Maria Baltazar from Carmela Elementary School was awarded the WASA Community Service Award for South Whittier School District on Friday, February 9.
WASA, or the Whittier Association for School Administrators, recognizes exceptional individuals annually. Their award “recognizes outstanding educational administrators and individuals in other professions who have made extraordinary contributions to K–12 education.”
Ms. Baltazar has served South Whittier School District in multiple capacities including being a stakeholder, staff member, and parent. She currently serves as Carmela Elementary’s Community Liaison. She has coordinated parent workshops and events to assist families with services including nutrition classes, mental health, and ESL classes.
Baltazar has helped countless students and their families within our schools, district-wide, connecting them with resources from outside organization to meet their needs. Students in need have received shoes through the organization Shoes that Fit and families have received weekly food deliveries through the HOPE program because of Maria’s efforts.
When Measure QS was on the ballot Baltazar understood the benefits this would bring to our district’s schools and most importantly, our district’s students. She, along with her family, covered a large portion of the west side of South Whittier’s boundaries and went door to door asking for peoples’ vote.
Baltazar has been a strong parent voice and is beloved by students. She volunteers her time at Carmela and Graves Middle school, serves in the School Site Council, DELAC, LCAP, and Think Together.
Thank you, Maria Baltazar, for your hard work and dedication to South Whittier School District!