On August 6, 2026, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced Detective Vanessa Perez as the recipient of the 2025-2026 Project LEAD Facilitator of the Year. Detective Perez received this honor for her remarkable impact during her first year as facilitator. She taught students about the justice system and helped students better understand the importance of being responsible and positive members of their community.
Ms. Christina Peniche, 5th-Grade Teacher gave a wonderful speech at the ceremony giving acknowledgment and sincere appreciation to District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman and the District Attorney’s Office for providing such an insightful and stellar Project LEAD program for her 5th grade students. Ms. Peniche expressed her sincere gratitude for her Project LEAD Facilitator highlighting Detective Perez’s exceptional work and dedication to her students.
In attendance of this momentous awards ceremony was Pomona Unified School District Superintendent Darren Knowles, Assistant Superintendent Attorney Fernando Meza, and Vice President of the Board of Education Dr. Roberta Perlman.
On May 29, 2026, the Pomona Unified School District published an article titled From the Classroom to the Courtroom: The Project LEAD Mock Trial Milestone . It highlighted the Project LEAD program that Detective Perez facilitated at Vejar Elementary School in Ms. Peniche 5th- grade class. Project LEAD is a law-related education program established by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. The program teaches fifth-grade students that the choices they make today can have a lasting impact on their future. Having a Pomona Unified alumna lead the program provided students with a powerful role model and demonstrated what is possible through dedication, perseverance, and education.
Ms. Peniche taught her students the importance of expressing gratitude, kindness, and appreciation towards others. As the Project LEAD program was concluding, Ms. Peniche had her students write appreciation letters to Detective Perez about their experiences in the Project LEAD program. Most importantly, Ms. Peniche wanted her students to express their heartfelt gratitude for the profound impact Detective Perez had made in their lives.
What better way to showcase that heartfelt appreciation than reading from a few of Ms. Peniche student letters that sealed the 2025-2026 Project LEAD Facilitator of the Year award for Detective Perez.
- Belen wrote, “I was very happy, Detective Perez, that you always found the time to come and teach us our lessons. We knew you had important cases to work on and were saving the city from crime, but the fact that you showed up with excitement showed me you really cared about my class and I. Project LEAD was a great experience, and I am so proud I got to be a part of it. I am going to miss you.”
- Madely wrote, “Thank you, Detective Perez, for making the world a better place. Thank you for arresting the horrible people so they do not hurt others. You are so brave; you risk your life to save others, and I get to tell people that I know a real-life hero. Thank you for caring about us so much, and I am going to miss you.”
- Gerald wrote, “Thank you, Detective Perez, for showing us your SWAT helmet and explaining to us when and why you will need to wear SWAT gear to catch the criminals. It was really nice of you to let me put on the helmet because I pretended to be on a mission to capture the bad guys. We will never forget that we had a detective who cared for us and taught us lessons about the law. We will miss the lessons, and we will miss you a lot.”
- Daniel wrote, “I am very thankful Detective Perez for you coming to my school and teaching me to never ever give up. I will never forget you, and I will miss you. I will miss our Project LEAD lessons, and I wish we had more lessons. Ever since I was in kindergarten, I have always said I wanted to become a police officer when I grow up. Now I want to become a detective after you were my facilitator. I am wishing that you have a wonderful life, and may God take care of you and protect you always!”
The Pomona Unified School District is deeply appreciative of the commitment, inspiration, and mentorship Detective Perez provided throughout the Project LEAD program. The success of the Project LEAD program in the Pomona Unified School District highlights the bridges of trust, empathy, and commitment between students and professional law enforcement. Ms. Peniche and Detective Perez are looking forward to collaborating once again to bring the Project LEAD program to 5th-grade students at Golden Springs Elementary School in September.
About Detective Vanessa Perez:
- Detective Perez has worked in law enforcement for ten years, starting her career as a deputy for the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department. She has served as a detective for the District Attorney’s Office since 2025. She has a passion and ability to connect with students, leaving a lasting impact encouraging students to reach their full potential.
About Ms. Christina Peniche
- Ms. Peniche has worked in education for sixteen years, spending ten of those years working in the Pomona Unified School District. She previously taught 5th to 8th grades at Vejar Elementary School, where she also coached the soccer and robotics teams. This school year, Ms. Peniche is teaching 5th grade and coaching the math and robotics teams at Golden Springs Elementary School.