MOST Outstanding Youth Worker Awards – 2026
Join us in a warm congratulations to three of our amazing MSCR staff that were recognized at the Madison Youth Arts Center, on August 26 – Below are a few highlights from the articles about our three MSCR staff – read the full article as well: MOST Outstanding Youth Worker Awards 2026
- Luz Cruz – Assistant Director of Schenk
- Shannon Lawhorn Williams – Site Director at Mendota Elementary
- Fred Martinez – Secondary Team Specialist
Luz Cruz
Luz cares deeply for the students, families, staff and communities she works with. She puts her all into the work she does; she is a village builder in the morning, then comes to her afterschool program and works all night long to come up with fun activities, behavior management techniques/skills and systems for staff to use to make their lives easier. In our MSCR program, Luz is not only the assistant director, but she also plans cultural celebration activities and family engagement nights to allow celebrations and the learning of different cultures. Luz also has lots of experience with students with disabilities, and is great at advocating for her students’ needs while also setting high expectations and helping them reach their goals. She is so selfless and dedicated to the youth in Madison and building their futures and is an inspiration to all youth workers!
Shennon Lawhorn-Williams
Shennon is the heartbeat of Mendota and a cornerstone of the Northside community. She goes above and beyond for every student, guiding them forward rather than dwelling on past mistakes and placing them in situations where they can truly shine. Her deep, authentic partnerships with families foster immense trust and directly drive positive student outcomes. For her staff, Shennon acts as family, celebrating every holiday and birthday, offering love when someone is sick, and inspiring everyone to work at their absolute best. Whether championing innovative community partnerships or attending events across the district to support her kids, Shennon builds the trusting relationships that our entire school depends on. Shennon’s support doesn’t end at the school doors. When a former student participated in a pageant at Lake View, Shennon showed up in the crowd to cheer them on. She consistently shows up for family events across the community, making every child feel remembered, seen, and valued.
Fred Martinez
Fred was nominated in part because five staff members that Fred directly supervises suggested a nomination. Before being an MSCR MS Specialist supervising SDs, Fred was one of MSCR’s most successful SDs himself, taking a struggling program and building to one of the most successful through a consistent approach, hard work and amazing relationships with staff, students and families. Fred has carried that through as a Supervisor. I asked his team to describe why he is outstanding, and they answered with more than I can fit. Just a few of their words: leadership, commitment, compassion, mentor, guidance, support, behind the scenes, unnoticed, and Big Dawg Fred. “I don’t think I would’ve gotten through my first year as an SD without Fred.” He goes above and beyond to support his Site Directors. Fred challenges us to see things optimistically and realistically, while also following our personal values. Fred makes coming to work even on the most challenging days, easier.
