Spirit of San Juan

Taya Baggett
Student, Cameron Ranch Elementary School
Baggett is a natural-born leader with a passion for inclusivity. She is a classroom representative for Cameron Ranch’s student council, a member of E-sports, Best Buddies and Project Optimism, and the lead advisor of the school’s Celebrating Diversity Club. Baggett goes above and beyond to remove barriers for her peers.

Sonia Botello
School/Community Worker, Dyer-Kelly Elementary School
Botello’s commitment to her school’s community is remarkable. She has dedicated 10 years of her career to Dyer-Kelly, and her impact continues to leave a mark. As a recent recipient of a master's degree, Botello continues to support her school community.

Kristi Char 
Teacher, Mira Loma High School
Char has made art accessible for all students at Mira Loma. Through school-wide events like Dia de los Muertos, Black Renaissance Day and the Asian Cultural Festival, Char has provided students with the experience to celebrate the cultures of the diverse student body. 

Sara Opeyany 
Teacher, Lichen K-8
Opeyany has an unwavering dedication to fostering an environment of belonging for the students at Lichen K-8. She is the founder of two of the school’s clubs, including the Students of Color at Lichen and Upstanders Club. She is an advocate for all students and staff members. 

Anna Stellmacher 
Student, Rio Americano High School
Stellmacher is not only a leader at Rio Americano but also district-wide. She is the founder of the Celebrating Diversity Clubs that are being piloted at nine elementary schools in San Juan Unified. She is also a student member of the San Juan Unified Facilities Committee to help shape inclusive learning environments for all. 

Baryalai Talash 
Instructional Assistant, Mira Loma High School
Talash is a strong advocate for the Afghan community at Mira Loma. With the growth of the newcomer students from Afghanistan, Talash prepared Mira Loma staff with basic cultural knowledge. He has served as a leader for students and founded the school’s first Afghan Culture Club. 

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

 

Ronnie Brown
Custodian, Carriage Drive Elementary School

Ronnie is a custodian at Carriage Drive Elementary School who is described as a positive and caring individual who lifts the school’s morale. Teachers and staff describe him as a “celebrity” who lights up every room he walks into.

Freddie Bryant

Athletic Director and Teacher, San Juan High School

Freddie always goes above and beyond the call of duty. Whether he’s mentoring students or coaching them on the field, Freddie is making a difference on his campus and in the community.

Luis Cruz Solache

Coordinator, Family and Community Engagement

Luis takes down barriers and pushes for inclusion. His efforts have made resources more accessible for families of all languages and backgrounds.

Howe Helpers

Student advocacy group, Howe Avenue Elementary School

The Howe Helpers are an advocacy group at Howe Avenue Elementary School. Together, they work to dispel negative stereotypes about the unhoused population and create care packages for those experiencing homelessness.

Tiba Jasim

Fifth-grade student, Whitney Avenue Elementary School

Tiba is an active agent of inclusivity. She participates in student council, volunteers for attendance enrichment projects and uses her time to make and translate instructional videos for assemblies.

Surina Naran

Twelfth-grade student, Rio Americano High School

Surina is making a difference by impacting district-level policies and elevating student voice. As a member of several committees, she has used her position to listen to the students’ concerns and use their feedback to make changes at the district level.