2026 Volunteer Appreciation Awards
Each year, School on Wheels recognizes outstanding volunteers who go above and beyond in support of our students. Our Volunteer Appreciation Awardees embody the heart of our mission, showing compassion, consistency, and a deep commitment to educational equity. Through their dedication, they make a lasting impact in the lives of children experiencing homelessness. We are proud to celebrate their service and the difference they make every day.
Regional Tutors of the Year
Jose Aleman (Region 1)
What’s your favorite part of tutoring your student(s)?
I really enjoy the silly conversations I have with my students. Whether the subjects are interests, hobbies, or days at school, it’s all engaging fun with one another. What starts as somewhat of an ice breaker with new students gives me an avenue to connect with my students as their friend. I have a little sister with a 15 year age gap and it reminds me of all the silly conversations I would and still do have with my sister. I think learning is more effective when it’s “fun” and this is just another way we can make our interactions silly and engaging when we learn more about each other.
Carmen Carolina Pfeil (Region 2)
What have you learned from your student?
My student is one of the most optimistic kids I have ever met. Reflecting back on the past year of volunteering, it feels like we have equally taught each other. This experience with them has taught me the importance of optimism and faith in oneself. There isn’t a session where I don’t see a smile on their face or a phrase of self-confidence, and this is a reminder that even in the face of uncertainty, hope is a powerful tool and optimism is a way of life.
Anne McCarthy (Region 3)
What’s your favorite part of tutoring your student(s)?
One day my student joined late, so our session ended up being shorter than usual. When I went to wrap up, he stopped me and pointed out that we hadn’t reached the full hour yet – he didn’t want to end.
Samuel tells me that he looks forward to our tutoring sessions and enjoys them more than school. It’s affirming to know that our time together feels engaging and supportive and that learning (even on top of school!) is something he enjoys.
Shani Fernando (Region 4)
What have you learned from your student?
From my student, I’ve learned how to truly meet someone where they are. Some tutoring days are harder than others. On those tough days, I’ve learned to gently check in on how she’s doing overall – not just academically – because there is often a deeper reason behind a lack of focus or motivation. I’ve learned that tutoring someone navigating adversities such as homelessness cannot focus solely on academics. When she’s having a particularly hard time, I’ve learned to truly listen to her and try to understand what might be contributing to her feeling that way.
Stephen Rank (Region 5)
What’s your favorite part of tutoring your student(s)?
I enjoy the bonding that happens when a student begins to open up to me. I like watching them come to the realization that “wrong answers” aren’t a bad thing, but rather part of the learning process.
Raul Cuevas Pelayo (Region 7)
What inspires you to overcome any challenges that arise with tutoring?
My students’ energy inspires me to keep my chin up. Sometimes I get too worried about not getting enough homework problems done or practice problems done but then I take a moment to appreciate my students’ joyous natures and their carefree energy and I contemplate the greater significance of me being there for them and it fills me with so much patience and care for my students. This energy inspires me to keep going.
Stacey Millett (Region 8)
What’s your favorite part of tutoring your student(s)?
My favorite part is watching my students’ confidence grow. When he works through a problem and realizes he’s figured it out, there’s a sparkle in his eyes that says everything. Those small moments of understanding during our sessions are incredibly special, and I feel lucky to witness them and celebrate his accomplishments along the way.
Patty Tiso (Tutor, Region 9)
What’s your favorite part of tutoring your student(s)?
That’s an easy question to answer! I feel joy when I have those sessions that I have made a learning connection with my student. You can feel it. I love that successful feeling they show when they can discuss a small bit of a short story or completed a small creative project of their own. It can be any small step where you both feel it.
Zakary Jefferis (Tutor, Region 10)
What have you learned from your student?
I’ve learned how important it is to be adaptable and actively listen. My students have demonstrated that learning looks different for everyone, and flexibility can make all the difference. They also exemplify the power of a positive attitude. I believe that growth happens when people feel understood and supported, so all it takes is a bit of kindness and consistency to change lives.
Emily Quinto (Tutor, Online/R6)
What’s your favorite part of tutoring your student(s)?
My favorite part of tutoring Aaliyah and Liberty is witnessing their growth over time. After each lesson, I can see small but meaningful improvements, whether it is mastering a new reading skill or writing with more confidence. Watching their self-belief strengthen week by week is incredibly rewarding. Those moments, when they realize they can accomplish something that once felt difficult, are what make tutoring so fulfilling.
Wendy Rodriguez (Tutor, SRLC)
What’s your favorite part of tutoring your student(s)?
