At the Clark County School District board meeting on the evening of Sept. 20, the school district honored Linda Rivera, a Special Emphasis Program manager with Reclamation, with a Crystal Apple Award.

Rivera was one of 10 recipients to receive this infrequent recognition to members of the community for outstanding dedication to students and their education. The school district recognized the evening’s recipients of the Crystal Apple Award for bringing a firsthand account of personal struggle, perseverance and success to high school students.

With the award, the school district highlighted Rivera’s efforts as a member and former president of the Southern Nevada Hispanic Employment Program Council who has brought numerous speakers and mentors to the Las Vegas Valley.

In addition, school district recognized Rivera as a major supporter of the Family Leadership Institute, which exists on various Clark County School District campuses. The institute instills the importance of a high school diploma and the direct impact a diploma can have on a student’s future. The school district also noted Rivera’s extensive participation in the after-school Work Preparedness Workshops at Western High School.

Her commendation also stated, “Mrs. Rivera has devoted much of her time as an advocate for students and education. Through the SNHEPC scholarships, Hispanic students received grants to colleges and universities that last year alone exceeded $500,000.”

“She is an excellent role model,” presenter Joyce Haldeman, Community and Government Relations executive director for the school district, said. “She has been an asset to students of all backgrounds.”