Veronica Gonzalez
Position: School Counselor
School: Alliance Leichtman-Levine High School
School District: Alliance College Ready Public Schools
City, State: Los Angeles, CA
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Veronica Gonzalez was nominated by her colleague, Karen Ruiz.
"Veronica Gonzalez has been our school’s college counselor for many years. Throughout all the leadership changes and transitions, she has remained a steady and supportive presence for her colleagues, students, and families. Veronica is one of the most dedicated and selfless people I’ve ever met — always going above and beyond to be available for families, no matter the time or circumstance. In recent years, I have witnessed her face personal hardships, including the emotional toll of her husband's chronic illness. Despite these challenges and becoming the sole provider for her family — even taking on summer jobs to make ends meet — Veronica continues to give 100% of herself to our school community," said the nominator. "Her resilience, compassion, and positive spirit are truly inspiring. Ms. Gonzalez is not only incredibly supportive and caring, but she also brings a sense of fun and warmth to everyone around her. She truly deserves this recognition — and so much more!"
Ms. Gonzalez has always been incredibly polite, kind, and supportive. She has gone above and beyond to help our family navigate my son's college classes, and her guidance has made a real difference for us. She truly cares about her students and their futures, and it shows in everything she does. I'm grateful for her dedication and proud to support her.
I am the NLG Agent who introduced LCOY to the school principal. From both a professional and deeply personal perspective, I wholeheartedly support Ms. Gonzales’ nomination. During this season of preparing my son for college, she has been an incredible blessing to our family. Having a son who is taking college classes while still in high school can feel overwhelming at times, but Ms. Gonzales has walked alongside us with so much patience, reassurance, and genuine care. She sees my son not just as a student, but as a young person with dreams and potential. She listens, encourages, and guides with wisdom and compassion, always making him feel supported and capable. As a parent, knowing that someone like Ms. Gonzales believes in my son and advocates for him brings me immense peace and gratitude. We are truly thankful for her heart, her dedication, and the lasting impact she continues to have on our lives. She is an amazing counselor and an even more amazing human being.
This counselor has made a huge impact in the Glassell park neighborhood of Los Angeles. She goes above the normal expectations of a college counselor by keeping students accountable to the highest standards of academic success even when they don't see it in themselves. This is evident in students like Jose who would have failed his first college class while duel enrolled as a freshman in high school. She followed up with Jose's family, calling, meeting in person, finding time after school. Jose passed that class. The school board was shocked to find out that EVERY frehsman passsed the college classes they were duel enrolled in while at our high school. This was 100% because of Vero. She got every one of them across the finish line regardless of the person sacrifices she needed to make.
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Mrs. Gonzalez for quite some time—both as my children’s counselor and as a colleague. When I was new in my role as Parent Engagement Specialist, she supported me without hesitation, despite the many responsibilities on her plate.
Mrs. Gonzalez is straightforward and honest, and her students come to value and appreciate her guidance—not only when it comes to college planning, but in preparing for life beyond high school.
I've known Ms. Gonzalez for about four years. She's a great help to me; she didn't mind stopping all her work to help me or give me good advice. If I didn't know Ms. Gonzalez so well, I would think she was a fulfilled, problem-free person. And knowing that she's the complete opposite, I have nothing but admiration for her. She brings out the best in her students and never lets them down. She's available all day, even after school!!!
Vero is one the strongest people on our campus. As a counselor, she has guided our students into their next chapter of their lives with a firm hand that intimidates our students, but is a hand they will always remember and be grateful of. This year, she took on an extra role to support students enrolled in a college course. In other words, she became a teacher herself in order to help these student with their next chapter before they even start the process. She has handle that role with ease and makes it seem like any one can be a teacher, but thats not the case. The fact is that Veronica is so great that she can do anything she sets her mind to. She is a wonderful role model for our student and more particularly our young girl at our school who look for strong women leaders. Did I forget to mention that she is also a mother? She is truly a rock at ESAT, and there is no one else I see more deserving of this nomination and award than her.
If one were to look up dedication in the dictionary, the definition would simply state "see: Veronica Gonzalez." I have yet to meet anyone as committed to empowering youth and providing them with access to a wider world than Veronica. Whether it be in scholarship opportunities, internships or in running our duel-enrollment college courses, Veronica has been instrumental in making sure students succeed now and in the future.
Veronica is such an amazing person to work with. She is strong and passionate, but also extremely caring for both her coworkers and her students. Ms. Gonzalez comes into work and puts in everything she has into it. She cares for her students and wants to make sure that they succeed. She has influenced the lives of so many people around her. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award than Ms. Gonzalez.
Veronica is an amazing counselor at our school! But she goes above and beyond that job description every day. Veronica has been a college counselor at Alliance ESAT for over 10 years. Aside from her job, she also makes sure that our students who are making up credits in summer school get work done. She tutors them in math and in whatever class they need to pass. She'll sit there and explain the assignments to them and help them complete those assignments to pass those classes to graduate from high school. Veronica is invested in all of our students and their future. She knows all of our students (all 314 of them) by name. When she sees a student struggle in school, Veronica will contact their families and try to figure out how to support them. She gets to know their families and family situations to make sure that she doing everything she can to support the struggling students. Vero is usually at school earlier in the morning and is consistently the last few people to leave in the evening. Not only is she there for our students, but Vero is also a constant support to the teachers and staff. She's made every new staff member feel welcomed and supported every year I've been here. All I can say is that Veronica is a pillar of our school community, and she deserves every award and recognition!
I’ve had the privilege of knowing Ms. Gonzalez for many years, and I have immense respect for her and her work ethic. She’s the type of person who will always say yes when it comes to helping our students, and that speaks volumes about her dedication. Ms. Gonzalez is constantly busy, ensuring our students have strong programs while advocating for what’s best for them. She’s always present, ready to give her best for the school.
Beyond her professional commitment, Ms. Gonzalez has been facing personal challenges with her husband's illness, yet she continues to show up with unwavering dedication. No one is more deserving of recognition than she is.
I am honored to nominate Veronica Gonzalez for this award. I have had the privilege of working with her for the past 15 years at Alliance Leichtman Levine Family Foundation Environmental Science High School, and she continues to be one of the most dedicated and impactful counselors I’ve ever known.
Veronica is compassionate, hard-working, and deeply committed to student success. She believes in every student and holds them accountable in ways that help them grow and thrive. Her support goes beyond academics—she sees the whole child and is a trusted advocate for all.
She is also a true team player, collaborating with staff and families to ensure the best outcomes for our students. Her work ethic and integrity are unmatched, and her positive impact on our school community is immeasurable. She deserves this award!
Sincerely,
Helen
