At last week's assembly, where students were learning about their monthly theme, "Grit," one special employee of Guadalupe who has shown incredible grit and perseverance was celebrated for her 25 years of service. LaVelle Conner was welcomed to the front of the room to be awarded the school's mascot, a wolf, in the form of a small figurine by student leaders.

LaVelle has worked 15 years as a 2nd and 3rd grade paraprofessional, and 10 years as a special education paraprofessional, while simultaneously serving as the school librarian. She is loved by the students and families of the Guadalupe Charter School, as well as numerous staff who have interacted with her for over two decades.

When LaVelle took the paraprofessional Praxis test, she scored 100%, something she is personally very proud of. It's not surprising that in 2016 she was awarded the Special Education Paraeducator Award of 2016 by the Utah Annual Council for Children with Behavior Disorders (CCBD).

LaVelle has seen Guadalupe School more as a family than just a place she where she works. About her experience at Guadalupe, she commented, "Guadalupe School students and staff helped me cope with emotionally devastating events in my life, including divorce and death."

Reminiscing on her experiences being an instructor for so many years, LaVelle said, "I have been very fortunate to be associated with such excellent educators in my career here at Guadalupe school. It's been interesting to see kids I taught here come back with their high school diploma or even college diploma. That's the best part."

​Regardless of when she decides to retire from official employment, LaVelle wishes to continue supporting her Guadalupe family as much as she can. She stated, "I will miss the people here so much that I intend to stay connected through volunteering and subbing."

We sure do love you LaVelle. Thanks for all of your hard work and dedication! 

Last week Guadalupe School charter students enjoyed one of our most fun annual traditions - Career Day! Each grade gets visited throughout the day by several community members who work in various fields. This year the presenters were from especially diverse industries. Women and men came to talk about their jobs as social workers, graphic designers, biochemists, software engineers, fashion designers, architects, dancers, and more! 

Among the presenters were two members of Guadalupe School's Board of Directors, Alex Reyna and Steve Downing. Alex spoke about the importance of money and managing finances, and his career at Goldman Sach's. Steve Downing, who works at Telemundo Utah, talked to the kids about how the news gets produced. His presentation was especially cool, because many of our students and their families tune into Telemundo to get the news in Spanish! 

Guadalupe School thanks its social work interns, Sarah Anderson and Jenny Hallisey, for coordinating Career Day this year. This event is of significant value to our organization because our mission is to transform lives through education. Transforming lives means allowing people young and old alike to see their potential, set goals for their future, and achieve those goals through academic success. Career Day allows Guadalupe students to interact with many examples of who they can become and what they can aspire to. Thanks to all of those who shared their knowledge and experiences on this special day, and helped inspire a rising generation of leaders!