SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Dec.9, 2020) – Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG), a national, public/private organization that helps young people succeed in school and in the workplace, has named Coronado High School Principal Amy Palatucci the recipient of its 2020 National Educational Leadership Award.
Each year, JAG hosts a National Leadership Awards event to recognize extraordinary individuals who contribute to JAG’s success in state and national education, government or workforce development arenas. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, chair of JAG’s Board of Directors, announced Palatucci’s award during this year’s event, held virtually on Dec. 3. She was nominated by the state’s JAG organization, JAG Arizona.
JAG programs help young people stay in school and acquire academic, personal, leadership and vocational skills they will need to be successful after they graduate from high school. At Coronado, students meet with local business leaders to explore career options, tour college campuses, and receive guidance with college and career planning to help ensure their post-secondary success.
“Ms. Palatucci has been instrumental in making sure the Coronado High School program continues to thrive,” says JAG Arizona President Graciela Garcia Candia. “She is a powerful advocate for her JAG Coordinator and students, working to give them every opportunity to succeed.”
Palatucci’s nomination for the National Educational Leadership Award notes that the most successful JAG programs are those that have the backing of a school’s administration. “Ms. Palatucci has taken a vested interest in the JAG Program since coming to Coronado. She has worked to understand the role JAG can play on her campus and goes above and beyond in understanding how she can best support the successful implementation of the program.”
Principal Palatucci says the JAG program is a key contributor to the success of her school, her students and the Coronado community. “I am proud of our students every day, and thankful for the opportunities and experiences that JAG affords them. The connections that JAG makes with them are life-changing and immeasurable.”
In 1980, Coronado High School was one of Arizona’s first high schools to create a JAG student program.Forty years later, 30 students belong to the Coronado JAG program.
About the Scottsdale Unified School District Located northeast of metropolitan Phoenix, the District serves the educational needs of students and families of 22,000 students across 29 campuses. Approximately 240,476 people reside within its boundaries. The District’s award-winning academic, arts and athletic programs draw students from Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Tempe and Scottsdale. A highly experienced, professionally certified teaching staff fosters a diverse and rigorous educational environment to develop the potential in every individual learner. Offering gifted learning, special education, career and technical education, and a variety of athletics, arts and enrichment programs and clubs, SUSD provides the rich environment today’s students need to explore their interests, develop important social skills and grow into tomorrow’s leaders.
(602) 216-9503 I info@jagaz.org