91Ô­´´

Our community lost a beloved member in the passing of Melissa Hernándéz.  Melissa’s career in 91Ô­´´ School District included teaching, serving as Family Services Specialist, and most recently as the parent liaison for 91Ô­´´ Learns.

Melissa’s impact in the community was profound. She founded the Migrant Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee that offered educational programs and seminars for all district parents. She hosted a weekly Latino radio show where she talked about education issues with a variety of guests. She co-chaired Community Interagency meetings, bringing social agencies together to share information and ideas. She founded a parent advisory committee called PASSPORT (Parents Assuring Student Success), which facilitates leadership, shared responsibility and understanding of education locally, statewide and nationally. She was a community volunteer for the Mariachi Northwest Festival, and has also been a regular columnist on education issues for a Spanish language newspaper.

The Washington State Legislature named Melissa 2012 Civic Educator of the Year. In 2010 Melissa was honored by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for her service to individuals working to become U.S. citizens through naturalization.

Melissa, who was with 91Ô­´´ School District for over 20 years, came to 91Ô­´´ as a 17-year-old exchange student from Panama. She was passionate about developing leadership in youth, and involving parents and family in each child’s education. She encouraged new citizens to participate in civic activities, like joining a board or running for office, and to take ownership in our community.

It is with great sadness that we say good-bye to Melissa. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.