Santa Rosa Middle School’s student adviser was honored at the regular Santa Rosa City Schools board meeting Wednesday night for his being chosen as a finalist by the Sonoma County Office of Education 2011 Classified School Employee of the Year. The award is sponsored by the California Department of Education.

“Mr. Sanchez goes above and beyond to provide an atmosphere of calm and safety at Santa Rosa Middle School,” said Assistant Principal Tomas Fierro. “In Spanish, he is called a ‘consejero de disciplina’ or ‘discipline counselor.’ When a student is sent to Mr. Sanchez for disciplinary action, Mr. Sanchez does not just give students a disciplinary consequence, but he helps the students see how they can improve, determining how improvements can be made to help them be successful.”

Sanchez is described as the ultimate professional by his peers at the middle school – courteous, polite and appropriately direct when dealing with students, families and staff.

“It has always been clear to everyone that Mr. Sanchez is one hundred percent committed to the welfare and education of our students,” said counselor Patrick Taylor. “Because of his positive approach with students and with adults, he is highly respected. Mr. Sanchez always has a voice of kindness and respect toward all members of our school community.”

Sanchez has spend years volunteering his time with Social Advocates for Youth, Circuit Riders Productions and neighborhood projects in Healdsburg.