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Spirit of San Juan

Collage of the six Spirit of San Juan Honorees

The Spirit of San Juan awards celebrate individuals who exhibit exceptional character, remove barriers and provide an inclusive environment for all.

Learn more about the 2024 Spirit of San Juan honorees by watching their highlight videos below.

Robert Anderson
Teacher, Mary Deterding Elementary School
Anderson has dedicated 30 years of his career to teaching young learners how to fall in love with school. As a kindergarten teacher, Anderson welcomes all students and families with his contagious energy and teaching style. 

Nancy Carter
Volunteer, Mission Avenue Open Elementary School
Carter has an unwavering dedication and commitment to students. After teaching for over 25 years, she returned as a volunteer to continue investing in the lives of students by tutoring them in math.

Julia Clauson
Student, Bella Vista High School
Clauson advocates to ensure student voices are heard. She is a member of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, the president of Bella Vista’s writing club and a representative of her school’s equity team. This year, Clauson spearheaded a district-wide literary magazine and was appointed to the California State Board of Education for a one-year term. 

Ethan “E Train” Minton
Student, Winston Churchill Middle School
Minton is an award-winning literacy advocate, podcast host and reading ambassador. At a young age, he has gone above and beyond to organize book donations, author visits and has volunteered his time by reading books to kindergarteners within San Juan Unified.

DaeChole Reed-Herbert
Student, Lichen K-8
Reed-Herbert is a leader among her peers. She founded the Black and Brown Students Club at Lichen K-8 while also being a Student Senate member. Reed-Herbert fosters an inclusive environment for both students and staff by promoting a positive school environment. 

Greta Scholtes
Principal, Encina Preparatory High School
Scholtes is a leader and advocate for equity. Her commitment to Encina Preparatory High School can be seen through her dedication to students and families alike. She finds ways to create listening opportunities and feedback sessions to help increase access for all students.


A special thanks to our sponsors, Kaiser Permanente and SMUD, as well as our Career and Technical Education Programs (CTE) staff and students, and our many volunteers for helping with this evening:

  • Casa Roble Fundamental High School Floral Design Pathway

  • Lila Cesar - Rio Americano High School student musician, violin

  • Jane Cesar - Rio Americano High School student musician, violin

 

Past Honorees