What followed was transformative. Through workshops, legislative visits, and storytelling practice, participants built new confidence and found new purpose. Four of them — Edward, Antonio, Vanessa, and Jocelyn — offer a glimpse into what happens when staff are empowered to lead change from the ground up.

Edward Galvan

Summer Site Coordinator, Hoover Elementary

Edward joined the cohort with a clear purpose.
“I have a huge passion for advocating for students’ needs and helping those in need. Being part of this Advocacy Cohort aligned perfectly with my goals and the degree I am currently pursuing.”

At Hoover Elementary, he sees how expanded learning fills real gaps for families that work long hours.
“For many students, after school is not just daycare. LA’s BEST gives them a safe place, caring adults, and room to grow in ways even traditional schools cannot always provide.”

The cohort helped Edward practice speaking about funding, connect with peers across sites, and observe leadership in action. He left with new language and renewed energy to explain why these programs are essential for children and entire neighborhoods.

Antonio Rocha Medina

Learning Facilitator, Leadership Development Department
LA’s BEST Alumnus

Antonio’s story comes full circle. He once sat in after school as a student. Now he trains staff as a Learning Facilitator.
“I felt inspired to support the efforts of LA’s BEST, the same program that gave me a safe space to play, learn, and grow while my parents worked to support our family.”

Through the cohort, he deepened skills in time management, professional communication, and public speaking that strengthen his daily work with adults.
“Advocacy means fighting for something that matters. For me, that is LA’s BEST. Families, students, and neighborhoods would not be the same without it.”

Antonio hopes to mentor future cohorts so more alumni and staff can raise their voices with confidence.

Vanessa Parra

Workforce APS
LA’s BEST Staff Since 2006

Vanessa has spent years walking alongside young people as they explore workforce pathways. The cohort gave her a new toolkit and a louder mic.
“I am a firm believer that our voice and actions can create change. I joined to gain experience speaking with government officials and learning how our program gets funded.”

Meeting elected officials and learning the policy landscape sharpened her message.
“We are not just afterschool care. We are a family of collaborative minds creating meaningful opportunities every day.”

Vanessa continues to advocate for resources while coaching high school students who are taking their first steps into leadership and work.

Jocelyn Figueroa

Program Worker, Harvard Elementary

Jocelyn entered the cohort with a heart for students who may not have someone to speak for them.
“I joined because I wanted to help kids from various backgrounds and give a voice to those who cannot advocate for themselves.”

She learned how legislation shapes access to programs like hers and how to make that real for decision makers.
“LA’s BEST is a stepping stone to a better future. These enrichment programs help our kids grow socially, emotionally, and academically.”

Back on site, Jocelyn now brings an advocacy lens to daily moments and encourages peers to step into the role of changemaker.

What Comes Next

The inaugural Advocacy Cohort proved that advocacy isn’t reserved for policymakers; it belongs to everyone who believes in children and community. These staff members learned legislation works, found their voices, and discovered their power to shape change.

Now, as LA’s BEST launches its second Advocacy Cohort, we’re building on this momentum — expanding the program’s reach to include advocacy at both the State and City levels. Together, this growing network of staff advocates will continue to uplift our communities and ensure that programs like LA’s BEST have the support they need to thrive.

For more information or to get involved in a future cohort, contact salvador.manriquez@lacity.org

The post Voices of Change: Reflections from LA’s BEST’s First-Ever Advocacy Cohort appeared first on LA's BEST.

“I would pick him up and his homework was done,” Roxana recalls. “Eventually, he started getting mad if I picked him up early. He’d say, ‘Can you come at 5:50? I’m doing stuff with my friends.’”

Over the years, Alexander discovered a love for sports, art, and music through the programs offered at LA’s BEST. But it was NBA Math Hoops, a fast-paced board game that blends basketball with math, that really made things click. Not only did it sharpen his skills, it launched him into an unforgettable journey.

