Penny Lucero appointed as new SODA Governing Council member

LOS LUNAS — Penny Lucero was sworn in as a new School of Dreams Academy governing council member by Judge Miles Tafoya at the Nov. 18 SODA Governing Council meeting.

Lucero is the previous owner of Bloom Flowers and Gifts in Los Lunas, which she sold in early December.

Passionate about community service, Lucero said selling the shop has allowed her to be more involved in the community.

In addition to SODA, Lucero is a member of several local boards, including the Hispano Chamber of Valencia County, the University of New Mexico Valencia-Campus Development Board and Los Lunas Partners in Education—an organization that helps to fund additional resources for Los Lunas Schools.

Lucero said she was inspired to apply for the SODA governing council position after attending a SODA robing ceremony last year.

“I got to see the capabilities of what School of Dreams is able to accomplish and I wanted to be a part of it,” Lucero said. “It betters the community and I want to support that.”

Lucero said she admires the charter school’s dedication to student success and what they have been able to accomplish with the resources available to them.

“I commend them for their dedication and loyalty in assisting (students). There is an atmosphere of joy and excitement, so I wanted to be a part of that in whichever way they direct me,” she said. “They got my full support, and I can only welcome more individuals to become a part of it.”