The Vision Award is in recognition of policymakers who demonstrate exceptional vision for understanding the challenges faced by at-promise youth and the development of creative policies to attract and retain students who would otherwise be left out of traditional school programs. This year the Vision Award recipient is State Senator Rhonda Fields, a Colorado legislator who represents Arapahoe County. Senator Fields is recognized for her defense of education and wrap-around service funding; her advocacy for providing student access to transcript data and diplomas despite inability to pay; and her ability to overcome personal tragedy in the establishment of the Fields Wolfe Memorial Fund’s Dayton Street Opportunity Center which provides opportunities for reengaged dropouts, incarceration-impacted children, and other at-promise youth.
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This award recognizes education leaders who show a heart for supporting at-promise students in their academic endeavors and the capacity to see beyond the trauma faced by the students. This year the Heart Award recipient is Dr. Debra Duardo, the Superintendent of Los Angeles County Office of Education. Dr. Duardo is recognized for her deep passion and commitment to resolving the inequity in education for children of color, students with disabilities, and low-income students. On behalf of the students, schools and staff who believe that reengaging young people in education and career development transforms them to being at promise of success rather than at risk of failure, we thank you for your nominations and wish all of the nominees continued success in the work that they do.
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