News release
April marks Global Volunteer Appreciation Month, a time when School on Wheels recognizes the individuals who go above and beyond to support students experiencing homelessness through weekly one-on-one tutoring — including a Santa Clarita resident who was honored with the Tutor of the Year Award, the nonprofit organization said in a news release.
Each year, School on Wheels works with more than 1,200 volunteers across Southern California. On Saturday, April 18, the organization hosted a special appreciation event for 200 of those dedicated tutors at the Santa Monica Bay Woman’s Club, the release said. Guests from across the region enjoyed a celebratory brunch and live music, followed by an awards ceremony honoring volunteers who reached milestones of 50 and 100 service hours, as well as 11 “Tutors of the Year” selected by staff in each service area.
Among those recognized was Raul Cuevas Pelayo from Santa Clarita, who received the Tutor of the Year Award for his dedication to supporting students through School on Wheels, the release said. Cuevas Pelayo has been a tutor for over a year and works as an emergency medical technician. He tutors not one but three students at a transitional living shelter in Sylmar.
Cuevas Pelayo said that his favorite part of tutoring was seeing his students grow accustomed to him, rely on him, and take joy in knowing they get all his attention during the tutoring session
“My students’ energy inspires me to keep my chin up,” Cuevas Pelayo said in the release. 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 my being there for them, and it fills me with so much patience and care for my students. This energy inspires me to keep going.”
For more information about volunteering with School on Wheels, visit www.schoolonwheels.org.
