Maria Norma Trejo

Montebello Community Adult Schools

Nominated in 2023

Maria Norma Trejo attended Simon Bolivar High School in Mexico and graduated in 1987. She continued studies in social work where she performed her social service with women in the city of Puebla, in Puebla, Mexico, making sure the needs of women in psychological care, and also women in jail, were met. Once she graduated, she decided to move to the United States for a better life, but found the reality of making a life in this country more challenging than she originally had expected. Norma couldn't speak, read, or write in English and needed to obtain these skills if she was to make a better life for her and her family. In 1999, she decided to enroll at Montebello Community Adult School (MCAS) in English as a Second Language courses where she later earned her High School Diploma. She has worked at MCAS since 2001. Initially working as a student clerk, she was later promoted to a position as a student assistant. Norma is currently the lead CASAS proctor for MCAS and supports the high diploma program and ESL program. Norma's selfless devotion has proved her to be an irreplaceable team player. She is always primed and inclined to deliver assistance to anyone who walks the school's doors looking to pursue their educational dreams. as she once did at the very same school.

Maria Norma Trejo has improved her life and lives of her family by becoming fluent in English, attaining her High School Diploma and being an example for children and the communities of Montebello Unified School District. Moreover, Norma has given back her passion for adult education to our communities with her 22 years of service for Montebello Community Adult School. In 2016 she was awarded by the California Council for Adult Education (CCAE) the South Coast Section Award for Excellence in Support Services and also is the proud recipient of the CCAE State Award for Excellence in Support Services. Norma continues to be an example of how adult education gives adult students the skills, knowledge and unlimited opportunities to be successful.