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 | eagpoon(at)acsa.org


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

Every Student Succeeding