Marisol Garcia’s involvement and advocacy for migrant students and families earned her recognition as the Oregon 2014 “Parent of the Year.”

The state coordinator for Migrant education, Jonathan Fernow, presented the award to Garcia at the Oregon Association for Comprehensive Education conference in January. The OACE works closely with the Department of Education to provide resources for parents and professional development for educators and paraprofessionals.

“Marisol strives to be a role model to other parents,” said Jonathan Fost, Newberg Migrant Program Coordinator. “She brings the passion of being the first teacher of her children to Migrant parent and staff meetings, providing countless examples of how parents can be better teachers to their children and help them make an academic difference in their lives.”

Garcia presented the to the Latino parent group, saying that the award is not for her but for “all the Latino parents and the wonderful work they do.”

Garcia is an active member of the Latino Parent Advisory Committee. She recruits new families to the Migrant program and mentors new families and leaders. She is a member of the Newberg Ford Institute Leadership Program.