By Mary Ellen Garrahy
At Butte County Office of Education, our work is driven by the motto, “Where students come first.”
As BCOE’s Manager of Student Events, I recognize this to mean helping our students find their path and supporting them every step of the way. The academic competitions and events that we host give students an opportunity to find their niche and develop confidence in new challenges.
One moment that stands out most clearly happened during our Butte County Mock Trial program. A young woman joined the team, unsure of herself at first. She was bright, curious, and quietly determined, but hadn’t yet found the space to fully express her strengths. Through Mock Trial, she found her voice, both literally and figuratively. She dived into case preparation, practiced late, asked questions, and stepped into roles that challenged her.
After four years of participating in the Mock Trial program in increasingly more difficult roles, she had not only grown in confidence and skill, she had found direction. During her senior year of Mock Trial performing the role of prosecuting attorney, her dedication was noticed, and she was offered an internship with the Butte County District Attorney’s office. That opportunity was life-changing and reinforced her determination and drive to study to become a lawyer to advocate for students with disabilities. Her experience helped her realize that her passion and talent weren’t just about being the star of a high school mock trial team; she realized they could contribute to justice, equity, and inclusion for those whose voices often go unheard.
What I love most about my work is seeing those pivotal moments when a student realizes their potential, when a program opens a door, when a connection shifts a future. These aren’t merely feel-good stories but real and lasting impacts on our community and young people. And they’re what make my work meaningful.
At BCOE, we are close to the work and the people it affects. “Where Students Come First” is about how we make decisions, how we prioritize, and how we measure success. I appreciate how much care and intentionality goes into every program at BCOE. Whether it’s academic support, career training, or supporting schools with budgeting or technology, the employees at BCOE genuinely care.
When I think back to that young woman and her journey, I feel proud, not of what I did, but of what she did, and of the environment BCOE created to make it possible. Empowering students to discover their strengths and thrive makes my job feel rewarding and purposeful.
Mary Ellen Garrahy is the BCOE Student Engagement and Events Manager and a BCOE employee since 2001. For more information about student events, contact her at mgarrahy@bcoe.org.
Interested in writing your own BCOE Voices column? Email Communications Officer Travis Souders at tsouders@bcoe.org.