June 16, 2025 -- Joanna Orozco thought she was simply doing what she always does—showing up for students. She was on the phone making sure every student was accounted for prior to game time at an after school sporting event..

The West High School social worker joined 130 West students at Lower.com Field for a Columbus Crew game. As part of the Stay in the Game! Attendance Network initiative, the Columbus Crew invited Central Ohio students as an incentive to reward and encourage consistent attendance across Central Ohio districts. The event was a celebration in itself—but for Orozco, the night held a surprise just for her.

In a gesture of outreach, she coordinated with Westmoor Middle School, a school whose students eventually transition to West, encouraging their counselor to identify positively engaged students for the experience. It was all in a day’s work for Orozco, who thrives on building bridges and creating opportunity.

Her focus, as always, was on the students—making sure every detail was in place for a meaningful experience. But just before kickoff, as she stood on the concourse finalizing logistics over the phone, a man in a suit approached and insisted Orozco follow him. 

Perplexed, she and her family followed him into an elevator and down a long hallway. The man eventually revealed the reason for his approach: Orozco was selected as an AEP Hometown Hero. Her unwavering efforts to improve school attendance led her to this very moment.

“I’m just trying to get as many kids doing something positive with their lives as I can,” Orozco said.

Presented by AEP, the Hometown Heroes program honors local changemakers across Ohio—individuals who lead with purpose, prioritize others, and demonstrate daily devotion to their communities. The recognition is presented at each home game. 

Like past honorees, Orozco was recognized during a pre-game ceremony on the field, complete with a Crew scarf, a custom jersey marked with her number—13—and complimentary match tickets.

“Ms. Orozco was recognized as a Hometown Hero for her tireless commitment, personal sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to reducing chronic absenteeism at Columbus City Schools—a mission that aligns with the Columbus Crew’s Stay in the Game! initiative,” the Crew said in a statement.

It was West’s attendance program specialist, Andrew Ernst, who nominated her. And for good reason: since the pandemic, the school’s attendance rate has jumped from 59% to 82%—a transformation Orozco helped lead.

Her impact stems from the many hats she wears at West. In addition to her role as a social worker, she’s a core member of the school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and attendance teams, and she’s a visible presence on the sidelines as an assistant coach for both the girls’ soccer and softball teams on the junior and senior level.

Her commitment doesn’t stop when the bell rings—or even when practice ends. Orozco helps run the Cowboy Store, where students redeem “Cowboy Bucks” for rewards, and she’s often the last one in the building, assisting students with homework into the evening hours.

“She is the heart and soul of the school,” Ernst said.

Her dedication includes home visits and seeking out students in neighborhood hangouts when they’ve missed class. Just as important, she champions student voice. Her advocacy has fueled student-led projects like culture festivals, community service groups, and even fashion shows—ideas sparked by students and encouraged by Orozco.

“The more students are empowered to [participate in] school the way they learn best, the more they will come to school,” Orozco said.

Joanna Orozco’s recognition as a Hometown Hero may have come under stadium lights, but her true impact shines in the everyday moments—cheering from the sidelines, knocking on doors, listening to ideas, and never giving up on a student. Her work is a reminder that the path to stronger schools starts with relationships, consistency, and care. 

For the students of West High School, she’s more than a support system—she’s a champion who shows up, stands up, and lights the way.