This year, Alexander was selected to represent LA’s BEST at the NBA Math Hoops Global Championship in New York City.

“I was really glad and surprised,” he said, smiling. “It was a great experience.”

From practicing math in fun, competitive ways to traveling to a new city, Alexander was all in. His favorite part? Visiting the Jackie Robinson Museum, a meaningful moment for the proud Dodgers fan.

“There were jerseys, cleats, trophies… and we did a scavenger hunt at the end,” he shared.

Roxana got to come along too, her first time visiting New York.

“They had an agenda for us every day,” she said. “It was amazing. The kids met students from other states, went to colleges, visited the NBA Draft. It was nonstop learning and joy.”

She credits the program for giving Alexander more than just academic support. It introduced him to band and orchestra. It encouraged his involvement in the USC NAI program, which guides students from middle school through college. Most importantly, it helped him grow into a confident, well-rounded young person.

“LA’s BEST is more than childcare,” Roxana said. “It helps kids who are shy or struggling, and it supports parents who are working hard. It gave me peace of mind and gave Alex a chance to shine.”

Now, Alexander encourages other students not to be nervous.
“Don’t stress it,” he says. “It’s a fun program. It’s all gonna go well.”

The post From After School to the Big Apple: A Family’s Journey with LA’s BEST and Math Hoops appeared first on LA's BEST.

“I grew up in Koreatown, a big Lakers and Dodgers fan,” he says. “Sports were my childhood, but they were also how I learned.”

Now, as an Area Program Supervisor with the Education Department LA’s BEST, George is the driving force behind bringing innovative STEM-based sports programs like NBA Math Hoops, MLB Players STEM League, and MLS STEM Goals to schools across Los Angeles.

But for George, it’s not just about programs. It’s about purpose.

“Not every kid sees themselves in the classroom,” he says. “Math Hoops gives students another way in. They’re learning math while playing a game that excites them.”

This year, when Alexander from Aragon Elementary was selected to compete in the NBA Math Hoops Global Championship, George was there every step of the way.

“Seeing him thrive, seeing his classmates get excited and want to join next year, that’s the ripple effect,” George said. “That’s what this is about.”

George speaks passionately about how partnerships with organizations like Learn Fresh allow LA’s BEST to provide meaningful, equitable opportunities. These include NBA game tickets, STEM-focused enrichment, and real-world learning at no cost to students and families.

“These are Title I schools. Many families can’t afford these experiences. We bring it to them for free,” he says. “And it’s not just play. It’s math, teamwork, data, and career exposure.”

George’s own journey fuels his work. A self-described neurodivergent kid who didn’t fit in, he found mentorship and acceptance in afterschool programs.

“I didn’t have a favorite teacher growing up,” he says. “I had afterschool counselors who gave me a shot. Now I want to be that for someone else.”

To date, George has taken over 600 students to Lakers games, something he considers one of his proudest accomplishments.

“I’m not just showing up to work,” he says. “I’m showing up for my younger self. And I’m building bridges for these kids to walk into their futures with confidence.”

The post Why George Lee Believes Sports Can Change the World (and the Math Too) appeared first on LA's BEST.

As a founding leader of LA’s BEST and a trailblazer in expanded learning, Debe Loxton has been with us since the beginning. Before her retirement, we sat down with Debe to reflect on her journey from the early days of LA’s BEST to leading Beyond the Bell and to hear her hopes for the future of this work. What follows is a conversation about impact, leadership, and planting seeds for what’s to come.

Q: What long-term impact do you think LA’s BEST has had on our communities?

Debe: Honestly, sometimes the impact isn’t something you can measure; it’s something you feel. LA’s BEST has always had a deep commitment to belonging, to creating space for kids to grow and be seen.

One of the most meaningful long-term effects is that many of our current staff were once students of LA’s BEST. That full-circle journey, that’s the longitudinal impact.

