Every Student Succeeding
Each year, ACSA recognizes 19 pre-K-adult students, one from each geographic region, as well as two California adult education students, for overcoming the odds and achieving success.
We hope you'll join us to celebrate this year's outstanding student honorees and recognize the hundreds of students who have inspired us with their courage and resilience since 1996.
Program Overview
Every Student Succeeding
ACSA believes every student deserves equal opportunities to succeed. On every school day throughout California, dedicated educators and courageous students overcome tremendous obstacles to reach their goals of academic excellence.
Their success is our success; their powerful stories are our inspiration.
Each year, ACSA recognizes 19 pre-K-adult students, one from each geographic region, as well as two California adult education students, for overcoming the odds and achieving success.
Recognition
Students are honored at ACSA's Leadership Summit Every Student Succeeding Ceremony in November, as well as at various regional events.
In 2025, the ESS presentation is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 6 in San Francisco.
ACSA will actively publicize award recipients through the news media, and ACSA's website, publications and social media channels.
Purpose and Eligibility
Purpose. The purpose of this award is to honor students at all grade levels (pre-K to adult education) who have succeeded against all odds, beyond expectations or simply won the hearts of the administrators and other educators who helped them achieve their goals. One student from each region will be honored.
Eligibility. Nominees should be students who have made a special effort to succeed and have overcome obstacles such as:
- Returning to school
- Leaving a gang
- Improving their attendance
- Changing their attitude
- Overcoming physical and mental barriers
They should also be active in:
- After school programs
- Community service
- Student conflict resolution
- Cross-age tutoring
- Peer mediation
- Peer tutoring
Nominees can come from programs such as:
- Alternative Education
- At-risk
- Bilingual
- Continuation School
Nominations
Nominations must be sent directly to the nominee's region. Each region will select one winner and honor them at region events throughout the year.
Download Nomination Form
Check with your region leadership for the region submission deadline and process.
**All nominations must be submitted to your region or charter leadership.**
REGION LEADERS ONLY:
Send your completed student winner's nomination form (one student recipient per region) to the state ACSA Awards Program coordinator by March 3, 2025: Emily Agpoon, ACSA Awards Program
916.329.3833 |
Archives
Every Student Succeeding Honorees
2025 Student Honorees
We sincerely congratulate all the 2025 student recipients at the charter, region and state levels.
ACSA is proud to honor your achievements, resilience and bravery.
Watch their inspiring stories now on ACSA YouTube.
Region 1
Magdalena (Maggy) Vasquez
Pioneer High School, Shasta Union HSD
Region 2
Anna Schifferle
Union Mine High School, El Dorado Union HSD
Region 3
Dylan Lopez
Esparto USD
Region 4
Sibao (Sylvia) Chen
San Marin High School, Novato USD
Region 5
Roman Fernandez
Panorama Elementary School, Brisbane SD
Region 6
Mathys Joseph
College Park High School, Mt. Diablo USD
Region 7
Zoe Blansett
Amador High School, Amador County USD
Region 8
Erick De La Rosa
Osborne School, Santa Clara COE
Region 9
Stevie-Marie Rendon
Pershing Continuation School, Central USD
Region 10
Anthony Garcia-Trinidad
Pacific Grove Community High School, Pacific Grove USD
Region 11
Kacee Balderama
Jamison High School, Lemoore Union HSD
Region 12
Gissel Uriostigue
Hillside High School, Upland USD
Region 13
Brayan Hernandez
Frontier High School, Oxnard Union HSD
Region 14
Sky Huynh
Artesia High School, ABC USD
Region 15
Sophia Kupelian
Rosemont Middle School, Glendale USD
Region 16
Luke Michel
James A. Garfield High School, Los Angeles USD
Region 17
Angelina Riegelhuth
Los Alamitos High School, Los Alamitos USD
Region 18
Maribel Sandoval
Holtville High School, Holtville USD
Region 19
Jesús Madrid Rojas
Rancho Mirage High, Palm Springs USD
Adult Education
TBA