Kate Sanchez and Misty Torres
08/15/2023 –
NM MESA has selected recipients of the 2023 Dr. Arthur H. and Joan Guenther Advisor Achievement Award. Kate Sanchez and Misty Torres are this year’s outstanding MESA advisors. Each of these two fine educators will receive $100 from MESA, which will be presented to them by MESA’s Guenther Award Committee and representatives from the Guenther Family.
Kate Sanchez has spent 14 years at Anton Chico Middle School, a small school in a very close community, and she has been the MESA advisor there for each of those 14 years. As a MESA advisor she consistently gives everything she has to ensure that her students have great experiences. While working at school, or spending time with her family, Kate stays busy. She says, “Beyond my involvement in MESA, I teach 5th-8th grade Math at Anton Chico Schools. When I am not in the classroom, I’m actively engaged in coaching Basketball, Cross Country and serving as an assistant for our Volleyball team. But my life isn’t just about academics and athletics for me. Outside of school, I’m a proud wife and mom of four (Isabel 13, Juan 11, Iliana 7, Jesus 5) and our shared adventures keep me grounded and motivated.”
MESA Deputy Director Anita Gonzales speaks highly of her long-time MESA colleague, saying “She never turns down an opportunity to enrich her students and does it all efficiently and well. In fact, Some of the programs that Kate signs up for are earmarked for high school students, but she has always managed ways to make sure her students succeed whether learning new skills herself, adapting the program, or reaching out to make sure her students get the assistance they need.” As an educator and mentor, Kate undeniably excels. She motivates her students to their highest potential and is a role model for her students and peers.
Kate would like to give a special shout-out to her co-advisor, Karmen Sandoval. “Her invaluable assistance and unwavering support have helped shape the Anton Chico Middle School MESA program into what is.”
Misty Torres has been a teacher at Belen High School for ten years, eight of which, she spent as a MESA advisor. In addition to serving as a MESA advisor, Misty has done much. She says, “I was also a class sponsor for a total of six years. I helped graduate the Class of 2021 and 2023. This last year I was also an E-Sports coach, and was the Biology Dual Credit Teacher for four years. I just recently graduated with my Masters of Science Teaching from New Mexico Tech, and I submitted my dossier to move from a Level II teacher to a Level III teacher. More importantly, I am a mom of two boys who I am incredibly proud of! MESA helped them, along with MANY other students, choose their career path and go to college. Without the influence of MESA, my boys’ lives might look different today.”
According to Elijah Sisneros, Belen High School MESA student, “Mrs. Torres made a significant impact on my life. I remember when she suggested that I consider New Mexico Tech (NMT) for my post-secondary education. At that time, I did not even have NMT on my radar. However, Mrs. Torres encouraged me to explore it further and even helped me secure a spot in a summer apprenticeship program there. It was during that program that I realized NMT was the perfect fit for me, and I owe it all to Mrs. Torres’s guidance and belief in my potential.”
Misty adds, “MESA has shaped so many minds and opened up a world of STEAM to so many students and I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful organization and to work with the BEST people! And to my FAVORITE, Kim, Kimberly, Kimi! You bring so much joy, fun, and support to all of us advisors! You always encourage us to STEM on!”
About the Dr. Arthur and Joan Guenther Advisor Achievement Award
Dr. Arthur H. Guenther loved science…He loved education…He created New Mexico MESA in 1982. As a research professor of electrical and computer engineering, professor of physics and astronomy at UNM, and Chief Scientist at the Air Force Research Laboratory, he was an advisor and mentor to hundreds of graduate students, and advisor to the Governor of New Mexico. He wanted to influence the lives of high school students in New Mexico who were interested in a bright future in STEM careers, so he worked with university representatives and state and federal government officials to bring the MESA program to New Mexico. He subsequently spent many years working as a MESA Board Member and Board Member Emeritus. His wife, Joan Guenther supported MESA in countless ways over the many years she was involved and played an important role in the success of the organization and its staff.
NM MESA and the Guenther family have established the Dr. Arthur H. and Joan Guenther Advisor Achievement Award with the expressed goal of honoring the legacy of Dr. Guenther and his wife, while simultaneously recognizing the wonderful and important work done by MESA advisors who perpetuate Dr. Guenther’s vision each year. The Guenther offspring continue to support NM MESA, including their oldest daughter TK O’Geary serving on the NM MESA Board of Directors and youngest daughter Wendy Gallegos supporting NM MESA events.
Past recipients include, Celena Miranda, Monica Rodriguez Hudson (2022) Leah Olivas, Lynn Schuler (2021) Mariejune Abergos, Alysyn Merrill (2019), Luisa Castillo, Aleli Colon (2018), Deb Haggerton, Rina Viramontes (2017), Alysyn Merrill, Serri Grube (2016).
