Stepping up during the pandemic.
Our KNX Hero of the Week is keeping students and staff at a rural Southern California school district fed, supplied, and motivated.
It's not easy to travel back and forth to Rio Mesa High School in Oxnard. The campus sits on a roadway outside of town, surrounded by fields. For students who need school supplies or food during the pandemic, walking there is nearly impossible.
"We serve, for example, a community called Nyeland Acres," says Rio Mesa Principal Mark C. Contreras. "To get from Nyeland Acres to Rio Mesa, a walk would take you 45 minutes one-way."
"Rio Mesa, unfortunately [is] a bit of a drive. So, if we have poor families, or families that may be out working in the fields from dawn 'til dusk, the kids might have no way to get here."
So, Principal Contreras is doing his best to make sure everyone has what they need. Computers, lunch, you name it.
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He started by handing out his phone number. "I just put a message out, saying here's my work number, call me if you need anything."
The principal then offered to make home deliveries. "It happened a few times, where this person needs a Chromebook, a hotspot, and some food," explains Contreras. "You, know, it gives you a chance to give back to the community. It's very rewarding when you see the look on their face."
For some faculty members its coffee and donuts at the front door, to keep those spirits high.
Teachers like Paige Egelston appreciate his hands-on efforts. "He's reminding us to look at the whole situation," says Egelston. "And just take it easy on ourselves and take it easy on our kids. As long as we are doing the best we can."
Egelston adds, "He just making sure that we are taken care of, in terms of our mental health and well-being. And putting the focus on that for the students, as well."
Because of his unconditional love, some students refer to Contreras as a father figure. "Some of these kids don't have a father, they don't have a role model... a male figure in their life," says Contreras.
"I just wanted to be that person that came from this Oxnard community, who just works hard, and loves on people," says Contreras. "It's a scary time for many people, you know."
Rio Mesa High School Principal Mark C. Contreras is our KNX Hero of the Week, for his undeniable dedication to his staff and students.
KNX Heroes is presented by California Resources Corporation, saluting our military veterans, and all of our heroes!
To see a special "senior" student tribute at RMHS, follow Principal Contreras on social media at @MarkCContreras
For special activities at Rio Mesa during the pandemic, go to https://www.facebook.com/rmhsspartans/
If you would like to nominate a future KNX Hero of the Week, go to https://knx1070.radio.com/nominate
