Faculty and staff are awarded at ‘Hero’ ceremony

Five MHCC staff and part-time instructors were honored by the 17th edition of the Unsung Hero awards at Mt. Hood for their understanding, drive, willingness to take time to help and inspiring others to do the same.

Recipients of the award this month were: Karen Green, mental health instructor; Marian Martini, speech instructor; Jane Kelly, yoga instructor; Cherilyn Nederhiser, Lead Public Safety Officer; and Karen Agresta, math instructor.

The winners were nominated by Mt. Hood students and others.

Some tears were shed during a ceremony in the Student Union, as students shared their heartfelt gratitude speeches about why they felt their own candidate should be the Unsung Hero.

Green was honored for going above and beyond the call of duty picking up extra classes for a sick co-worker and caring about the students’ well-being. The students who nominated her continued to say she makes learning fun, stimulating, and engaging, while inspiring them to work hard and pursue their goals.

Nederhiser was nominated for her positive attitude and taking the time for a smile or positive word, despite her work overload. She is willing to help out and goes above and beyond to ensure campus safety and student welfare.

Agresta was named for her patience and understanding and the willingness to go over the math work and answer questions, taking the time to explain, and going out of her way to help struggling students.

Martini was honored for kindness and compassion toward her speech students, taking the time to listen to problems and concerns while helping them to stay on track.

Kelly was nominated for her inspirational and positive realness and teaching of compassion and a nonjudgmental view.

Each of the five winners received a plaque and briefly spoke about the honor they were given.

They said they were grateful and had different responses, sometimes emotional, to winning the award.

Green called it “humbling – everybody’s so busy and they took the time to write something about me. It felt great.”

Nederhiser said, “It’s a reflection of the wonderful and awesome people that I work with. It’s an honor.”

Martini said, “I think I have the best hobby in the world because I get to spend time doing and teaching what I am passionate about – helping other people conquer their fears and be able to find their voice.”

Kelly responded with an amusing: “Oh, Lord, make my words sweet for some day I may have to eat them.”

Agresta was originally at a loss for words, then finally said, “I’m a math teacher, not an English teacher (which earned chuckles). I am surprised, honored and happy.”