Leola Bullock Multicultural Award

About the Award: This award recognizes an LPS employee who has been an innovative leader and made a significant contribution to fostering understanding of our multi-cultural society through developing and implementing District programs.

Amount Awarded: $1,000

Nomination By: Charlotte Everts, principal, & Pete Ferguson, youth development coordinator

Nomination:

Based on the criteria, please provide an essay as to why you feel this person should be
considered for the Leola Bullock Educator Award.

It is with great pleasure that both Park Middle School and Pete Ferguson nominate Claudia
Perales-Garcia for the Dr. Leona Bullock Multicultural Award. Claudia is a strong candidate for
this award, which recognizes an LPS employee who has been an innovative leader and made
significant contributions to promoting understanding of our multicultural society through
developing and implementing programs for the school district.

Claudia currently teaches 7th/8th grade AVID classes and a Spanish for Native Speakers class
at Park Middle School. Her passion to increase scholars' success and develop their voices
shines through in all that she does. She works tirelessly to provide meaningful lessons, field
trips and activities that allow scholars to experience new learning and reach their highest
potential. She is able to forge relationships with a diverse group of scholars and build
capacity that holds students to high standards. Students are able to come to her to share
concerns or things that they feel are unjust. Claudia provides support and suggestions while
respecting both the scholar and staff.

Pete Ferguson writes:

Knowing Dr. Bullock before her passing, Claudia has strongly advocated for greater racial
understanding and accountability through her daily interactions with scholars, staff, and
families. I have had the privilege of enlisting Claudia's support as an advisor for the Lincoln
Public Schools District Scholar Equity Cadre, which is a diverse group of LPS scholars that
provide leadership and advice and share perspectives on policies and strategies that impact
diversity and equity while highlighting the successes of diverse scholars. Claudia's addition to
the group has brought a valuable and relatable perspective and lens. Scholars have noted
her confidence and insistence that they understand the value of their presence beyond just
being there. 

Claudia has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about equity, diversity, and inclusion in and
out of the classroom throughout the district. As Ricky Hall said, "Let's hold ourselves and our
colleagues accountable." Claudia regularly stands up, speaks out for herself, her colleagues,
the administration, and others, and leads by example.

Claudia should be recognized for her outstanding leadership and tireless efforts in
advocating for all scholars, building scholar leadership, creating opportunities for scholars to
recognize their potential, all while addressing and raising awareness about issues of equity,
diversity and inclusion both at Park Middle School and in the LPS community