Our $1000 winner this year, Veronica Bloomfield ‘96 is a California resident. A Humanities major at Bradford, Veronica built her career in the field of education. She holds Master's degrees in both Cultural Studies and Education with a focus on Elementary Teaching. Veronica has worked as an elementary teacher, literacy teacher, instructor for teacher education and is currently a Senior Program Specialist with the Los Angeles County Office of Education. Veronica will pursue her doctorate in Cultural and Curricular Studies at Chapman University, where she will explore not only cultural and linguistic bias, but perceptions of cultural codes and norms as "behavior tracking" in schools. Veronica writes, "I believe it is essential that my work impact students' lives in a way that fosters academic achievement while validating and affirming their various cultural and personal identities... Each step along the way my background in Cultural Studies and my personal commitment to social change has
guided me."

This commitment has also led Veronica to receiving not only the 1996 Mary C. Barrett prize at Bradford College, but has also led to numerous grants: a National Board Teaching Certification, Woman of the Year Award from Soroptomist International and a Teacher of the Year award in her local district. "Veronica is an advocate for cultural diversity and social justice. She has carried on her college's motto with pride." says an educational consultant from her local district.

Amidst her teaching and studies, Veronica is a strong parent advocate who volunteers her spare time to serve in numerous capacities to increase parental involvement in learning. Veronica truly reflects Surgo Ut Prosim with distinction and the BAA looks forward to her impact on education.