Dozens of students and educators were recognized Thursday night as Newark Pavilion played host to the fourth annual Avanzando Awards.
Originally started in Newark in 2009 and going non-profit in 2010, Avanzando strives to promote the advancement and empowerment of Latino youth, families and community through the ways and means of dedication to education.
This annual awards ceremony takes place to recognize both faculty and students who strive to do just that in both the Newark Unified School District and Ohlone Community College system.
For the faculty, those who were awarded were individuals who were identified as role models and make extra efforts to make a difference for Latino students.
As for several of the student nominees from , they were selected based on their academics, pride in Latino culture and their extracurricular activities.
Many of the students are in the top 3 percent of their classes and currently taking AP and Honors classes. Some of them are even the first in their families to go to college.
This was also the first year where scholarships were given out to three of the high school students.
Several city and school dignitaries were present for the ceremony and kicked if off with a few opening remarks; such as Newark Mayor Al Nagy, Newark Unified School District Superintendent Dave Marken, Ohlone College President Dr. Gari Browning, Mission Valley Regional Occupational Program Superintendent Pete Murchison and Avanzando Board President Vivien Larsen.
Those who were awarded are listed below:
Newark Educators
- Cathreene Watters; Bunker Elementary School
- Rossana Panuco Sepulveda, Edith Scott; Graham Elementary School
- Catherine Diaz Centeno; Kennedy Elementary School
- Pauline Kim, Bertha De Anda; Lincoln Elementary School
- Lilia Woo, Julie Hendricksen; Milani Elementary School
- John Montoya; Musick Elementary School
- John Mitchell; Schilling Elementary School
- Jessica Tommasini; Snow Elementary School
- Tera Murray, Maria Huffer; Newark Junior High School
- Ramon Dominguez, Raquel Copado; Newark Memorial High School
- Mario Guerrero; Bridgepoint High School
- Administrator of the Year: Nicole Paredes, Schilling Elementary School
Newark Student Awards
Newark Memorial High School
- 9th Grade: Mariana Rangel Castrejon, Edgar Loza
- 10th Grade: Brianna Gomez, Jose Gonzalez, Kimberly Sierra Jurado
- 11th Grade: Camille Clark, Yoshi Itzel Rodriguez, Angel Vera
- 12th Grade: Arlette Jacome, Natalie Pena, Priscilla Rodriguez, Venecia A. Valdez, Victor Verdugo
Bridgepoint High School
- 11th Grade: Dulce Joanna Sanchez
- 12th Grade: Meranda Lucio, Grace Martinez, David Romero
Scholarships
- $500 Scholarship by Arteaga’s Food Center: Valeria Gonzalez
- $500 Avanzando Scholarship: Yara Granados
- $500 Avanzando Scholarship: Jesus Loza
Ohlone Community College District Awards
- Students: Genna Garay-Enguidanos, Isaac Campos, Joaquin Mendez, Kyle Thompson
- Administrator of the Year: Dr. Leta Stagnaro, Associate Vice President Academic Affairs
Special Recognitions
- 12th Grade Students: Valeria Gonzalez, Yara Granados, Arlette Jacome, Jesus Loza, Meranda Lucio, Grace Martinez, Natalie Pena, Priscilla Rodriguez, David Romero, Venecia Valdez, Victor Verdugo
- Educators: John Montoya, Musick Elementary School; Bertha De Anda, Lincoln Elementary School
- Administrators: Nicole Paredes and Dr. Leta Stagnaro