I remember during my first interview for LA’s BEST, someone asked me what my goal was. I said I didn’t want to change schools, I wanted to change communities. That’s what LA’s BEST does. It shifts the dynamic. When a student sees their coach at the market, at church, in their neighborhood, that’s powerful. It shows kids that people in their own community are investing in their future.

Q: Is there a story or individual that’s stayed with you over the years?

Debe: It’s impossible to pick just one. What I’ve learned is that LA’s BEST creates the conditions for stories to happen. Every time a student grows, every time a staff member has that moment where something clicks, that’s the work.

We might not always know the final outcome of someone’s journey, but the thread runs deep. Those individual moments, semester by semester, year by year, are what make up the fabric of LA’s BEST. It’s not about one big success story. It’s the hundreds of small steps that turn into something meaningful.

Q: What have you learned about building strong partnerships, especially with LAUSD, Beyond the Bell, and the City?

Debe: Partnerships are hard. They don’t live on paper; they live between people. And they’re built on trust; earned trust.
As a leader, your job is to do what you say you’re going to do, hold yourself to high integrity, and focus on what really matters: how this helps kids. People come with ideas and funding models, but you have to protect your program’s integrity.

Not every idea is a fit. You need to know your model, what you do, what you won’t compromise on, and where your values are. True collaboration happens when everyone is moving in the same direction.

Q: What role has collaboration played in LA’s BEST’s growth and resilience?

Debe: Carla Sanger was the master of collaboration. She could get people into a room and aligned in minutes because she had such a clear passion for our students and communities.

Collaboration works best when it’s grounded in shared values. It’s not about agreeing with everything, it’s about ensuring that what you’re doing serves kids. If you stay rooted in that, partnerships happen more organically.

Q: As you prepare for retirement, what are your hopes for the future of afterschool and expanded learning?

Debe: I hope it just keeps getting better. That we keep students safe and continue to create spaces where they can thrive and explore their curiosity.
Expanded learning helps kids build relationships, life skills, and academic confidence; it’s a whole-child model. I want to see LA’s BEST continue to grow and deepen that impact. The only limit is when people stop dreaming about what’s possible.

Q: What do you see as the biggest challenge ahead?

Debe: Fundraising is always tough. It takes the right partners and clear expectations, so both sides know what is being invested in and what outcomes are expected.

We also get stuck thinking that everything is either-or, but most of the time, the answer is both. The key is knowing what you’re solving for. When you can answer that question, you can find the path that serves kids best.

Q: What message would you leave for the next generation of leaders in expanded learning?

Debe: Everything changes. Everything is connected. So pay attention.

We’re always looking toward the horizon, but we forget that the real moments, the powerful ones, are right in front of us. Every hallway conversation, every interaction with a student, a principal, or a custodian —every interaction matters.

Also, this work has to be a calling. It can’t just be a job. Our students deserve people who are genuinely here because they want to be. If you’re not doing what you’re meant to do, go find what brings you joy. You’re doing a disservice to yourself and your soul if you don’t.

Q: You used to end events with a quote that stuck with me. I think it was about planting seeds. Do you remember it?

Debe: Yes. I believe it’s attributed to Jennifer Granholm. It goes something like:

“Leadership is about planting seeds of a tree whose shade you may never sit under.”
That’s what this work is. We’re planting and watering seeds that may flourish long after we’re gone, but they’ll still serve their purpose.

Q: What does this next chapter mean for you personally? Will you stay connected to the work?

Debe: Absolutely. I’ll always be connected to expanded learning, just not in a formal role. My house burned in the Eaton Fire, so I’ll be rebuilding from scratch: a new home, a fresh start, kind of like what we did with LA’s BEST. I’ve given people my number. If anyone calls, I’m happy to provide support, volunteer, or offer consultation. I just don’t want a job anymore. But I’ll always say yes to helping. That part of my heart isn’t going anywhere.

Thank you, Debe.

Your leadership helped build the foundation of LA’s BEST and shaped how we continue to grow. The values you championed, like consistency, care, and a deep belief in young people, remain central to our work.

