Helping others is often a thankless job but that isnt the case for two supporters of Sequoia Union High School District who will soon be honored with the Purple Patriot Award.

Don Milhaupt and Mayela Ramirez were selected as Sequoia High School Alumni Association 2011-12 Purple Patriot Award winners, an annual award honoring individuals and organizations that have demonstrated outstanding service or provided a significant benefit to Sequoia Union High School District in Redwood City. Both will be recognized at the annual alumni picnic Saturday, Aug. 18. Each noted how special it is to be recognized. And, even without recognition, each raved about the opportunity to work with and support the Sequoia community.

I love my work. I love my position. I love my community, said 57-year-old Ramirez.

Ramirez grew up in Mexico and came to the United States to seek medical assistance for her son 27 years ago. It started as a 15-day trip. They had some family in California but, once in the Bay Area, her family knew no one and had very little. Now she cant go into a store without running into someone she knows. Ramirez laughed, My husband said we need to move so he can have some privacy.

But Ramirez truly enjoys running into people. She started working with the Sequoia Union High School District as a parent volunteer when her four sons began taking classes at Sequoia High School in the late 90s. She started a volunteer tutoring program at her home, which was supported by the district. She signed on to new opportunities as they became available. In 2000, the school opened the Parent Center with Ramirez as the coordinator.

The Alumni Association wrote, (Ramirez) is an especially important person for Hispanics within the Sequoia community. She performs a vital role by translating and helping parents understand the tools necessary to better help their children in school. She is always available and always trying to help parents with the various activities within the school regardless of whether or not it is her direct responsibility. Many times she works extra hours in order to help parents.

Ramirez verified the last part and noted her kids often lived with her at the school hours after the last bell rang as she offered parents flexible times to fit their schedule. For her, its a chance to give back to people who are in a situation she was in when moving to California knowing few people and needing help.

Being recognized for years of work is emotional for Ramirez who is quick to point out others who support her efforts. One such supporter is her fellow Purple Patriot Milhaupt. Together, Ramirez said, they have worked on the schools adopt-a-family program during the holidays. With help from Second Harvest Food Bank, they supported 50 families in December and during Thanksgiving.

Milhaupt, 59, is passionate about working with students now, but it didnt start that way.

Growing up in Wisconsin, Milhaupt didnt think of doing anything when he grew up until the summer after his sophomore year. At the encouragement of a friend, Milhaupt served as a summer camp counselor for students with special needs. His desire to work with such students became clear.

Read more:
School supporters acknowledged by alumni