San Quentin hosts second Shining Star awards

September 14, 2024

The second Shining Star awards ceremony, honoring staff nominated by the population, was held at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center.

This ceremony, inspired by the California Model initiative, offers the incarcerated population a unique opportunity to recognize and celebrate custody, non-custody, and medical staff who have made a positive difference in their lives.

The Shining Star awards ceremony, now in its second month, allows incarcerated individuals to nominate staff who have demonstrated exceptional care, understanding, and support.

This month, one of the standout honorees was Dr. Pachinski, one of San Quentin’s medical executives. Pachinski was recognized for her medical expertise as well as her compassionate approach to incarcerated health care.

A doctor with incarcerated people during the San Quentin Shining Star awards. — Dr. Pachinski with the incarcerated individuals who nominated her for the Shining Star award.

The California Model initiative aims to transform the correctional environment by fostering rehabilitation and reducing recidivism. By empowering incarcerated to acknowledge the positive influences in their lives, the Shining Star awards embodies the spirit of this initiative.

During the ceremony, the population shared personal stories of how the nominated staff members, particularly Pachinski, have impacted their journeys.

One person recounted how Pachinski took the time to listen and address his health concerns, making a significant difference in his overall well-being. The doctor thanked them for the recognition, emphasizing the importance of building trust and rapport in a correctional setting.

San Quentin staff nominations

Other staff who were nominated include:

Sgt. L. Perez
Correctional officers A. Lara, A. Brooks, R. Cruz, J. Damien, S. Hoggan, J. Rios, M. Payton, M. Wallis, and L. Romero
Coding Class Facilitator K. Gilbert
California Prison Industry Authority Coding Supervisor J. Gripshover
Vocational Instructor M. Valdez
Peer Literatcy Mentor M. Washington
Physician and Surgeons J. Clark, E. Ojukwu, E. Tootell, and S. Pajong
Supervising Registered Nurse II K. Dunevant.

The ceremony was attended by various correctional administration, correctional officers, health care professionals, education staff, vocational staff, and all of whom celebrated the nominees’ contributions to creating a more humane correctional environment.

As the Shining Star ceremony continues to grow, it reflects a vital shift in how correctional facilities engage with their populations.

The acknowledgment of positive behaviors and contributions fosters a culture of respect and understanding, paving the way for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Submitted by Lt. G. Berry