We’re grateful for the path you’ve paved and the clarity you’ve brought to this field. Your impact lives on in every student, staff member, and school you’ve helped strengthen.

The post Planting Seeds: A Tribute to Debe Loxton’s Legacy appeared first on LA's BEST.

In the year leading up to the showcase, students gave up free time after school to rehearse and refine their routines. Behind each team was a dedicated coach trained by LA’s BEST’s City Wide Department to help students develop their skills and perform with pride.

“It’s not just about dancing,” said Christie, a former Dance & Drill Team committee member. “It’s about watching students come out of their shell, supporting one another, and learning that their voice matters even when it’s expressed through movement.”

For many performers, this was their first time on a stage of this size. Nerves ran high in the hallways before go-time. One student from Sunrise Elementary whispered to a teammate, “I feel like my heart is going to fall out.” Seconds later, they burst onto the floor with confidence and power, cheered on by over 1,000 spectators family, friends, and community members who attended free of charge.

Among the many full-circle moments was that of Nahomey, Program Worker at Wilton Place Elementary. Once a Drill Team performer herself, she returned this year as a coach, guiding her team to a first-place finish.

“I remember what it felt like to be out there nervous but proud,” said Nahomey. “Now I get to watch my students feel that same pride. Seeing them win, knowing how hard they worked, it was one of the most meaningful moments of my career.”

This year also marked a milestone for Cristina Barrios, the lead organizer of the showcase. Cristina stepped into the role with a clear vision: grow the event and strengthen relationships with the coaches who bring it to life.

“Last year, we held a one-day event with 62 sites. I set a goal to hit at least 80 schools this year. We reached 95 and that made my heart extremely happy,” said Cristina. “Extending the event to two days was also something I had dreamed about. I wanted to make it bigger and better than the year before.”

Cristina’s leadership focused just as much on connection as it did on logistics.

“I wanted coaches to feel like they could rely on me and that I was someone who would help them feel successful on competition day. That mattered just as much as the number of schools.”

She also shared deep appreciation for the team who made it possible.

“I could not have done this without the City Wide Team. Mike, Manny, Irene, Alex, and Michelle were all incredible. Mike believed in me and supported me every step of the way, through all three years. I can’t wait to see what comes next.”

Drill Team at LA’s BEST gives students a place to push themselves, support each other, and learn what it means to be part of a team. Thanks to the staff, families, and coaches who made this event possible, students walked away with pride and memories that will stay with them for years.

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Within days of arriving, Erick was enrolled at 28th Street Elementary and welcomed into the LA’s BEST afterschool program. He remembers how a staff member sat with his mom, patiently walking her through what the program was and how it could help. From the beginning, LA’s BEST gave Erick what his family needed most: support, structure, and a place to grow.

“For me, it meant a safe place where I could keep learning,” Erick shared. “My parents didn’t speak English, so helping with homework wasn’t easy for them. LA’s BEST filled that gap and helped me learn, find my voice, and feel at home.”

Through hands-on activities like sports, art, cooking, and gardening, Erick began to find his place. He made friends, practiced English, and started to thrive not just as a student but as a kid adjusting to life in a brand-new city. For his parents, LA’s BEST meant peace of mind: they could work to build a future without worrying about childcare.

Erick was the first in his family to join LA’s BEST, but not the last. His younger brother followed, then his youngest sister. Each of them carried the lessons they learned in the program into every part of their lives—lessons about community, curiosity, and believing in yourself.

“LA’s BEST didn’t just support me,” Erick said. “It helped my whole family find our footing”

Now grown, Erick carries those early experiences with him, and he sees how much those early years still matter.

The post Erick’s Journey: From Veracruz to 28th Street Elementary appeared first on LA's BEST.

