The Izzy Juarez - Success Celebrated
Mr Israel 'Izzy' Juarez receiving recognition in 2015 at the Coronado Optimist Club's first annual 'Izzy Juarez Keep Up the Good Work Award" celebration.
What IS . . .
The Izzy Juarez
Keep Up the Good Work Award?
Following an Optimist International tradition, Mr. Izzy Juarez instituted an Optimist 'Student of the Month' program at Puesta del Sol Elementary School in Rio Rancho during the 1990’s.
His monthly program recognized students who had improved in some way—attendance, homework, behavior, individual performance. The honored students and their families were invited to luncheon to celebrate the students’ improvement.
The Coronado Optimist Club modeled its annual program on Mr. Juarez’s example. Mr. Juarez was able to attend in 2015 COC’s first Izzy Juarez Keep Up the Good Work Award, just months before he died.
Izzy Juarez was a life member and former president of the Northwest Optimist Club in Albuquerque, and an Albuquerque Public Schools’ elementary school principal.
Optimist International is a community service organization that operates through its Optimist Clubs of volunteers.
Friend of Youth
A motto and a way of life at the Coronado Optimist Club!
Second Annual - The Izzy Juarez
Keep Up the Good Work Award
March 8, 2016
To open the evening's program, click on the button "Izzy Juarez Program."
Many people again came together to celebrate two of Bernalillo Middle School's students who had made a genuine improvement during this past year: Shyanne Alarid, in 6th Grade, and Luis Teran-Rascon in 8th Grade.
BMS's Principal Jacque Mangham introduced her teachers Vera Pape, who nominated Shyann Alarid, and Michael Riemen, who nominated Luis Teran-Rascon. The teachers relayed the Izzy awards and prizes to their students.
Celebrating with the BMS community were the students' families and friends, and two very important BPS members: Mr. Daniel Peña, Principal at Carroll Elementary School, which hosted our event, and Michelle Bane, BPS Social Worker and COC member who coordinated the event in the schools.
Also from the Coronado Optimist Club were President Suzann Owings, Vice President David Gardner, Treasurer Venus Sanford, and new COC member Shannon McAlexander.
President Corky Frederick represented the Northwest Optimist Club where Izzy Juarez was a member for many years. In his honor the Northwest Optimist Club provided the students with Walmart gift cards, and members of the Route 66 Optimist Club delivered ice cream floats for dessert. The Coronado Club provided the pizza and salad to round out the banquet.