City of El Centro announces recipients of 2025 Quiet Servant Award

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) - The City of El Centro announced the recipients of the 2025 Quiet Servant Award.

Verna Wow-Wright and Fernando Banuelos were nominated for making meaningful differences in the community.

"The Quiet Servant Award highlights the heart of our community," said Mayor Sonia Carter. "Verna Wow-Wright and Fernando Banuelos embody what it means to server quietly yet powerfully. Their kindness, commitment, and willingness to go above and beyond inspire all of us to make a difference in the lives of others."

Wow-Wright has supported several local organizations such as WomanHaven, Imperial Valley Food Bank and the Humane Society of Imperial County. She's worked in Child Nutrition for nearly 30 years and has adopted out of the foster care system.

Banuelos works for the City's Facility Maintenance Division, and has been known to work beyond his duties. He ensures the City is clean and organized, while also taking initiative on other projects.

Wow-Wright and Banuelos will be recognized during the City Council meeting on Tuesday, October 21 at El Centro City Hall, starting at 6 p.m.