The West Contra Costa Unified School District and its Special Education Community Advisory Committee (CAC) held the 34th Annual You Make A Difference Awards on Friday, March 12, 2021, via Zoom.

In a virtual ceremony, 16 individuals and/or organizations were honored in seven different categories for making a difference in the lives of WCCUSD's Special Education students. Congratulations to all the honorees.

The individuals and organizations were honored in the following categories:

• Jake Rockeman Award
  • Nolan Wu - Tara Hills Elementary
• Administrators
  • Christopher Pierce – De Anza High School
  • Rachel Avanessian, Sonja Neely-Johnson, Jodi Couick, Special Education Team
• General Education Teacher
  • Amy Garzon – Tara Hills Elementary School
• Special Education Teachers
  • Isaac Chavez - Adaptive Physical Education
  • Maria Evelyn Smith – Coronado Elementary School
  • Sherie Roberts - Mira Vista K-8 School
  • Suzanne Schultz  - Crespi Middle School
  • Cristian Barnell - El Cerrito High School  
• Related Services 
  • Helen Miller – W.A.T.R. AT Specialist 
  • Mayra Covarrubias-Ornelas - Downer Elementary School
• Classroom Support 
  • Deborah Jacobson – Crespi Middle School
  • Antoinette “Toni” Banuelos – Tara Hills Elementary School
• Brian Rutford Memorial Service Award
  • Tonette Johnson and First Student Team