Juana Muñoz Silva provides student leadership

WASA Student Leadership Award - Juana Muñoz Silva

Every year, the West Valley School District recognizes a student who has provided leadership to the West Valley community. The award is sponsored by the Washington Association of School Administrators. This year, Juana Muñoz Silva was recognized for the WASA Student Leadership Award.

West Valley student, Juana Muñoz Silva, believes everyone should have the opportunity to learn about technology. To make that vision a reality, she volunteered to organize and teach technology education nights for adults for essential computer skills like navigating a desktop, accessing email, and using Microsoft Office applications.

Juana’s passion for technology began in fifth grade when she attended computer classes with her parents. Now, as a student in the Computer Science pathway at the West Valley Innovation Center, Juana is putting her knowledge into action. “The thing that excites me most about this project is the chance to teach my community,” she says. “Especially those who have language barriers and those who didn’t get the opportunity to learn.”

Minerva Pardo, West Valley’s Director of Family and Community Engagement, has watched Juana’s journey unfold. Pardo said, “It was no surprise to me when she chose the Computer Science pathway. These adult computer classes were interrupted due to the pandemic, and when they were offered again, Juana was already a part of the students supporting parents in class.”