Westwood High School Academy Specialist Lucy Sanchez has been named the recipient of the Building Tomorrow’s Young Leaders Award by the Austin Community College (ACC) Center for Public Policy and Political Studies.

Sanchez accepted the award at the ACC Center of Public Policy and Political Studies annual luncheon May 5, honoring her work with community partnerships and Westwood students.

“The whole point of the Center and the award is to recognize and encourage young adults to be civically engaged,” Sanchez said. “In the end, any adult who is willing to learn about the challenges of public school classrooms and to be patient enough to mentor young people or offer themselves off as resources, the students appreciate it more than you know.”

Sanchez has served as the Westwood Academic Specialist since 2007 and has been an integral part of creating the Academy Ambassador program, soft skills training and job shadowing for students.

“Lucy Sanchez exemplifies what it means to be a true advocate for students and public education,” said Sheri Bonds, career and technical education director. “We could not be more proud to have Lucy serve our students and community. With her guidance, I am confident Westwood students will achieve great things.”