Garey High teacher recognized for her service to others

Debbie LeAnce is a teacher at Garey High School but that is not all she does.

She uses her time away from the classroom to assist others in various ways.

Among the work she has carried out is documenting how undocumented immigrants and their families were affected by immigration raids.

She has also worked with day laborers and helped raise awareness to the challenges they face.

This week LeAnce was recognized for her commitment to assisting others during the 7th annual Cesar E. Chavez Breakfast Thursday at the Avalon on the grounds of Fairplex.

The breakfast drew about 250 people to the event where Anthony Chavez, grandson of the late civil rights leader and United Farm Workers union co-founder, and attorney Russell Juaregui were recognized.

LeAnce spoke of various people who also work to assist others overcome challenges.

She spoke of her owns students some of whom organize activities to raise money so classmates who are undocumented can receive scholarships that will help them pay for a college education.

Average people have the ability to help others and serve as agents for positive change, she said.

"We need to remember there are every day heroes among ourselves," she said.