In the last two months, Maria Ferrer, attendance clerk, has received four excellent pieces of news.

“I have a lot of good things going right now. I recently found out that I am cancer free as of Feb. 5.” Ferrer, newly named District Classified Employee of the year, said. “I found out I was school employee of year, then district employee of year. My oldest daughter is pregnant. Michelle [youngest daughter] was accepted to SDSU for Masters in counseling,” she said.

Ferrer struggled with colon cancer for several years, recently celebrating her fifth year of being “cancer free.”

Her doctor once said she “couldn’t return to work, but with the support of my family and friends I’m here,” Ferrer said.

In addition to supporting their mother, two of Ferrer’s daughters are the reason for her recent happiness. Her eldest daughter recently informed her that she was expecting a child, giving Ferrer the opportunity to be a grandmother for the first time.

Her youngest daughter was recently accepted to SDSU to begin studying for her masters degree in counseling.

“Her strong organizational, bilingual and interpersonal skills are valuable assets to this high volume office. Always willing to lend a hand in a courteous and professional manner, Maria Ferrer is truly an asset to OGHS and to our district,” Assistant Superintendent Steve Boyle said.

Ferrer was first selected as Orange Glen Employee of the Year, and a few weeks later was informed that she was chosen as District Employee of the Year. Each site had a Classified Employee of the Year, and from the five winners, Ferrer was selected as District Classified Employee of the Year
“It was very important to me coming from my coworkers. Being recognized by the district is even more special,” Ferrer said.
Aside from working in the attendance office, Ferrer also teaches a parenting class in the Parent Center every Wed.
“Thanks to Mr. Paulson I am still teaching. I love to help people and we have great kids at this school. Within our community I can help them learn how to help their students be successful in school,” Ferrer said.