Hispanic Heritage Awards 2009: Sarita Fuentes

Video unavailable. Read transcript below.

Download this video (5.9 MB, MP4 format)

September 29, 2009 – Sarita Fuentes is the principal of Monarch School. As the principal, Fuentes helps serve the community’s homeless youth, ages 7-18, and mentors children to lead productive lives. Under her leadership, the school has exceeded its Academic Performance Index score for six consecutive years. Fuentes has also implemented the Graduate Support Program, which addresses and provides scholarship funds and mentorship for Monarch graduates who enroll in a four-year institution. Prior to becoming the principal at Monarch School, Fuentes was a dedicated teacher for the Advancement Via Individual Determination program. She progressed to master teacher, assistant principal and principal before ultimately becoming the director of Instructional Support for the district office. Fuentes was recognized as the Latina of the Year at the 2004 Adelante Mujer Conference.

Video Transcript:

PIERRE HABIS (Union Bank): Hello, I'm Pierre Habis of Union Bank. Diversity is one of Union Bank's most closely held values. This is why we are proud to honor local heroes in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Now, let's meet one of our honorees. SARITA FUENTES (Principal, Monarch School) My name is Sarita Fuentes and I am principal and CEO of Monarch School. We are a public school that serves homeless students in San Diego County in grades kindergarten through 12th grade. What sets Monarch apart is that our population is homeless students. In spite of the challenges that their families are facing they're here, everyday, working hard to change their lives and focus on their education. One aspect of their life stabilizes. I was a high school dropout, and an educator came into my life and made me believe that education was the key to changing my life. What motivates me is truly believing that we can make a difference. We can help reach one student at a time, and perhaps break that cycle of homelessness through that student. Educating them and providing them options so that when they grow up, they won't grow up to be homeless. I really feel that working in this school setting I'm truly making a difference. ANNOUNCER: This moment is made possible by Union Bank, in partnership with KPBS.