Parents Step Ahead (PSA), a non-profit community outreach initiative designed to increase parental involvement in a child’s educational development, honored five parents and two grandmothers at its 6th Annual “Parent of the Year” Awards Ceremony on December 2, 2011 at the Crowne Plaza Market Center Hotel in Dallas, TX. The “Parents of the Year” who were recognized for making a difference in the lives of their children and community were: Francia de la Rosa, Wilmer, TX; Catalina E. Lechuga, Dallas, TX; Dora L. Rodriguez, Dallas, TX; David Sanchez, Haltom City, TX; Valerie Smith, Irving, TX; David Solis, Irving, TX; Gloria Yeberino, Irving, TX.

Through partnerships with local school districts, corporations, and other community organizations, PSA offers parents a series of events and seminars, providing free childcare and food to facilitate their participation. Every year, schools nominate parents for “Parent of the Year” based on PSA program participation and two essays; one written by the parent and the second written by the child. Selected parents are honored during the Annual “Parent of the Year” Awards Ceremony and receive a home computer system. “I didn’t think I would win. If anything we won because of the girls,” said David Sanchez, 2011 honoree from Academy at West Birdville. “I want the best for them and I know that with an education they won’t have to work as hard as I do.”

PSA has recognized some phenomenal parents raising some exceptional children and some of those have been grandparents raising grandchildren or even great grandchildren. About 6-10 percent of the parents the organization serves are grandparents and in addition to the usual school programs, PSA partners every year with local senior citizen organizations to honor a member who is raising a grandchild and is going the extra mile in their education. For the first time, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) joined PSA as a partner to recognize two outstanding grandmothers, Dora L. Rodriguez from Urban Park Elementary (Dallas ISD) and Francia de la Rosa from Las Voces Olvidadas de la Tercera Edad.

With the support of Educational Testing Service and their representative Olga Salinas, Test Development Team Leader for K-12 Assessments, PSA also selected four teachers for a leadership development trip to Washington, D.C. as a reward for their time and dedication with PSA programs and outreach. While in the capital these Parent Step Ahead “Ambassadors” will meet with the Department of Education and National Education Association, and tour the White House and the Capitol. This year’s “Ambassadors” are: Demarius Howard from Sam Houston Middle school (Irving ISD), Melanie Maine from Sam Houston Middle School (Irving ISD), Lorraine Mantei from La Academia de Estrellas (Dallas), and Sherqueena Myles from Urban Park Elementary (Dallas ISD).

This year’s gala was co-chaired by PSA board members, Susie García, Business consultant for McDonald’s USA, LCC in the Greater Southwest Region, and Fred Maldonado, Regional director for AT&T Texas External Affairs. “It was great to honor parents, our day-to-day heroes, and hear such inspirational speakers. The event raised the bar for the McDonald’s team and has us wanting to do more in the community,” said García. “I am honored to be part of such a great organization and see it all come together on this night of celebration.”

Ana María Vargas, anchor for Univision 23 KUVN, served as the emcee for the ceremony.

The honorees, teachers, school administrators, community members, and corporate leaders who attended had the opportunity to listen to several national and local leaders, including keynote speaker Richard Montañez, PepsiCo executive and the “Godfather of Hispanic Marketing.” He spoke about how his humble beginning and cultural influences have contributed to his visionary leadership and ability to develop new systems and products. Montañez began his PepsiCo career at Frito-Lay in 1976 as a janitor and is now recognized as the creator of the Flamin’ Hot® product line, which influenced future ethnic products and the first Frito-Lay Hispanic marketing team.

Addressing the issue of community involvement was Jorge Muñoz, a New York school bus driver and founder of An Angel in Queens. The organization operates on little more than what Muñoz can spare from his weekly paycheck as a school bus driver, a few donations from local restaurants, and the help of his family. He told his story about starting his unorthodox meal program in 2004 after speaking to a couple of hungry workers and how he now feeds up to 140 day laborers every day. In 2009 he was recognized as a CNN Hero and then in 2010 received the Presidential Citizens Medal, the second-highest civilian honor, in recognition of his exemplary deeds of service for his fellow citizens.

“We are glad to have had such known leaders from across the country speak at the awards ceremony and share their inspirational stories with our guests,” affirmed Lupita Colmenero, PSA founder and chair. “They are great examples of the change a single person can bring about with hard work and dedication.”

Gala sponsors were AARP, Comerica Bank, Educational Testing Services, General Motors, LATINA Style Inc., Law Office of Domingo Garcia, McDonald’s USA, Pinnacle Technical Resources, Walmart, University Crossroads Education Center at the University of Texas at Arlington, and Wells Fargo.