Stanislaus County Office of Education (SCOE) along with the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region VII recently held the Employees Making a Difference event. This year, it was hosted virtually and the program honors classified staff from school districts within Stanislaus County. Mesa Verde Elementary School Paraprofessional and ELL Resource Assistant Salome Trujillo received top honors.
“I am very appreciative and honored to have received the awards,” remarked Trujillo. “My favorite part about being a Paraprofessional is making connections with students and celebrating their accomplishments.”
Not only did Trujillo receive top honors for the Paraprofessional Category but she also received the annual Jane Johnston Civility Award for exemplifying the principles of civility both at work and in her personal life.
She has been a Paraprofessional for 15 years and has been working at Mesa Verde for the past 12 years where she provides support to students as they work towards English proficiency, as well as other duties.
“Salome is one of the most deserving people of recognition, not only as an Employee Making a Difference but also for the Jane Johnston Civility Award,” noted RUSD Superintendent Christine Facella. “Having personally worked with her over the years, I can say that she is a truly kind and caring individual who has a strong desire to serve. Additionally, Salome is an employee of strong character who quietly but effectively completes her work in a very positive manner.”
There were 27 classified staff members that were nominated from schools in different districts throughout the county and seven were selected to represent Stanislaus County in the California Department of Education’s statewide recognition program.
Principal Lupe Velázquez nominated Trujillo along with a number of teachers that supported that nomination at Mesa Verde Elementary.
“We are happy to see Ms. Salome Trujillo being recognized for her hard work and dedication,” stated Velázquez. “I had the opportunity to speak to several teachers regarding Ms. Trujillo. Every teacher that I spoke to only had gratitude and appreciation towards her. She genuinely is there to support staff and students.”
He shared that Trujillo has worked for a local foster family agency for the past 30 years that has a mission to provide a nurturing environment for troubled children.
“She starts her day here at school and continues in the afternoon working with the foster family agency,” said Velázquez. “She often expresses the importance of also being part of that team. Her motivation comes from helping children with mental health needs to have a place to stay while they are transitioning into the foster care system.”
Trujillo was informed that she was nominated in November and had been looking forward to the event. Although it was not an in-person event this year she said that the virtual event was fun and exciting.
“Ms. Trujillo is someone that sometimes can go under the radar,” elaborated Velázquez. “She may not be the loudest person in the room, but she is definitely someone that is there for the right reasons. Overall, she has a great rapport with teachers, staff, and students. Her personality can be defined with the quote, ‘Actions speak louder than words’.”
