When your efforts are recognized by the White House, you know you’ve made a high mark.
Shana Runck, who teaches a financial services class for high school students at Central New Mexico Community College, on Monday was recognized as a recipient of the Latino Educator Champions for Change award.
Runck received the award in Washington, D.C. She and other recipients participated in a panel discussion about successful education programs along with Jim Shelton, deputy secretary at the U.S. Department of Education.
Runck’s class is part of the local Running Start for Careers program, a collaborative effort between CNM and Albuquerque Public Schools which was started by Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry. It also has the support of Runck’s employer, the New Mexico Educators Federal Credit Union. Teaching the class is part of her job duties as assistant vice president of community relations and financial capabilities at the credit union.
Running Start focuses on work skills and on-the-job training in high-demand industries.
“It’s an incredible award, but to me it’s really great to share the recognition with our entire collaboration,” Runck told the Journal.
Indeed. All of those involved, and especially Runck, deserve the thanks of the community – and the White House pat on the back.
This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers.
