Merced Union High School District

Atwater High School Resource Deputy Guillermo Alcala thought he was judging a student talent show during lunch on Wednesday. Suddenly he was being dragged into the spotlight and being asked to perform with AHS principal Alexie Parle and activities director Nathan Braga when another staff member didn’t show up.

 

“Mrs. Parle, she knows I’m a team player and she said they needed an additional person for their act so I volunteered,” Alcala said. “I didn’t want to sing in public though.”

 

Alcala was able to hide his singing talents for another time, but the spotlight was squarely on him as he was presented the 2026 MUHSD Outstanding Resource Deputy Award during a surprise ceremony prior to the Atwater High talent show. Alcala was presented with a plaque as his family and colleagues from the Merced County Sheriff’s Office looked on.

 

“I had no idea,” said Alcala, who graduated from Atwater High in 2006. “It’s pretty special. When I knew the department was going to absorb the contract – for Atwater High specifically – being an alum, I jumped on the opportunity. I was fortunate to be selected. Since then I’ve tried to absorb myself in the community and make myself an integral part of the school.”

 

Parle told the students and staff during the ceremony that Atwater High is lucky to have Deputy Alcala. “Deputy Alcala is more than a SRO, he is family,” Parle said. “As a former Falcon, he has come back to serve, protect and uplift the very community that helped shape him. He builds relationships, keeps our family safe, shows our students every day they matter and builds genuine connections with our students and staff. He is truly part of the fabric of everything great about Atwater High School.”

 

It’s the first year MUHSD has handed out the award. Kelli Sharpe, MUHSD Program Administrator II, Student Services Child Welfare, Attendance & Safety, says the SRO/SRD’s play vital roles on our campuses and deserve the recognition. “It is important for us to recognize our SRO/SRD’s because they truly do thankless jobs,” Sharpe said. “We have an excellent group of Deputies and Officers assigned to us and they really do a lot behind the scenes to keep our campuses safe and to help our students and staff. They deserve recognition because they are a part of our team we often forget to thank and appreciate.”

There is a lot that goes into the job of every School Resource Officer/Deputy on campus. “School Resource Deputies (SRDs) play a specific, supportive role on high school campuses,” said Cristi Johnson, MUHSD Assistant Superintendent Student Services. “When used effectively, they are not just ‘police on campus,’ but part of a broader system focused on safety, prevention, and relationship-building.”

“First and foremost, SRDs are responsible for campus safety and emergency response,” Johnson added. “They help prevent and respond to serious incidents such as threats, weapons, or violence. They also assist with safety planning, drills, and coordination with local law enforcement in case of emergencies.”

The SRD’s also build positive relationships with students and parents. “Effective SRDs are visible, approachable, and interact with students in non-disciplinary ways — attending events, checking in, and serving as mentors,” Johnson said. “Deputy Alcala is a shining example of this.  This helps reduce fear and increases the likelihood that students will report concerns.”

Alcala has been a valued member of the Atwater High School community in his four years on campus, even coaching freshman baseball for the past two years. Alcala enjoys working with the freshmen and introducing them to the Falcons baseball program. “It’s the biggest learning curve,” Alcala said. “You have a lot to build on and it’s your job to feed the rest of the program so they continue to have success.”

 

The impact Alcala has had at AHS hasn’t gone unnoticed. “Alcala has shown to be highly devoted to the Atwater High School students and staff,” Sharpe said. “He works to build rapport with students and their families. We ask a lot of him to support students and follow up on difficult cases and he always follows through with no hesitation.”

 

Alcala has spent the most time in his role out of all the other School Resource Officers/Deputies across the District. His experience is valuable. “Deputy Alcala is the veteran of the group,” Johnson said.  “We often lean on him to answer questions, improve practices, and ensure campus safety.  He has developed meaningful relationships with students and families. He is an asset to AHS.”

 

Alcala feels he’s working at a special place. “It’s been incredible,” he said. “From Mrs. Parle to the liaisons, the staff, the students, it feels like a family. It’s home.”

Shawn Jansen is the MUHSD Program Manager Digital Media. He can be reached at Sjansen@muhsd.org.