Community Volunteer Awards

2023 Honoree

Amy Wallace

Outstanding Service to Youth

Amy Wallace

For at-risk teens, the benefits of a caring adult last far beyond high school.

Youth who are disconnected from school and work often lack social networks that connect them to support and community resources and are vulnerable to negative outcomes as they transition to adulthood. Many efforts have been made to improve the education, employment, and behavior of at-risk youth. There are many warriors working on the front lines, but few rival the dedication shown by Amy Wallace.

Amy is a product of Rancho Cordova. She graduated from Cordova High, went off to Chico for college, then returned to her hometown to teach the next generation. She teaches study skills, mathematics and chemistry.

But when the bell rings to dismiss school at 3 p.m., that’s when the real work can begin for Amy.

Long after most teachers have hunkered down for the night, Amy is frequently fielding calls from students worried because their parent is no where to be found and they are hungry or have no place to stay. They often end up at her kitchen table or under her roof that night.

Friends described how her home sometimes looks like a “Chow Hall” with teens who would be otherwise adrift gathered around the table for a hot meal. But there is more.

Sometimes she takes off her teacher’s hat to become a substitute parent, serving as advocate for a student who has run into trouble and has no adult standing by in defense.

These characteristics made Amy a perfect fit for Rancho Cordova non-profit Mentees at Cordova High, also known as MACH. MACH is a free community-based mentoring program for at-risk and under-performing high school students in Rancho Cordova. MACH is focused on promoting positive behavior, academic improvement, community service and vocational skills development.

Amy is on the MACH board of directors. But she also patrols the MACH trenches. Colleagues refer to her as an “on-campus Mom” and champion for kids needing a second chance.

Not all students are able to turn it around, but those who have stand as shining examples of why it is so important that Amy Wallace does what she does. 

Students otherwise believed to be lost causes are now serving their country in the Armed Services, or making solid contributions a licensed electrician because along the way, Amy Wallace cared enough to intervene.

In preparing for this award, we scrolled through dozens of photos of MACH at work.  In a revealing observation, we found Amy Wallace in so many photos, but never one of her alone. Because she never is.

Alice in Wonderland was written in 1865. It’s really about one girl’s adventures growing from child to adult, trying to figure out who she is, how to accept the differences of others, and how to stand up for herself. Those same adventures continue for teens today, but many are at a disadvantage and very much alone as they head down the rabbit hole.

Amy knows all about that as she stands by the side of otherwise forgotten teens in our community while they try to figure it all out.

Amy, we are grateful to you and for you. In recognition of your selfless service to Rancho Cordova teenagers in need of someone to lean on, we are proud to honor you for Distinguished Service to Youth.