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MYCP Announces Pais as First ‘Partner of Change’ Award Recipient

KEY LARGO (441 words) -- Always asking for more got this rising leader recognized and even selected for an award. Key Largo Assistant Principal Darren Pais often asks for more presentations offered by Monroe Youth Challenge Program because Pais states, “MYCP always sends great programs. I wanted Primary Focus four or five times but could only get two groups scheduled.” That leadership is what MYCP recognizes as a Partner of Change. Pais was announced as the first-ever recipient of the MCYP Partner of Change Award last week.

Sunny Booker, Chief Administrator of MYCP, said, “It’s great the trust is there. Mr. Pais knows MYCP’s mission is to support student success – whatever it takes. We are proud to present this first quarterly award to him and recognize the work he does to make these programs available to as many students as possible.” “Daniel Davison, Primary Focus, the RAID Helicopter, and Sgt. Willover are just a few of the high-impact programs Mr. Pais has supported this year. With 1,006 students to reach at Key Largo School – these kinds of programs don’t happen unless MYCP has someone like him to work with at the school,” added Michele Sutter, Monroe County Prevention Coordinator.

Pais has been the assistant principal at Key Largo School for five years. He was treated to lunch with Superintendent Randy Acevedo, School Board Member Debra Walker, and key MYCP personnel. After joking about it being a non-cafeteria lunch, Acevedo added, “His leadership is greatly appreciated. I know the kids respect him because one time I was being escorted around the campus by Principal Martinson and when she told the students I was in charge of all the schools, one kid raised his hand and asked, ‘Are you even Mr. Pais’ boss?’”

Pais is expected to be recognized with an official plaque at the January 23 School Board meeting scheduled at Coral Shores High School. Knowing he’s the first person to ever receive this award is nice Pais said and adds, “Thank you for the honor. It is great to be recognized as being a Partner for Change. I respect the message MYCP sends to the youth of our community. It is refreshing to be considered for a recognition such as this, since what I am doing has always been part of my own value system.” Pais lives in Key Largo with his wife Myndie and son Aiden.

Monroe Youth Challenge Program is a project of the Monroe County Education Foundation to foster acceptance, respect, and success in the youth of Monroe County. For more information about this project or any other MYCP-sponsored program call MYCP Chief Administrator Sunny Booker at (305) 293-1400 ext. 53319 www.monroe.k12.fl.us/mycp.