AVC celebrated a night in Casablanca, which was the 19th Annual Classified Recognition Affair. For those that are unaware of the Casablanca affair and its attributes, the celebration consist of an award ceremony for staff members that have become completely influential to students and other staff members here at Antelope Valley College.
There were many candidates for the three most important awards in the whole affair. The first award was the Bill Montamble Award, which honors the contributions by the “excellent classified staff” at Antelope Valley College. The Bill Montamble Award was developed for classified staff members who provided support services to AVC students and to the institution. The second award was the Seniority Award which was developed for the classified employee with the “greatest length of employment.” The seniority award was created by former Vice President of Student Activities. Last but not least the AVCFCE Colleague Humanitarian Award. The Humanitarian award was created for the recognition of an individual who always “goes the extra mile.” The candidates demonstrated sensitivity to classified issues and promoting camaraderie and good example settings for employees.
AVC’s Casablanca affair didn’t stop at the three awards that were given. Service pin awards were given for five, ten, twenty, and thirty years of working at Antelope Valley College. ¬
The ceremony took place with Terry Cleveland, whom is a part of AVC’s Chairman, Confidential, Management and supervisory group. Terry Cleveland welcomed all the classified employees and gave a warm speech about proceeding on with the new year and positive touches on peoples lives.
Following Terry Cleveland, was Pamela Ford. Pamela Ford is AVC’s AVCFCE President. Ford welcomed everyone to the Classified Recognition Affair. She was proud to represent staff filled with such dedicated people, also stating that the staff is “the heart of the operations here at our institution.” Ford mentioned AVC’s budget difficulties, and how proud she is that staff have taken on extra duties without dealing without the extra staff. Ford then welcomed all the new classified employees to the campus. Ford ended her speech with a heartfelt farewell and thanking those that are retiring this year. She then stated that AVC was loosing a “wealth of knowledge and experience.”
AND THE BILL MONTAMBLE AWARD GOES TO….
Terry Schultz! Terry Schultz became apart of the Antelope Valley College committee in the Fall of 2003. Mr. Schultz always kept the students first and kept pride in his “workmanship.” He accommodated all request that the school had, and is always professional in the campus community. Mr. Schultz is a true leader. For those that don’t know, Terry was hired as a Campus Events Technician, whom coordinates community events. His responsibilities include set ups and tear downs of tables, chairs, podiums, and stages. Mr. Schultz also coordinates district vans and drivers for school trips. Mr. Schultz has become a “priceless asset” to AVC, so he truly deserves the 2010 Bill Montamble Award.
PLEASE GIVE A ROUND OF APPLAUSE TO THE WINNER OF THE SENIORITY AWARD…
Pete Soos! Peter Soos has served the Antelope Valley College for various volumes for more than thirty years. Pete excels in his job performance and from I’ve heard, the well being of his students has always been his top priority. Still till this day, Pete sets a high example for everyone willing to follow his lead. Pete began working at AVC in 1979 as an “Adjunct” teaching Air Conditioning and Refrigeration until Fall of 1985. He became apart of the classified ranks in April 1984 where he held positioning of a very skilled maintenance worker. Not too long after his maintenance position Pete became an HVAC Tech and has been till this very day. Not only has Mr. Soos been a strong influential hard co-worker, but he also became a friend, and mentor to many individuals within the three decades that he’s served at AVC. Because of his educational attributes and generosity, Mr. Soos truly deserves the Seniority Award given at the Casablanca celebration.
AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST, CONGRATULATIONS TO THE AVCFCE COLLEGUE HUMANITARIAN AWARD WINNER….
Amber Dwinell! Amber Dwinell began her journey at Antelope Valley College as a student worker in September 1999. As a student she worked in the business services, the cafeteria, and the cashiers office on campus. On the first of July in 2006 Amber was hired full-time classified employee. Many confirm that Amber is always ambitious and received her AA degree at AVC in 2002 and later in 2005 graduated with her BA degree from California State University of Northridge. In April 2008, Amber was elected as Treasure of the classified unit as well as grievance officer and took part in holding the office. Amber was eager to hold down both positions and was willing to complete any training asked of her without question. The AVC’s Humanitarian Award goes to Amber Dwinell because she is “actively concerned with promoting the welfare of others.” I believe Amber Dwinell deserved this award more than anyone.
The Casablanca affair was a very heartfelt experience and I was grateful to become apart of it. May the best win, and that’s exactly what happened.
-By Omar Johnson
