The Hands On Heroes program for Merced County looks to acknowledge those individuals or businesses in the community who go above and beyond supporting children in our county, in ways that embody this region’s so-called Children’s Bill of Rights, adopted by the Board of Supervisors in 2010.
Merced’s document mandates that children have the right to prepared parents and caregivers, nurturing relationships, safety and freedom from abuse, and quality health care, among other rights.
With these rights in mind, Hands On Heroes are those who work tirelessly, bravely overcome adversity and everyday challenges, and are seldom acknowledged for their work.
Nominations for the annual event were submitted by community members earlier this year, and the honorees were recently recognized for their efforts during a luncheon in Merced.
The program is organized by First 5, the Community Collaboration for the Collaborative (CCC), and the Collaborative for Children and Families.
Here are the 2019 Hands On Heroes!
• Fernando Aguilera, (business); nominated by Carmen Ponce Perez and Monica Sotelo for his work with the Merced Soccer Academy.
The nomination stated: “Fernando always seems to find the right words to tell the players to motivate them and encourage them to have fun and enjoy the game no matter what the score. And, “he reminds kids that with dedication, hard work, and love for the game they can reach all of their dreams. … He has built a strong foundation to help change South Merced, not just by providing a healthy sport like soccer; but, by also partnering with community organizations.”
• Judy Coleman, (volunteer); nominated by JoAnne Birdsall of the Dos Palos State Preschool Program.
The nomination stated: “Parking at the elementary school and preschool is extremely limited, and parents have a difficult time finding a place to park for drop-off, as well as pick-up for their children. Judy rounded up a few of her retired friends and they became volunteer crossing guards for our preschool and TK/2 elementary school. She arrives each morning regardless of the weather, and on rainy days, you will see her with her blue poncho out in the rain crossing our preschoolers.”
• Elisa Kleitman, (educator); nominated by Diana Ortiz.
The nomination stated: “… 5th grade teacher at Stowell Elementary School. She is very creative and organized and a great example for the students. She’s not only doing her job, she is loving too, and the students feel motivated by her. People like her need to be recognized too so they can feel that we really appreciate their work, and they can continue to feel motivated to keep doing great for our children.”
• Gloria Morris — (Denard Davis Lifetime Community Service Memorial Award); nominated by Laura Vera.
The nomination stated: “… an outstanding leader and tireless efforts in providing supplemental educational programs for at-risk and foster children and youth in our community. … strives to utilize every available pulpit and platform in her efforts to raise awareness about helping youth attain success in school and in life. She does not believe in failure, she believes that everyone has the potential to succeed.”
• Patricia Pratt, (community); nominated by Julie Jamero-Hada.
The nomination stated: “Patty is a conduit, of which art and the systems nourished in children (sensory, attentional, emotional and motor capacity) are the driving forces behind all other learning. In this day and age, we need more conduits for our children. Patricia encompasses her passion, dedication and unique artistic talent. It is through her talent and gentle, comfortable way of reaching out to our youth, that she introduces our youth to the arts in various mediums, but mostly through painting.”
• Elan Vang, (Emerging Leader Memorial award); nominated by Pakoula Vang and Amy Hang.
The nomination stated: “She works closely with the special needs children daily on campus through PALS (Peer Assistance Learners). She helped initiate an anti-bullying campaign at Buhach Colony High School, known as ‘BC Stand Up.’ … In our Hmong community, many have not accepted those of the LGBTQ+ community, and as a member of the community herself, she has taken action to stand up for herself and her peers.