Don Hawkins wrote grant after grant for various vocational programs in the Marana School District.  In 1979, it was his efforts that secured a state of the art word processor for MHS students.  They were the first students in Pima County to have access to that technology.  He also worked tirelessly to improve opportunities for students who were at risk of dropping out.  He secured a grant that led to the establishment of Marana Plus which is now MCAT.  It opened in 1989 with 60 students.  This alternative high school prevents students from dropping out and helps them with credit retrieval.  Mr. Hawkins ensured all vocational students taught the standards developed for them long before it was state mandated.  He was known for reaching out to all students but believed they could all do something significant with their lives.  He was their biggest cheerleader.