AWARDS
Former CA Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia presenting Lorraine Richards with “Woman of the Year” Award 2022
Lorraine Richards is a lifelong resident of Montebello, she attended Montebello Schools and upon graduating from University, returned to her Alma Mater, Montebello High School as a teacher. Lorraine has been an exceptional Social Studies teacher for more than 20 years and has always found ways to connect with her students.
She has always found ways to contribute to her community in various ways. Lorraine has strong ties to the Montebello-Commerce YMCA, in her youth she participated in the Youth and Government Program and she has continued to be an integral part of the program with many of the students she serves today. In addition to her work in the community, Lorraine has been active in the Montebello Teachers Association, she is a past president and in the California Teachers Association as a Service Center Chairperson, a Liaison to the CA State Board of Education and a member of the CTA ABC. Her work in these various organizations has allowed her the ability to advocate and provide opportunities for fellow educators and students in the cities within Montebello Unified and beyond.
Lorraine lifts up her community, her students and her profession with the support of her family, her husband, Tony, and her children, Amy and Ben.
She exemplifies “Woman of the Year for AD 58!”
Irvin C. Chapman "Outstanding Service to Youth" Award
Award presented at Model Legislature and Court Program the Sacramento Joint Session at Convention Center
“It is a privilege to present the Irvin C. Chapman "Outstanding Service to Youth" Award tonight. This award recognizes individuals whose commitment to youth has left an incredible mark, not just within Youth & Government, but also through their broader service to their communities. It is given to those who have consistently gone above and beyond to uplift, inspire, and empower the next generation. This year's recipient is someone who has been a quiet force for good, consistently putting the needs of young people ahead of their own. Their journey with Youth & Government began decades ago as a program delegate, and that early experience planted a seed of passion for youth development that has grown into a remarkable career of service. She has devoted nearly 30 years to the Montebello-Commerce delegation, which has become stronger and more vibrant thanks to her relentless efforts. She has faced challenges head-on, including rebuilding a delegation from the ground up after participation numbers dropped significantly. With persistence, mentorship, and belief in the program's mission, she grew the Montebello-Commerce delegation from just one delegate to 21 active members today. Her influence extends beyond Youth & Government. As a teacher, she has touched countless lives in her classroom, and as a leader in multiple education associations, she has been an advocate for students and educators alike. Her impact is so significant that former delegates now enroll their own children in the program, knowing the legacy of leadership and care she brings. Her delegation president described her as "a true pillar of our community, someone who supports us through every challenge and makes it clear through her actions that she cares deeply about our future." Her son, when speaking about her, said "No one truly sees the countless hours she puts in outside of meetings and conferences to ensure that every single one of us gets the true transformative Youth & Government experience.” It is my honor to present the 2025 Irvin C. Chapman "Outstanding Service to Youth" Award, from the Montebello-Commerce delegation, to Lorraine Richards.”
2024 John A. Gabriel Layperson of the Year
Lorraine Richards started her YMCA journey while in high school at Montebello High. At that time she was Lorraine Torres. She joined the Youth and Government delegation and guess who her local advisors were…Lydia and Arnold Glasman. She distinguished herself in Y&G and after high school attended University of Riverside where she met a star baseball player for UC Riverside, Tony Richards, who would go on to be her husband. After marrying Tony, the two of them had their children, Amy and Ben, yet Lorraine had not completed her service to the YMCA. She became an advisor to the Montebello-Commerce YMCA Youth & Government delegation and has served in that capacity for many years. In addition to her dedication to the youth of our community through the YMCA, Lorraine is a teacher at Montebello High School and an active representative for all teachers Statewide through the California Teachers Association. A Montebello resident to this day, she is also involved in the Montebello – Ashiya Sister City Association and gives back to our community in so many ways.