Imagine it’s 2:30 in the afternoon. School just ended, but work hasn’t. Parents across Los Angeles are stuck in traffic or on back-to-back shifts. Rent is due. Groceries are more expensive than last month. There’s no one home yet, but the kids need somewhere to be.

For thousands of families in this city, expanded learning isn’t a luxury. It’s survival. But finding it? Affording it? That’s another story.

Private afterschool programs can cost anywhere from $3,888 to over $11,000 per child each year. For families with two kids, that can climb to more than $22,000. That’s more than many people pay for housing. Yet cost is just the start of what families are up against. Across Los Angeles, more than 50 percent of households are cost-burdened, more than 30 percent of children live in food-insecure homes, and nearly one in three adults do not feel safe in their neighborhoods.

The city’s response? A promise kept for 37 years.

A Promise from City Hall 

In 1988, Mayor Tom Bradley launched LA’s BEST with a simple idea: if families don’t have access to safe, affordable, enriching spaces for kids after school, the city should step in and create them.

That idea evolved into a city-supported program based in public schools, in partnership with the Mayor’s Office and LAUSD, designed to offer no-cost expanded learning in the neighborhoods that needed it most.

It wasn’t a side project. It was part of Los Angeles’s public infrastructure. A commitment not just to children, but to their families. A recognition that public safety, economic opportunity, and child development are deeply connected.

 At a time when federal education funds are being withheld, everyday costs are climbing, and families are facing more instability, that promise matters more than ever. LA’s BEST remains part of the city’s foundation, meeting real needs where the stakes are high and the options are few.

37 Years of Standing with LA’s Kids

Every sitting Mayor since Mayor Bradley has renewed that commitment.

Mayor Karen Bass continued that legacy. On LA’s BEST Day, April 9, she welcomed students from Gates Elementary into her press conference room at City Hall, taking time to listen to their stories and understand how LA’s BEST supports families, directly from the community it serves.

Today, in partnership with the City and LAUSD, LA’s BEST serves 16,200 students at more than 200 LAUSD elementary schools. All at no cost to families all year round.

A Full-Circle: From Student to Leader

Some of the students who grew up in LA’s BEST are now leading Los Angeles.

Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez is one of them. She attended LA’s BEST at Monte Vista Elementary. This year, she returned to that same school to see the program still thriving, still joyful, still needed.

As a City Councilmember, she introduced the resolution celebrating LA’s BEST Day. Her remarks weren’t abstract. They were personal. She knows firsthand how expanded learning programs can shape a child’s path and a family’s future.

In her words and presence, the story came full circle.

A Citywide Celebration of Care 

The campaign leading up to LA’s BEST Day on April 9 was a true celebration of connection, care, and collective action.

It began in December, when Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez met with our first-ever Staff Advocacy Cohort and offered heartfelt encouragement ahead of their advocacy work. She reminded them that their lived experiences were powerful and that their voices already had the power decision-makers needed to hear.

In March, the cohort traveled to Sacramento for the California Afterschool and Summer Challenge, where they met with state leaders to champion expanded learning programs. They spoke with clarity and heart about what it means to serve the neighborhoods they grew up in. Their presence was powerful, and their stories made a lasting impact.

Back in Los Angeles, the momentum continued to grow. On April 4, the City Council heard directly from LA’s BEST parents, students, a principal, and our CEO. Their stories brought to life what data alone can’t capture—safe, enriching spaces where kids explore new skills, build confidence, and feel a sense of belonging. Councilwoman Hernandez’s resolution recognized the impact LA’s BEST has had on families and communities for more than 35 years.

On April 9, LA’s BEST students met with Mayor Karen Bass and shared their stories inside City Hall. That night, thanks to Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, City Hall lit up in LA’s BEST blue and green.

In a year filled with uncertainty, the leadership shown by Mayor Bass and Councilmembers Hernandez and Rodriguez—and by our staff through the Advocacy Cohort—was not only inspiring, but urgently needed. Their voices are grounded in lived experience, reminding the City what’s at stake and who’s paying attention. When City Hall lit up in LA’s BEST colors, it became a visible reminder that those voices are being heard.

