The Southern California Association of Governments awarded $4,000 each to 11 Southern California students, including Oak Hills High School graduate Andrew Ballard.
Middle School:
Maria Al-Shamma, school social worker, Rancho Minerva Middle School, Vista High School, and Vista Adult Transition Center, Vista Unified School District
High School:
Administration:
Intern:
Kristina Estes, social work intern, multiple school sites; La Mesa-Spring Valley and Escondido Union High School districts
Trailblazer Award:
Light Award:
San Diego County Office of Education
The Trailblazer Award honors an individual who has paved the way for future generations in the profession to grow and develop. The Light Award was given for continued dedication to the profession.
“School social workers play such an important role because they are compassionate listeners who hear the needs of our students,” said San Diego County Superintendent of Schools Paul Gothold in a statement. “They are professionally trained to see the whole child, and also skilled at working collaboratively with other individuals and organizations to provide students and famili