incentive to focus on school and career preparation.

Claudia Guzman
Lindsay High School
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Nominated by: Nou Cha, SEE Youth Program

Every summer over 20 students are enrolled with SEE through our Summer Youth Employment Training. To help recruit for summer, SEE has always depended on Claudia Guzman, Secretary with the Lindsay High School Guidance Office. She has been very helpful in screening paperwork and referring students to the organization. Throughout the school year, Claudia has also provided SEE with needed information regarding students' grades and progress, and arranged meetings with students requested by SEE staff as needed. Claudia Guzman, has been actively assisting SEE for the past five years. Her commitment for serving our youth is high appreciated and SEE sincerely thanks her for her contributions and readiness to assist us, no matter what the task. She is great with students and is a wonderful asset to our team.

Dale Rowden
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Nominated by: Tulare County Youth Coalition

Dale Rowden has been an advocate for the youth of Tulare County for many years. Dale is a founding member of the Tulare County Youth Coalition, has served as the president of the Board, and has been actively involved in all of the Coalition's projects. Dale was the Clinic Director of Turning Point's children's mental health program for 16 years. Under his leadership, those services grew into the professional program that it is now. One of the many programs he developed was a pilot project to provide mental health services to the Headstart Centers. Currently Dale is a therapist in private practice, but he continues as an active member of the Tulare County Youth Coalition and volunteers his time wherever he is needed. Dale is a person who is dedicated to bettering the lives of our Ccunty's youth.

Joe Torres
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Nominated by: Juan Guerrero, Proteus

Joe Torres is a volunteer at Streetwise Partners who gives his time and efforts to work with youth who potentially can be involved in gangs, drugs or alcohol. He has unselfishly provided recreational, emotional, and spiritual support to the children of Tulare County; specifically North Visalia. Mr. Torres literally walks the streets of Visalia looking for wayward children who need the presence of kind fatherly adults. The children and families of North Visalia affectionately know Joe Torres throughout North Visalia as "Papa Joe". Joe Torres is also active in Young Life Ministries and uses his positive spiritual beliefs to guide children toward a better life. Thank you, Mr. Torres.

Mary Ontirveros
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Nominated by: Brad Albert, Tulare County Youth Coalition

Mary Ontirveros has been an outstanding advocate for youth in Tulare County. Mary has worked with Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency for the past 34 years and has served in the Tulare County Youth Coalition Board for eight years. In addition, Mary has served on the Children and Family Commission, Blue Cross Advisory Board, the FREE Collaborative Steering Committee, and the Children's Museum Board. As you can see, Mary is very committed to the health and well-being of Tulare County Youth. Mary, thank you for your commitment.

Marshall Mumford
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Nominated by: Ross Gentry, Tulare Joint Union High School District

For the past 32 years, Marshall Mumford served in the Tulare Joint Union High School District. Marshall began as the Special Education teacher, becoming the Department Chief after only two years. In 1982, he became the District Director of Special Education while continuing to teach. Under Marshall's leadership, the Special Education Department in the district has flourished. Several years ago, at Marshall's insistence, the district assumed coordination responsibility for the Tulare County Workability Program, providing comprehensive pre-employment training, employment placement, and follow-up for high school students in special education who are making the transition from school to work, independent living and post secondary education or training. Marshall's vision and tireless work has made this program a model recognized across California. Marshall, thank you!

Mike Leoni

Nominated by: Tulare County Youth Coalition

Mike Leoni has served the youth of Tulare County since being hired as director of the Tulare Youth Service Bureau in 1972. He has served for over 20 years on the Tulare County Juvenile Justice and Prevention Commission, helped develop community schools throughout the county, initiated the first youth sexual abuse clinic in the region, and is past chair of the Tulare County Youth Coalition. Since 1987, under Mike's leadership, the Tulare Youth Service Bureau has provided mental health services to young people in Tulare and surrounding areas. He has been instrumental in the development of the first Community Day School in California with a fully staffed mental health component. Working with Claude Meitzenheimer and Randy Wallace, Mike helped establish a youth employment program in Tulare.

Nathan Paul
Tulare Galaxy Theater

Nominated by: Sylvia Valencia, Tulare High School Workability Program

Nathan Paul is the manager at the Tulare Galaxy Theater. He has played a key part in working with the special needs program in Tulare. He has provided valuable work experience to young adults that they will be able to carry throughout a lifetime. Special recognition is much deserved to Nathan for offering jobs to these special students. Thank you for your support, Nathan!

Richard DeOcio
City of Visalia Volunteer Bureau

Nominated by: Nancy Hawkins, Golden West High School

Richard works at the City of Visalia Volunteer Bureau and has been an extraordinary mentor and role model to the students in the Health Careers Academy at Golden West High School. He has continuously gone above and beyond to help guide our students with skills and support they need to attain their future goals. Thank you for your commitment and dedication!

Randy Wallace, Project Director
phone: (559) 733-6101
fax: (559) 737-4378

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