Prescott Parents Honored For Volunteerism

PRESCOTT - Two Prescott School District mothers received some much-deserved praise last month for their vol- unteer work.

Berenice Mendoza and Maria Sanchez are two mothers who live in Vista Hermosa and have children who attend school in Prescott.

Mendoza and Sanchez were honored as outstanding parent volunteers at the Southeast Washington Association of School Administrators Honor- ary Awards Banquet on June 16 at the Meadow Springs Country Club in Richland.

"I don't think there are enough words I can say to let them know the appreciation we have for them," said Dr. Bill Jor- dan, Prescott's superintendent who nominated the women for the awards. "They have an impact on our schools."

Mendoza, who has elementary aged children and one recent Prescott graduate in her family, provides extra com- munication between the Vista Hermosa community and the school district, Jordan said.

"She is one of the parents who is a critical contact link with the Vista Hermosa com- munity," he said.

Mendoza stays on top of what activities and events are taking place in the school and will often go door-to-door in her community to hand out informational pamphlets, talk with neighbors and coordinate activities and volunteers. She and Sanchez even have phone trees in place for when messages need to get out quickly.

"(Mendoza) will make the effort and sees the parents get to student activities," Jordan said.

Mendoza believes supportive parents are imperative to student success and she will even trade work shifts with other moms and dads at Broejte Orchards so they can attend their children's parent-teacher conferences, Jordan said. Sometimes, she'll even drive the parents to Prescott herself. In addition, Mendoza has been a team mom for the sports teams.

She'll provide snacks and drinks and take care of the ath- letes. Prescott Principal Jodi Thew said Mendoza stands out to her because she's always bringing food, like deli- cious tamales.

Sanchez is also a great vol- unteer because she steps up to the plate when a translator is needed. She also takes notice of activities and meetings to her neighbors' homes and meets with parents to share information about what's going on at school.

"She's a real cheerleader for parent support and activity," Jor- dan said.

Sanchez remains very en- gaged in the district's activities and is always volunteering help or to bring food to events. Jordan said Sanchez is always the last person to stay at school events to help clean up after ev- eryone else has gone home. He added she is quiet and doesn't seek any attention for her work, just like Mendoza.

"They like to work in the background," Jordan said.

At the awards ceremony in June, both women were pre- sented with an honorary plaque and treated to a nice dinner to recognize their service.

"They're always thinking of how they can help," Thew said.