Don Quijote Hispanic Support Staff Excellence Awards Nomination Form

Originally a part of the Hispanic Heritage Awards for Excellence, the Don Quijote Educator Awards were established to recognize individuals in education who support student dreams, foster the notion that obstacles can be overcome and make the dream that seems impossible become possible. Don Quijote educators are not only those who stand at the head of the class; they are also found in the cafeteria, in the school office, on the school bus, in school hallways. They are individuals who patiently listen and encourage mutual help and respect. LULAC, Hispanic Heritage, and LISTOS West Texas are proud to acknowledge these individuals who make a positive impact on students.

UPDATED Nomination Deadline: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026.

Hispanic Support Staff Excellence Award

Purpose This award recognizes exemplar Hispanic education Support Staff — found in the cafeteria, the front office, on the school bus, and throughout the hallways — whose steady presence and care have made a lasting, positive difference in students' lives. It honors staff whose support, encouragement, advocacy, and mentorship have shaped students' confidence, sense of belonging, and success, often long after the last bell rings.

Nomination Criteria

Step 1 — Award Category

Hispanic Support Staff Excellence Award (one nomination form per nominated individual)

Check the nominee's role (check only one):

Step 2 — Nominee Information

Nominee Name:

Campus:

Position / Title:

Years of Service in Role:

Grade Level / Department (if applicable):

Nominee’s Email Address:

Nominee’s Other Email Address:

Nominee’s Cell Phone:

Nominee’s Other/Work Phone:

Note: Nominee must have a minimum of three (3) years of service in this role in Ector County to be eligible for nomination.

Step 3 — Nominator Information

Nominator Name:

Email:

Phone:

Relationship to Nominee:

Step 4 — Eligibility Criteria Confirmation

To be eligible for nomination, support staff must meet ALL of the following. Please confirm the following before completing the narrative below:

Eligibility Confirmation

To the best of my knowledge, the nominee self-identifies as Hispanic or Latino/a/x.

The nominee has served in this role for a minimum of three (3) years, at this campus and/or within the district.

The nominee is currently employed in this role at the nominating campus in Ector County.

I can provide specific examples of how this individual has supported, encouraged, advocated for, and mentored students.

A photograph of the nominee is included.

Step 5 — Nomination Narrative

Please provide specific, concrete examples for EACH area below. General praise alone cannot be scored by the committee — specific stories, dates, and outcomes are most helpful.

Don Quijote Hispanic Support Staff Excellence Awards Nomination Form

Hispanic Support Staff Excellence Award

Nomination Criteria

Step 1 — Award Category

Check the nominee's role (check only one):

Step 2 — Nominee Information

Nominee Name:

Campus:

Position / Title:

Years of Service in Role:

Grade Level / Department (if applicable):

Nominee’s Email Address:

Nominee’s Other Email Address:

Nominee’s Cell Phone:

Nominee’s Other/Work Phone:

Step 3 — Nominator Information

Nominator Name:

Email:

Phone:

Relationship to Nominee:

Step 4 — Eligibility Criteria Confirmation

Eligibility Confirmation

Step 5 — Nomination Narrative

1. Support: How has this person supported students’ day-to-day needs on campus?

2. Encouragement: How has this person consistently encouraged students?

3. Advocacy: Describe a specific instance in which this person advocated for students’ needs, voice, or fair treatment.

4. Mentorship: Describe the relationship between this person and students, and its impact over time.

Step 6 — Student / Family Voice (Optional)

If possible, include a brief statement or quote from a student(s) and/or families.

Step 7 — Additional Comments (Optional)

Additional Comments

Step 8 — Upload a clear headshot/photograph of the nominee.

Upload headshot here

Step 9 — Signature

Nominator Signature/Electronic Signature:

Date: