Governor Joe Lombardo, Nevada Education Superintendent Jhone Ebert, and the U.S. Department of Education Secretary surprised Churchill County High School employee Carlene Pacheco with the news that she earned the National Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award. Congress initiated the RISE Award in 2019, and the award honors classified school employees who provide exemplary service.
Unaware she was being recognized for her outstanding efforts at CCHS, Ms. Pacheco was more than a little surprised when the governor called her to the podium during what she thought was a typical assembly. “On behalf of our state, I’d like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Carlene Pacheco for this well-deserved recognition,” said Governor Lombardo. “Carlene’s unwavering passion, expertise, and dedication make her a true role model for all education professionals in Nevada and a valuable asset to our education system.”
“At the Nevada Department of Education, we like to talk about the importance of meeting our students where they are,” said Jhone Ebert, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, who applauded Pacheco for her inspiring level of dedication, “Carlene Pacheco takes this quite literally and meets her students and their families wherever they need her to be. I am both proud and grateful that she is making such a difference here in Nevada.”
U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona also honored Pacheco and her contribution to her school, the kids, and the community. “Carlene Pacheco has set a national example for what it means to raise the bar for creating welcoming, inclusive school cultures that help students and families from diverse backgrounds thrive.” Dr. Cardona also praised Pacheco for “working passionately to meet the unique needs of Native American students” and creating educational opportunities that honor and uplift Tribal Nations. “Ms. Pacheco has contributed to rising graduation rates at Churchill County High School and strengthened the fabric of the entire community.”
Pacheco is known for going above and beyond, as well as anywhere and everywhere her students need her. This includes meeting families at their homes, on the soccer field, and even at the grocery store to ensure her students get the support they need to succeed. Pacheco joined ChurchillCSD in 2013 as a Title VI Liaison and has worked with hundreds of students and families to help achieve this goal.
As an advisor and counselor for Native American students and families, Pacheco offers one-on-one tutoring, classroom support, and after-school tutoring. She gets results, too. The graduation rate for the students in her caseload has been increasing over the last nine years. Pacheco’s students know they can rely on her even after graduation; some even reach out for help navigating higher education and scholarships.
Pacheco is committed to helping ChurchillCSD build a deeper relationship with the tribal community. She is the Strength of Nations Club Advisor and helped found the One of Many Group. She also supported one of her students to create the Catch My Breath Youth Vaping Prevention Program in partnership with the New Frontier Treatment Center, which CCHS is now looking to expand.
“The mission of ChurchillCSD’s Indian Education Program is designed to meet the unique academic and cultural needs of American Indian and Alaska Native students,” said Director of Learning and Innovation Derild Parsons, “We are proud of her advocacy for and support of our students in their advancement through school and their paths to graduation.”
Comment
Comments