California Association Directors of Activities (CADA) presented Patty Judge, Executive Director and President of the Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation, with the 2024 Harry Bettencourt Award. The award was presented on March 8, 2024, at the Annual CADA State Convention held in Reno, Nevada.
The Harry Bettencourt Award is presented annually and recognizes an individual of exceptional character and kindness who has contributed significantly to the leadership development of students, teachers, and/or administrators. Patty spent 33 years pursuing her passion to teach, with a heavy emphasis on student activities and leadership development. With most of her years teaching in Stockton Unified School District, she served in a variety of roles, including physical education teacher, cheerleading advisor, student activities director, student council/leadership instructor and various other leadership positions. Patty retired from Stockton Unified in 2013. Since joining CADA in 1987, Patty has been highly involved in the organization throughout her career. She has served in various capacities such as Board of Directors, Area A Coordinator, and Vice-President, before becoming the CADA President in 2009. Patty was inducted into the CADA Hall of Fame in 2013, and three years later, she received the coveted CADA Jack Moore Award. Patty shared, “The value of CADA lies in the hearts of all of us. As teachers and educators, we have a passion for working with kids to help them become all that they can become.”
Linda Cooper, a former Student Activities Director, and current member of CADA Area A Council, nominated Patty for the Harry Bettencourt Award "because of what she has done locally, statewide, and even on the national level.” Linda shared, “ Locally, Patty was instrumental in keeping the Modesto Leadership Conference a viable event, organizing it, and then training a few of us so that we could continue to host the conference. Through her work with the ALL RISE Foundation, she continues to contribute to the leadership development of students, teachers, and administrators. Patty is kind to everyone she meets, and like Harry Bettencourt, always has a smile and a hug for others. She is a role model to us all. I feel honored to be a part of her world helping others.”
Patty and her son Aaron - who is the Founder of the Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation and Captain/outfielder for the New York Yankees - started the foundation in 2018. As Executive Director and President, Patty continues to develop and lead students through programs and initiatives, such as the Aspiring Leaders program – giving elementary through high school students the opportunity to learn, grow and improve their leadership skills. Patty always encourages ALL RISE team members to significantly impact students through book clubs, Master Classes, lessons on social media responsibility, character building pro-camps and workshops, and ALL RISE Mini-Grants. Through these efforts, Patty continues to lead the Foundation team to fulfill their mission: ALL RISE will inspire children and youth to become responsible citizens by engaging them in activities that encourage them to reach unlimited possibilities.