A Sound Investment in a Stronger City

LA’s BEST is a smart investment. For every dollar spent, families and the public see as much as three times the return through educational gains and reduced costs tied to public safety and social services.

Supporting LA’s BEST is not about starting something new. It is about sustaining what already works and continuing to reach the kids and communities that rely on us most.

Even in higher-income areas, families are stretched. In Council District 11, the city’s highest-income district, over 40 percent of households are still cost-burdened. Food insecurity exists everywhere. LA’s BEST exists for everyone.

A City That Shows Up

LA’s BEST didn’t appear by chance. It was built by a city that made a choice. For 37 years, that choice has paid off: for children, for families, for neighborhoods, and for the future of Los Angeles.

Today, that choice matters more than ever.

As communities face rising costs, withheld federal education funding, and growing uncertainty, the need for safe, reliable, and enriching spaces is only increasing.

That’s why the voices of Mayor Bass, Councilmembers Hernandez and Rodriguez, and our LA’s BEST staff Advocacy Cohort carry so much power. Their leadership reminds us that expanded learning isn’t just a program. It’s public infrastructure.

The investment continues because showing up for children after school is still one of the most powerful choices a city can make.

– – – – – – –

The fight for afterschool isn’t over, especially with federal funding at risk. Join us in calling for the support our kids and communities need.

Link

The post What Kind of City Shows Up After School? appeared first on LA's BEST.

In the afterschool room at Sylmar Elementary, there’s no quiet corner. Not when math becomes a board game, sports analytics a challenge, and curiosity walks in after the last bell with a backpack and questions.

That’s where Site Coordinator Priscilla Galvez has built something lasting over the past 20 years. A space where kids can take learning further than they thought it could go.

This year, two of her students, Daleyza C. and Valentina G., did just that.

Math in Motion: Daleyza’s NBA Math Hoops Experience

Daleyza, 11 years old and in 5th grade, isn’t the kind of student who rushes to the spotlight. But when LA’s BEST introduced NBA Math Hoops, something clicked.

“She kept showing up. Quietly. Focused,” said Galvez. “And then she started winning.”

Math Hoops isn’t just about arithmetic. It’s structured around real statistical player analysis of NBA and WNBA players. Students calculate shooting percentages, defensive rebounds, and three-point averages in real time, developing number fluency and strategic thinking under pressure. Daleyza rose through the rankings, placing in the top four representing the Lakers region and earning a spot at the Global Tournament Championship in New York City.

“I felt nervous but excited,” she said. “I don’t usually like meeting new people, but everyone was really nice. My partner and I worked great together.”

Her favorite moment? “Walking down the red carpet on NBA Draft Night and meeting the 2024-2025 NBA Draft class was the best part”

Valentina Takes the Field: Learning STEM Through Baseball

Valentina, who has been in LA’s BEST since kindergarten, had already developed a reputation for jumping into challenges. So when the MLB Players STEM League 2025 Global Championship opened applications, she and her coach at Sylmar submitted a nomination video.

“I was in class when Ms. Galvez announced it. I was shocked. I didn’t think I would be picked,” she said.

Valentina loved getting to meet new people and explore a new city.

“We went to Arizona to see a Texans baseball game and got to go on the field. Some of the players signed our things. That was my favorite part.”

The activities in Arizona weren’t theoretical. They involved problem-solving, data modeling, and science-based teamwork. Both girls returned with new skills, new friends, and a bigger sense of what they could do.

“I was not great at the STEM game at first, but I kept learning,” said Valentina.

Daleyza added, “I got better at strategy, and there was a girl named Bree who hyped everyone up. It made me want to do my best.”

What builds confidence? Facing challenges, solving problems, and hearing ‘you’ve got this’ from someone who means it.

The Learning That Lasts

For Galvez, who traveled with Daleyza to New York, the outcomes are visible.

