BALDWIN PARK – Baldwin Park Unified has announced its 2017 Certified Administrator, Classified Administrator and Classified Employee of the Year, honored for their dedication and service to students and colleagues.

“Each of these individuals is an indispensable element of our diverse and talented education team, ensuring that students have the services and environment necessary to succeed,” Superintendent Froilan N. Mendoza said. “Much of their work takes place behind the scenes, so opportunities to recognize them as especially meaningful.”

Certified Administrator of the Year

Harris Vincent Pratt, principal of North Park Continuation High School, is being honored for his ability to connect deeply with his students and staff.

“Vince is one of the few leaders that is very present and actively listening when you talk to him,” said Rick Hassler, director of educational technology and support. “In the moment, you feel like you are the most important person in the world to him. The amazing thing is that he does this with everyone he interacts with. He also creates a culture of openness and honesty.”

Pratt is a graduate of Clemson University and holds a Master of Science in education administration and supervision from Arizona State University. He started at Baldwin Park Unified in 2009 as an assistant principal at Holland Middle School after working for 11 years at schools in South Carolina and California. He became principal at North Park in 2013.

Classified Administrator of the Year

Nancy Mejia, senior executive assistant for the business services division, was praised for her patient and kind approach to meet the needs of her colleagues.

Lydia Cano, deputy superintendent of business and operations, said Mejia’s approach eased her transition into her new post at Baldwin Park Unified.

“Nancy has made my transition here at Baldwin Park Unified a wonderful experience. She anticipates my needs, is resourceful, makes sure I don’t miss any deadlines or appointments, makes me laugh, keeps me in line, and I can depend on her for everything,” Cano said.

Mejia joined Baldwin Park Unified in 2003, and has served as a police dispatcher/clerk, switchboard operator/personnel clerk, early childhood education secretary, workers’ compensation and benefits technician substitute, business services secretary and senior executive assistant of Business Services.

Classified Employee of the Year

Richard Robles, head custodian of Vineland Elementary School, ensures the rooms and facilities are always clean and ready for use. Robles was praised by his colleagues for his quick and cool response to emergency services and the thoughtful and thorough quality of his repairs.

“Most importantly, he always does everything with a smile. From day one, he gets along really well with everyone. He is a great person, always willing and ready to help,” colleagues Noe Roldan and Ofelia Velasco wrote in their nomination.

Robles is an 11-year BPUSD employee. This is his second career – he previously worked 30 years as a grain mill supervisor.

PHOTOS

BPUSD_HONOR_1: Harris Vincent Pratt, principal of North Park Continuation High School, has been named Baldwin Park Unified’s Certified Administrator of the Year. Nancy Mejia, senior executive assistant of business services, has been named Classified Administrator of the Year.

BPUSD_ROBLES_1: Richard Robles, head custodian of Vineland Elementary School, has been named Baldwin Park Unified’s Classified Employee of the Year.