When Joanna Orozco, the dedicated social worker from West High School, went to a Columbus Crew game with a group of students, she thought it was just another day of supporting student engagement. Yet, there was more than just soccer in the air that night for Orozco, who became the unexpected center of attention. According to Columbus City Schools, Orozco was surprised with the AEP Hometown Hero Honor during the pre-game ceremony, a deserved recognition for her unwavering dedication to improving school attendance.
The Attendance Network initiative is a partnership that rewards Central Ohio students for their consistent school attendance. The initiative, embodied by such events, reflects a shared effort to tackle chronic absenteeism, an issue that has seen a marked improvement at West High School. Under Orozco's influence, their attendance rate skyrocketed from 59 percent to 82 percent post-pandemic, a remarkable leap indeed.
In a night that mixed sports with a spirit of community, Orozco was honored amidst cheers and applause. She received a Crew scarf and a custom jersey emblazoned with the number 13, along with complimentary match tickets. "Ms. Orozco was recognized as a Hometown Hero for her tireless commitment, personal sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to reducing chronic absenteeism at Columbus City Schools—a mission that aligns with the Columbus Crew’s Stay in the Game! initiative," the Crew stated, honoring her at the heart of Lower.com Field.
The dedicated social worker was nominated for the honor by West's attendance program specialist, Andrew Ernst, who called her "the heart and soul of the school." Despite the focus of the evening's spectacle, it's Orozco's day-to-day efforts that resonate most with those around her. She dons multiple hats, from matriculation coach to core member of both the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports and the attendance teams. Her work doesn't conclude with the ringing of the school bell or even the end of after-school practice. She is often the last to leave, ensuring students get the homework help they need and facilitating student-led initiatives that foster a strong connection to the school community. "The more students are empowered to [participate in] school the way they learn best, the more they will come to school," Orozco told Columbus City Schools.
While the Hometown Hero honor shines a spotlight on Orozco's work, it's the daily grind—the vigilant attendance checks, the relentless pursuit of student engagement, and the nurturing of student voices—that truly amplify the reach of her efforts. Continually present on campus and in students' lives, Joanna Orozco proves to be a tenacious advocate and a guardian of educational possibilities, truly embodying what it means to be a community champion.
