Chris Bencomo is the recipient of the September, 2007 Woodlander of the Month award honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to the community.  

Mrs. Bencomo is the founder of Lee Middle School’s “Parents on Campus” program, a voluntary group of parents who help provide a safe and nurturing school campus environment during the day. 

Bencomo was compelled to foster the volunteer program when in 1999 she and one other parent were all who were on Lee’s campus at lunch.  “We had over 1000 children at lunch with no ratio of adults to properly supervise the kids,” Bencomo said. “It was a scary time for me as a parent to see what was happening at my child’s school.” 

Now the “Parents on Campus” coordinator at Woodland High School, Bencomo continues to assure that students are kept safe. “We are in desperate need of volunteers,” commented Bencomo, adding that parent involvement on school campuses is a great way to get involved in community service. 

“Our schools, our community would suffer without all the wonderful people who volunteer each day.  You can always tell if a community has a good volunteer base the minute you drive into it.”  

The mother of three, Bencomo has a background in elementary education and is also currently the Home Hospital Teacher for the Woodland Joint Unified School District.  She and her husband John, Director of Yolo County Public Planning and Public Works, have lived in Woodland for over 14 years.  

The Woodlander of the Month award is sponsored by Woodland Mayor, David Flory; the Daily Democrat; and Yolo County Supervisors representing Woodland: Duane Chamberlain and Matt Rexroad