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Victoria Montes, a devoted paraprofessional in the Connections program at Belmont, has been honored with the Making a Difference Award for March 2024. This accolade, sponsored by the USD 232 Education Foundation in partnership with Great American Bank, celebrates outstanding educators and staff within the district who demonstrate unwavering commitment to positively impacting the lives of their students.

Victoria's compassionate presence in the classroom has garnered widespread admiration. She provides crucial support to a student who faces challenges in verbalizing their needs, fostering a strong bond. Victoria's thoughtful gestures, such as purchasing a Minion book to connect with the student's interests, exemplify her dedication to student engagement. Her pivotal role in encouraging the student to participate in the grade-level musical performance at Belmont, including providing snacks and support on stage, was instrumental in their success. Victoria's efforts, characterized by her time, patience, and creative thinking, played a significant role in facilitating this student’s overall success.

In addition to her individualized support, Victoria is a staunch advocate for her students' inclusion and participation in general education activities. She speaks of her students with pride and consistently ensures that they are treated with respect by their peers. Whether it is advocating for their involvement in activities or classroom celebrations, Victoria's advocacy and support are admirable.

Working as a paraprofessional in the Connections program can present its own set of challenges, but Victoria approaches her role with dedication and compassion. Her patient, gentle reminders and tireless efforts have facilitated remarkable progress for the students she works with, surpassing expectations set at the beginning of the school year.

Victoria Montes truly exemplifies the spirit of the Making a Difference Award. Her compassionate approach and advocacy of her students make her a deserving recipient of this honor, and her contributions to the Belmont community are deeply appreciated. In recognition of her exceptional dedication, Victoria received a $250 check from the USD 232 Education Foundation’s partnership with Great American Bank and a beautifully crafted award plaque, designed by students at the CTEC CAPS program.