Loretta Sanchez was nominated by her principal, Connie Ipina.
"Loretta is an outstanding professional, mentor, counselor and colleague, but I feel she is a true LifeChanger because of her impact on our students. In the 11 years I have worked with her, I have repeatedly seen her attempts to affect the lives of students in a positive way," said Ipina.
Ms. Sanchez is an extremely driven individual who seeks excellence in all she does. In addition to performing her job at an exemplary level, she demonstrates a commitment to her school and to the counseling profession. She is currently pursing a Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision to train future counselors and contribute to research about the effectiveness of school counseling. She has spent several summers attending professional development trainings to grow in her knowledge of best practices in play and expressive therapies. Ms. Sanchez has also mentored new counselors in their practicums from the local University. Additionally, she has lectured several times to counseling students at the local university's Counseling Department.
Ms. Sanchez has developed several initiatives in her school to help meet students' basic needs. For example, at the beginning of the year, she collaborates with teachers to ensure students have the supplies necessary to be successful. Similarly, in wintertime, she collaborates yet again to ensure students have jackets or sweaters.
She is always willing to meet parents, students and teachers to facilitate student success. She also works to connect students and families in need to agencies that might assist them. Most importantly, despite the poverty that some students face, she always plans for students to give back to their respective communities through charitable work.
Ms. Sanchez is helpful, caring, resourceful and happy to offer her expertise, no matter the task. She used her expertise and planning skills to write curriculum for her district's counseling department for several years. She also spearheaded the committee to plan her district's career fair for over 2,000 students.
"Loretta has made a difference in our school and has positively affected our students," said Ipina.
I have known Loretta for several years as she was my oldest son's music teacher when he attended North Alamo Elementary many years ago. However, I have gotten to know her better and call her a personal friend for the past 5 years as we work together now on a professional level. She is an intelligent, kind, caring counselor not only to the students' she serves but the teachers and staff she works alongside. She is always thinking of creative ways to improve moral within the students through her lessons and within the school staff promoting kindness, friendship, and healthy lifestyles. Loretta is above and beyond infinity a well deserving candidate of this honor.
Someone who really deserves this honor.
Loretta Sanchez is an exceptional school counselor, wife, friend, mother and person. She adds value to everything around her. She has a spirit of excellence about her that she applies to whatever she touches: school, work, motherhood, her family, everything. She loves her job and it shows. She constantly looks for opportunities to better herself as a counselor. Whether it's a week long Play Therapy convention, or an after school staff development, she works hard to be the best counselor she can be. Loretta lifts up those around her as she goes through life. She blesses the people around her and adds value to the lives of everyone she encounters. Loretta brings positivity and sunshine to those around her. She is deserving of this award for so many reasons, but the main reason is that she is a life changer by nature. Because of her ability to make any situation better, she is a deserving candidate to receive this recognition. It's just Loretta's nature to better her own surroundings, and then in turn she betters everyone else's. She is a bright light wherever she goes, and she brightens the lives of all those around her.
An amazing person inside and out-one who always looks out for the children she works with.
What a great person to be nominated for this. True caring spirit comes from the heart.
Mrs. Sanchez is an awesome counselor and a great friend. I had the privilege of working with her for 6 years, and in those 6 years I was able to witness first hand her dedication to our students, parents and staff. Her love for the students was always evident especially when she dedicated her time trying to find new ways to help out students in need. She was always available to hear out parent and staff concerns and would always give great advice.
Wow! Impressed with her constant initiative to provide this guidance to students and families.
A high performer by going the extra mile to share her knowledge in creating a curriculum for her peers.
Outstanding!
Loretta Sanchez is an extraordinary person. She has many qualities that make her an excellent counselor. Loretta has a special gift to understand and empathize with others. She is always researching new and different ways to help students be able to meet and surpass their potential. Loretta has always been there for me when I need help with a student. Her knowledge and strategies she has shared with me have been very helpful to me in my classroom throughout the years. Loretta's positive attitude even during strenuous and emotionally draining events is amazing!
I admire her STRENGTH, KINDNESS, and KNOWLEDGE.
Loretta Sanchez is a Lifechanger, I see it everyday!
Always caring for students.
Ms. L. Sanchez is a person who cares for all, I've known her since she was a music teacher at North Alamo Elem. School. I remember when she was in charge of the talent show and over 300 students wanted to enter; nevertheless, she went ahead and approved all. She could not have it in her heart to dismiss anyone. She gave everyone the opportunity to try. Both my children were included, plus my nieces and nephews. positive future came from that . Now my niece who hardly talked is now a dancing teacher and is competing in dance competitions. My son is in the medical field and my daughter is in educational field. I believe this is because they were given the opportunity to be a part of the positiveness and opening of choices. If our music teacher had turned them down they would have been discouraged and not try for anything, always feeling afraid to try something new.
