Traci Smith is as critical care paramedic both at Grinnell Regional Medical Center and with East Poweshiek Ambulance Service where she is also the Director of Operations. Traci joined the ambulance service in 1997, and quickly went on to study to become an EMT, then to further become a paramedic. She teaches CPR classes for businesses and groups who need training and to those who want further mentoring in becoming an EMT like herself.
Friends say Traci is always ready to give a helping hand, whether medical, or someone in just need of a hug. It was mid-November when Traci met Tim and Barb for the first time. Tim collapsed at work and headed to the hospital. This was one of many trips. Tim met Traci, and stayed in communication with the family even after more trips especially through the holidays. Traci kept in contact with Barb throughout the whole experience. Collogues say Traci is one of those people that knows everyone and everyone knows her.
Some say Steve is just a ‘young pup” as a nurse, and still learning what an impact he has on others. Co-workers say that he takes great pride in teamwork and is the go-to man to help out. Patients of all ages seem to gravitate to his fun personality. He serves as a volunteer staff nurse for Camp Braveheart, a week long camp for YMCA for kids.
He also created and implemented the Friend Advocate Nurse Program, which helps pair a RN with each patient for support, creating a friendly safe connection for the patient. Friends say he often mentions that he wants to be more than average at things. They also say he is the type of person to always be there with staff growing and learning, keeping a positive spin and smiling brightening everyone’s day.
In 2000, Dustin realized he wanted to work in law enforcement, and soon after, he started with the Shasta County Sheriff’s office. He put in his time working with the local jail, and soon made it to patrol.
In October 2010, Mrs. Reynolds received the call no police wife wants: “You need to come to the hospital, there has been an accident.” Dustin was in the hospital receiving 28 staples in his head from a harrowing altercation.
Now that he has recovered, Dustin makes a strong impact on his community. He works as a Detective for the Shasta County Coroner’s Office, and is noted for his ability to offer comfort for other families during tough times in their lives.
Dustin continues to do presentations at local schools, showing children what life is like in law enforcement. He is also very active in coaching youth football.
Lillian Maldonado French, as an educator and superintendent of Mountain View School District, has worked hard to make sure each student is making academic progress. She has integrated ways to provide resources for students, families, and staff in order for students to have what it takes to obtain academic goals.
While the school is in a low economic area, with help from Lillian, students are now getting many opportunities that higher economic area students are exposed to in other cities. Lillian is helping students find connections to systems for success through gateways to culture, academic exposure, university connections, funding for post-secondary education, rigorous academics and appropriate interventions to avoid gaps in learning achievement.
She believes in strong expectations when it comes to education to make the best positive learning environment for everyone. Lillian has helped increase parent involvement in the decision-making process of the schools. She listens to students, parents, and staff’s needs and concerns. Colleagues say Lillian has a true commitment to excellence for all students through not only her talk, but her walk by being involved in the community and focused on her students.
Emily has a strong passion for teaching, like most educators. One of the things that set her apart from the rest is the importance she promotes of community service. As a first year teacher, she took on the responsibility of creating meaningful service opportunities for the entire freshman, meeting on a weekly basis.
Emily has already taken a leadership role with her department and volunteers to facilitate collaboration in with a team of teachers older than her. She has a passion for all students, gifted, learning disabled, and English language learners.
Lillian Maldonado French, as an educator and superintendent of Mountain View School District, has worked hard to make sure each student is making academic progress. She has integrated ways to provide resources for students, families, and staff in order for students to have what it takes to obtain academic goals.
While the school is in a low economic area, with help from Lillian, students are now getting many opportunities that higher economic area students are exposed to in other cities. Lillian is helping students find connections to systems for success through gateways to culture, academic exposure, university connections, funding for post-secondary education, rigorous academics and appropriate interventions to avoid gaps in learning achievement.
She believes in strong expectations when it comes to education to make the best positive learning environment for everyone. Lillian has helped increase parent involvement in the decision-making process of the schools. She listens to students, parents, and staff’s needs and concerns. Colleagues say Lillian has a true commitment to excellence for all students through not only her talk, but her walk by being involved in the community and focused on her students.
