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PAL Perseverance Award

2020-2021 Honorees

In May 2021, the Orange County Department of Education, in partnership with SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, awarded the PAL Perseverance Award to PAL programs and advisors who have continued to find innovative ways to create a positive school climate and support schoolwide student engagement opportunities, despite immense challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Congratulations to the advisors and students who have demonstrated commitment and resilience in order to stay connected and support their campuses during an unprecedented year.

OCDE Newsroom: PAL programs and advisors earn honors for engaging students

2021 PAL Program Perseverance Award Honorees:

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 Honorees:

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