PACOIMA : Chamber Recognizes Community Leaders

For 12 years, Pacoima resident Bettye Moore has hosted drill team practices in her home, teaching youngsters to say no to drugs as they perfect their military-precision moves.

Her efforts on behalf of Project Drill Team were recognized last week by the Pacoima Chamber of Commerce, which handed out awards and certificates from local legislators to several community members and business people during its annual installation luncheon.

“Everyday I have at least 20 kids at my house,” said Moore, who was named Community Volunteer of the Year. “I do the things I do to help the children reach their goals and keep them away from the peer pressure of gangs and drugs.”

Other honorees included Sgt. Pete Weinhold, who oversees the crime prevention unit of the LAPD’s Foothill Division in Pacoima, as Police Officer of the Year, and Elrita Woodhouse and Deneise Pollock as Teachers of the Year.

Woodhouse and Pollock are ninth-grade teachers at Maclay Middle School in Pacoima, where they have spent their careers teaching everything from home economics to human relations.

“I really want the kids to care about themselves and others and have a sense of responsibility as well as skills to succeed,” said Pollock, a teacher for 23 years.

Woodhouse, who has been teaching for 21 years, said she was initially surprised when she was selected, but she thinks her art students will benefit as a result.

“Once you’re recognized, it makes you work harder,” she said.