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Success Coaches in Action

Pictured above is Raquel (at left) with Cherro West after receiving the award.

In that instance, while helping him with transportation issues, Raquel learned the student was not on track to graduate. She brought this to the principal's attention and helped secure funds to cover the student’s senior dues.

“Thanks to Raquel's unwavering commitment and effective collaboration with school leadership, the student successfully graduated alongside his peers in the class of 2023,” Cherro wrote in her nomination letter.

Cherro also lauded Raquel for fostering relationships among peers, school staff, and the community that enabled events like a back-to-school fair that provided backpacks, school supplies, and other resources to students and their families.

Raquel said the most meaningful part of being a Success Coach is her interaction with students. On one occasion, after learning a student was coming to school in just a T-shirt during winter, she provided a donated winter coat, which turned out to have slightly small sleeves. Even so, the student wanted to keep it.

“As he and the teacher were walking out of my office, (the student) turned and asked if he could hug me,” she said. “I said ‘Yes,’ and he thanked me for the coat. I knew I had made the best choice to become a Success Coach.”

2023 honorable mentions for the Pfaff award are Robert Bankston, Wayne County; Kristina Haring, Clare County; and Kacie Williams, Ottawa County.

Pictured above is Raquel (at left) with Cherro West after receiving the award.

Daniel Pfaff Pathways to Potential Leadership Award

The Daniel Pfaff Pathways to Potential Leadership Award is presented annually to a Pathways to Potential Success Coach or Mentor who has demonstrated leadership, compassion, and a willingness to go above and beyond to successfully and creatively remove barriers that have prevented a child or family from achieving their full potential. The efforts of the nominee have resulted in improved student attendance in the classroom and/or employment or increased self-sufficiency for the family.

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Gail Lohr