The Community Spotlight Award recognizes exceptional members or organizations of the community who, through their actions, reflect positively on themselves and the City.
On August 3rd, resident and Community Gymnasium member Crisanto De Leon suffered a cardiac emergency and collapsed to the floor. Paul Castillo, Tech Enciso, Manny Peña, and Adam Quinones quickly rushed to aid Mr. De Leon while others called 911 for emergency assistance.
After assessing his condition, it was determined CPR was required. Rescue breaths were delivered to him and Paul Castillo and Tech Enciso took turns performing chest compressions. Manny Peña stepped in to relieve Tech Enciso in performing chest compressions while Adam Quinones quickly retrieved the AED machine that was later used to deliver an electrical shock to help re-establish an effective heart rhythm.
Shortly afterwards, Deputy Garcia arrived and alternated with Paul Castillo in performing chest compressions. After multiple rounds of CPR, Mr. De Leon was slowly resuscitated and ultimately stabilized by paramedics.
If not for the quick actions of Community Services Supervisor Paul Castillo, Deputy Daniel Garcia, and community members Tech Enciso, Manny Peña, and Adam Quinones, Mr. De Leon’s condition would have worsened, putting his life in jeopardy. Their immediate response, acting without hesitation, and putting their life saving skills into action made the difference.
At its September meeting, the La Mirada City Council recognized Community Services Supervisor Paul Castillo, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Daniel Garcia, and community members Tech Enciso, Manny Peña, and Adam Quinones and presented them with Community Spotlight Awards for actions they took to help a La Mirada resident in need.
Source: City of La Mirada
SCHOOL NEWS
Debra Moreno, biomedical science lead at La Mirada High School, has earned the 2023-24 National Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Biomedical Science Teacher of the Year Award.
Ms. Moreno is committed to providing LMHS biomedical science students with meaningful learning experiences that deepen their knowledge and provide a pivotal springboard to career opportunities.
Ms. Moreno has brought TEEN Cert to LMHS, a national program of volunteers trained in disaster preparedness and emergency response. She has also has advocated for certification opportunities for her students, started and has been the advisor to multiple clubs, and worked to build partnerships with the community to get her students real-world experiences, internships, and jobs.
Monica Afshar, counselor for John Glenn and Southeast Academy, was named the Los Angeles County Office of Education Counselor of the Year.
Ms. Afshar’s nomination stood out among the 80+ applications for the award. The letter of recommendation in her application highlighted her leadership role and her reflections focused on student equity and access through counseling, increasing dual enrollment courses for students, collaborating with teachers, being one of the first schools to be RAMP Certified in California, and also being a member of the JGHS Counseling team, who received the 2023 California Association of School Counselors (CASC) Exemplary School Counseling Program Award.
Ms. Afshar is now invited to apply for California Counselor of the Year and will be formally recognized at an award ceremony on November 29.
Source: NLMUSD