Here at Dr. Long, she is always going on and beyond for our students and teachers. when I feel down or stressed, I come to her and she hears me out, making me feel better.
Congratulations on the nomination!!
Commitment is always shining through in everything she does.
Not too many people in the world who are so caring about other peoples children. Thank heaven for this counselor.
Una persona excelente con corazon de oro.
Ms. Sanchez es una consejera unica! Super especial.
I am amazed by her patience and persistence in not giving up on our students.
Iam speechless. So much I can say about her but mainly that she doesn't give up on the students.
Super awesome person who cares about students more than anything!
I love her! Amazing human being!
Ms. Sanchez has such a warm heart and is very very caring.
The most wonderful counselor in the work!
Congratulations, Ms. Sanchez! :)
I've had the honor of knowing Loretta Sanchez for over twenty years.
She exemplifies kindness, understanding, and morality.
There is no one that I could name to be better suited for working with impressionable children who need guidance and assistance with their lives.
I know that there may be many qualified nominees for this award, but it would be a travesty if my good friend Loretta did not win this award.
All it takes is caring about the students and not seeing them as dollar signs and Ms Sanchez accomplishes that perfectly.
You are one amazing woman !
You are truly an inspirational to everybody around you. So happy that you get to share your knowledge with us! Congratulations on your nomination!
Mrs. Loretta Sanchez should receive the Life Changer of the year award because she is an excellent Counselor. She displays excellent counseling attributes such as professionalism, positivity, compassion, dedication, positive role model, patience, and high ethical standards. She collaborates with all disciplines involved with the student population, staff and parents as well as the health care field. Therefore, Mrs. Loretta Sanchez should receive the Life Changer Award.
Respectively,
Nurse Marty Ethridge RN, BSN
Well deserved nomination Mrs. Sanchez! Thank you for always giving our students your unconditional love. You are an amazing counselor!
Loretta is a blessing to our district and especially to the students and families of Dr. Long Elementary. I have known this for a long time, but recently, I was able to spend time with her as we highlighted her for a district feature and my respect and admiration reached new levels. She is passionate about her work and as a counselor is committed to find the best way to aid, support and council a child. Her classroom is a playground, she utilizes therapy through play to connect with her students and support them when they need her the most. She had truly changed and saved many lives, she is so deserving of this honor!
CONGRATULATIONS!!
Thank you for everything you do for our students and your support. Many blessings!
Congratulations Mrs. Sanchez!
So proud of all that you do to help all of our students and teachers too. Your hard work is greatly appreciated!
Loretta Sanchez is an outstanding person who has a wonderful gift of talking to to all staff as well as all students. She listens with her heart and gets right to the point. She listens patiently and is well informed on strategies to deal with students with different needs. She is an inspiration for others and great role model.
Wow! Congratulations Loretta! What an honor. You definitely deserve this recognition. You are such a wonderful role model to anyone that crosses your path. Your students and school are blessed.
Loretta always demonstrates the highest level of professionalism with students and colleagues alike. She has been a reliable lifeline for me in connecting to students who have difficulties in making connections to others. Thank you Loretta for all you do for our students!
Outstanding! Well deserved
Loretta is a beautiful person inside and out!
She is simply amazing. The heart of the school is what we call her because she has a time for anyone. She is always available for staff, parents, and especially children. She has a lot of training under her belt and uses it wisely. I am proud and honored that she works with our students.
Congratulations Loretta. As a new counselor to the district, you have made me feel welcome. God bless you with many more successful moments.
Congratulations Mrs Sanchez!! You are one of the most hard working giving person that I know. Always looking out for our students and our community. Well deserved.
She counsels from the heart. The way it should be. Best counselor ever!
Thank you Mrs. Sanchez for all the things that you do for the students! You are a great counselor??
I’ve known Loretta for about 10 years and have worked with her for the last few years. First thing you notice about Loretta is her infectious positive demeanor and attitude, I have never seen her mad and that’s a remarkable thing if you really think about it. I can’t think of anyone more genuinely caring about her students and her school, as well as the staff, I’m so glad she is our school counselor.
Loretta is such an amazing counselor who is always striving for excellency not only professionally, but also as she serves her students with love and compassion. As an individual and friend, she’s always there to help those who need a shoulder to lean on and ready with the right counsel. I feel very proud of all of her accomplishments and to be her friend.
Awesome Loretta!!! Best of luck! You do deserve this and more. Keep doing an awesome job as always! Continue your hard work with your students and staff! ????
