Page 2 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - January, 2019

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Employees recognized for excellent work

Mary Ponton provides a nurturing environment for youngsters. Tony Medina has dedicated years to empowering tribal youth.
Kids benefit from creative, engaging Youth Center manager Tony Medina

Head Start teacher Mary Ponton has given generations rich memories

Early Learning teacher Tony Medina was named
Mary Ponton was named Supervisor of the Quarter in “He is there with his
the December Employee recognition of his years of
of the Month in service at the Chehalis Tribe’s big smile and hugs.”
recognition of her Youth Center.
outstanding work with Medina is manager of the – NANCY ROMERO
children in the Head Start Youth Center and has worked in
program. show youth they are doing good the program for more than two works specifically with youth,
In her nomination letter, work. decades. He was nominated by because of his tenure, Medina
submitted by co-worker Tabitha Ponton is engaging and Nancy Romero, who provided continuously comes across
Dennison, Ponton received always takes youth on a new many acknowledgements on adults who grew up frequenting
praise for her consistency, behalf of Medina.
creativity and relationship- adventure. She works on Medina’s main responsibly the Youth Center.
building skills. implementing new teaching is to ensure a safe and secure Several tribal members who
The work she provides has methods to teach songs, dance environment for tribal youth to participated in Youth Center
a positive impact on youth she and traditional language. interact, play and make friends. activities are grown up, working
has interacted with throughout Recently, the Early His love for the children is for the tribe and have children
the years on the Chehalis Learning Program put an “unconditional,” Romero said. who are creating their own
Reservation. emphasis on reintroducing Romero described how lasting memories with Medina.
In addition to having the the Chehalis tribal language Medina goes above and beyond He takes youth on field
lowest call-in rate in her to the community by sharing to support and encourage trips throughout the year.
department, she always arrives words of the month. Teaching youth by attending events at The trips are about having
to work early to ensure her indigenous words is something the schools, such as reward day, fun, but Medina emphasizes
classroom is arranged and she Ponton has done with the student of the month or music the importance of polite
is prepared for the day. Ponton children for years. concerts. manners and cleaning up after
does this to ensure the most She designs posters and “He is there with his big themselves.
productive and comfortable other various handouts to share smile and hugs,” Romero said. Along with the rest of the
learning environment. the language and keep it alive Medina has played a Youth Center staff, Medina
She enjoys greeting parents in the community. major part in the growth teaches children how to be fair
and students as they arrive for Dennison also described and development of multiple and follow rules. His approach
the school day. in her nomination letter generations of youth on the is gentle and calm, but it works.
Ponton’s routine and that Ponton is a reliable and Chehalis Reservation. He has taught discipline for
consistent schedule help with responsible individual who He is known for his kind years.
the structure of the department. truly cares about her job and heart and sense of humor. Romero said Medina “truly
Dennison highlighted the children she works with Medina creates a relationship loves the children” and is
the fact that Ponton has an daily. with everyone and always committed to empowering and
effective way of getting through Her love and compassion for makes an effort to catch up with furthering the development
to the children. She uses the kids in Early Learning is those who have come through of youth on the Chehalis
acknowledgement and praise to evident. his program. Although he Reservation.