My favorite part of tutoring my students is their smile when they understand how to solve a problem that I explained and the praise I give them after getting a problem correct. It brings me joy that they feel confident in their own skills to complete their homework and sometimes even teach their peers. Aside from tutoring, I also enjoy playing games with them during their free time and getting to see their competitive side come out. It is small things like this that have really made my experience at School on Wheels meaningful and memorable.
Programs Appreciation Awards
Eve Helms (Literacy Program)
What has been most impactful about your role with School on Wheels?
What has been most impactful for me is how much I am invested in seeing each student progress. The connection built with each child is so meaningful and stays with me long after the child has left the program.
William Sweeney (Academic Program)
What has been most impactful about your role with School on Wheels?
The most impactful part of my time with School on Wheels has been watching how time compounds; minor moments one week becoming major milestones a year later.
Sandra Incontro (BUS Program)
What has been most impactful about your role with School on Wheels?
For me, the most impactful aspect of my role as a School on Wheels tutor has been watching my student develop confidence in his abilities and mature into a responsible, respectful, and intellectually curious young man. Having tutored the same student for nearly five years, I have witnessed him tackle many challenges since the sixth grade. He is now a sophomore in high school and is planning his future! I am excited for him and thrilled to have contributed to his academic and social development. Beyond tutoring, I find it fulfilling to support my student’s mom by sharing insights from raising my own son, who is a few years older than my student. It feels particularly rewarding when I succeed in helping her navigate some of the same difficulties I experienced while raising my son.
Joshua Cohen (Mentor)
What has been most impactful about your role with School on Wheels?
One of the most rewarding experiences for me has been supporting a high school junior in her goal of getting into college. Over the past year, we’ve worked on SAT preparation, test-taking strategies, and navigating the college application process. Watching her confidence grow as her scores improved—and as she began to believe college was truly within reach—has been incredibly meaningful. Moments like that show how powerful encouragement and consistent mentorship can be.
Ruthie Robles (Mentor)
What has been most impactful about your role with School on Wheels?
The most impactful part of volunteering for me has been the reminder that you don’t have to do something huge to make a difference. Between work, kids, and everything life throws at us, it can feel like there’s not a lot left to give. But this role has shown me that even showing up in small ways, consistently, can really matter.
Ellen Kim (SoW Intern)
“I feel incredibly honored for this recognition! The School on Wheels staff have taught me so much about what it takes for an organization to make a lasting impact on students. As an education and social transformation major at UCLA, I learned about various barriers that prevent students from receiving a quality education and was led to be involved in organizations that bridged that gap. As an intern for School on Wheels, I realized again how empowering education is to help students see and reach their potential. I feel very privileged to be in a position to support SOW’s mission, and this award is a reminder of how important this work is!”
Student of the Year
Johan
When Johan first joined our program as a 4th-grade newcomer to the United States, he was experiencing immense change. Johan was navigating difficult changes in his life, adjusting to a new country, a new language, and a new school environment simultaneously. At the beginning of that year, this transition understandably influenced his adjustment to the classroom, as he was still developing focus, navigating peer interactions, and settling into classroom routines. However, over time, with consistent support and guidance from the staff and tutors at the Skid Row Learning Center, he began to transform. So much so that he helped start a trend in the classroom that encourages other students to practice their English as enthusiastically and confidently as he does! It has been an honor and a joy to be a part of his journey over the last 2 years.
He has blossomed into a funny, thoughtful, and respectful young person who brings positive energy to the classroom. His eagerness to learn is evident every day. He is determined to master his multiplication tables, takes pride in learning new vocabulary words, and frequently asks for additional work because he genuinely wants to improve. Johan reminds us why this work we do together matters so much. The growth we’ve seen, the effort he shows, and the person he is becoming is something incredibly special.
Agnes Stevens Founders Awards
Frankie Olvera
Frankie Olvera exemplifies the spirit of Agnes Stevens through an unwavering commitment to service, leadership, and community impact. With just over 10 years of dedicated service to SOW, Frankie consistently goes above and beyond in his roles as tutor. He currently leads our group tutoring site at the Salvation Army in Whittier, serving over 80 students just this year. Frankie is also a long time member of School on Wheel’s Volunteer Council, providing guidance and advice on volunteer retention and support. This is the second honor Frankie has received this year – just last month he was honored as the City of Whittier Volunteer of the Year.
Marti Smith
In her over 11 years with School on Wheels, Marti Smith has served over 16 students in Ventura County, with patience and encouragement. She was nominated for the Agnes Stevens honor for her ability to connect with children of varying personalities and needs, helping them gain confidence in their subjects and life passions. Marti is truly one who steps up for children in the community – not only has she volunteered with SOW, but also with organizations that provide assisted horseback riding.