“This past year, two of our students, Daleyza and Valentina, were selected for special trips to New York and Arizona through our enrichment programs. I had the pleasure of traveling with Daleyza to the Math Hoops National Tournament in New York. Watching her connect with others and grow more confident each day was unforgettable.”

And when they returned?

After Daleyza came back, more kids were excited to join. Parents got involved. The energy shifted. They saw what was possible.

Valentina, too, came back changed. She had her own reflections on what the program helped her discover.

“LA’s BEST helps me express myself and try new things,” she said.

She also had a message for others thinking about joining.

“I would tell my friends that LA’s BEST is a great choice. We play outside, do sports, do art, and even had Christmas at LA’s BEST last year.”

For Priscilla Galvez, that says it all.

“I always tell other staff, if something feels too hard or too big, say yes anyway,” she said. “LA’s BEST gives kids the chance to try new things, take risks, and figure out who they want to become.”

The post Big Dreams Begin at LA’s BEST appeared first on LA's BEST.

The Al Minturn Humanitarian Site Coordinator Award recognizes Site Coordinators who promote the health, happiness, and wellbeing of those in the LA’s BEST community, including students, their families, LA’s BEST staff, and individuals within the day school community.

2025 Award Recipient

Tyra Finney, Site Coordinator at Lizarraga

Tyra exemplifies the true spirit of the Al Minturn Humanitarian Site Coordinator Award through her commitment to the happiness and well-being of everyone in the LA’s BEST community. Her presence brings joy and stability, creating a space where students, families, staff, and school partners feel genuinely valued and supported.

As a Site Coordinator, Tyra leads with compassion and integrity. She prioritizes the needs of others, offering a safe space where students can thrive and staff can grow. Whether she’s mentoring her team, encouraging a student through a tough day, or engaging parents in site activities, Tyra is always present, intentional, and kind. Tyra is deeply invested in her team’s growth, providing ongoing guidance, support, and professional development to help others succeed.

Tyra’s selflessness, empathy, and wholehearted leadership leave a lasting impression on everyone she encounters. She is a shining example of what it means to lead with humanity, and we are proud to honor her with the 2025 Al Minturn Humanitarian Site Coordinator Award.

2024 Award Recipient

Priscilla Galvez, Site Coordinator at Sylmar Elementary

Since joining LA’s BEST in 2005, Priscilla has been a cornerstone of her community, forging strong relationships with faculty, families, and students. Her dedication is evident in her relentless advocacy for the program, ensuring that classrooms reflect LA’s BEST culture and students have enriching environments. Priscilla goes above and beyond by attending every weekend game, giving parents peace of mind and supporting students in sports.

Priscilla deeply understands the needs of the students they serve, ensuring that no child goes hungry by making snacks readily available. Her work helps bridge language barriers for families, helping parents navigate resources and understand the benefits of the program. Some of her efforts to secure opportunities, like the Kids for Dodger Baseball event, provide unforgettable experiences for the students. By explaining the importance of sports participation and facilitating access to these activities, she ensure that all students can engage in healthy and safe extracurricular activities, truly embodying the mission of LA’s BEST.

2023 Award Recipient

Coreena Parraz, Site Coordinator at Lassen Elementary

Corenna goes above and beyond her duties as a Site Coordinator. She is constantly offering support to her fellow LA’s BEST staff AND the school day teachers, administration, students and parents as well. Coreena ALWAYS puts the safety of her students first. On MULTIPLE occasions, Coreena was observed staying two to three hours after her shift to write a report to help the needs of a child.

Coreena is constantly advocating for new programs at her site. I’ve seen Coreena reach out to her supervising staff to push for programs she wanted to bring to her site.

Coreena asked her staff to select a couple students/families that could use extra support during the 2022 Holiday Season. She asked these students to make a wish list and all her staff selected an item to purchase from the students’ wish list.

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The Meaningful Impact Award recognizes a Program Worker (PW) or Program Supervisor (PS) who demonstrates dedication, creativity, and an attitude that inspires students and staff alike. They embody our values and make meaningful connections within the LA’s BEST community, enriching daily experiences and leaving lasting impressions.

2025 Inaugural Recipient

Sonnie Rodriguez, Program Supervisor at Sylmar

Since joining the LA’s BEST community, Sonnie has consistently demonstrated dedication, creativity, and a spirit that uplifts everyone around her. Her exceptional contributions have made her an invaluable part of the team, and her commitment to building meaningful connections within the community truly sets her apart.

Sonnie approaches every task with enthusiasm and purpose, always putting students and her team first. Whether she’s planning engaging hands-on activities, stepping in during challenging moments, or creating a safe and joyful space for learning, Sonnie ensures every child feels seen, supported, and excited to be part of the program. Her students leave each day eager to share what they’ve done—a reflection of the love and intention she pours into every lesson. She often goes above and beyond, even purchasing extra supplies to bring her ideas to life.

What makes Sonnie stand out even more is her natural ability to connect. Her positive attitude and uplifting presence foster a culture of trust and support among both students and staff. She leads with empathy and respect, always modeling the values of LA’s BEST and encouraging others to do the same. Her peers look to her as a role model, and her influence can be felt well beyond her own site.

Sonnie’s creativity, compassion, and unwavering dedication embody the heart of this award. She reminds us of the power of one person to make a difference—and we are proud to recognize her as this year’s Outstanding Program Supervisor.

2024 Inaugural Recipient

Nancy Avalos, Program Worker at Lizarraga

Nancy has been with LA’s BEST for over six years, with the last three years spent at our site. In this relatively short period, she has seamlessly integrated and become a vital part of our program’s culture. She designs fun, engaging, and culturally inclusive activities that introduce students to different parts of the world, fostering both enjoyment and learning. Her efforts to expose students to diverse cultures help promote cultural awareness and appreciation of differences among them.

One memorable activity involved creating Chinese lanterns for Chinese New Year, a testament to their creativity and commitment to cultural education. The bonds she has formed with the students are profound and enduring, leaving a significant impact on both the students and staff’s lives.

Nancy leads by example, earning the respect and admiration of her colleagues, who often seek her advice and guidance. Demonstrating initiative, thoughtfulness, and professionalism, she is a trusted and valued member of our team. The new staff know they can always turn to her for help with anything from activity planning to classroom management. Her support has been crucial in helping new staff acclimate to our environment.

Dedicated to continuous learning, she attends every LA’s BEST training available, aiming to deepen her understanding of program culture and improve her skills. She seizes opportunities to enhance our site, creating a fun and inviting learning environment that students love.

When resources are scarce, she goes above and beyond by purchasing materials to enrich the activities, ensuring students have memorable and expressive experiences to share with their families. Nancy’s contributions are essential to the smooth operation of our site; without her, our program would not be the same.

2023 Inaugural Recipient

Maria Carranza, Program Worker at Sylmar Elementary

Maria has taken the time to transform her classroom into another world. She creates activities that have the students so excited to show their parents when they get picked up. Almost all, if not all, of her students ask to go back to her group when they age out the next year.

Maria takes the time to bond with every student in her group and makes sure that her activities are engaging and speaks to every student’s interests. She hangs the activities up so that the students can showcase their work. Everyday at supper her students run up to her asking if they can announce the community agreements that day. She chooses one or two students a day to announce community agreements and the students absolutely love it.

I have never had a Program Worker that was more loved by her students and parents. Parents have told me that their students go home and will not stop talking about Ms. Carranza. She is structured and firm yet caring and kind. She is the perfect balance of what a Program Worker should be and what the students need.

I have seen Maria’s dedication from the first day she started. She comes in early almost daily to work on her classroom or other classrooms. She spends her own money on activities. She hardly ever misses a day and is never late.

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