Each summer the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Tribal Council presents an Academic Achievement Awards Ceremony, highlighting students’ accomplishments. On July 20, more than 75 students were recognized for their outstanding educational efforts during the 2024-2025 school year.
Emcee Steven Estrada, who serves as Tribal Executive Officer, introduced Tribal Council Chairman Isaiah Vivanco to say a few words. After welcoming everyone and asking for a round of applause for all of the students, he thanked Sponsorship and Higher Education Coordinator Andrew Vallejos and his team for all their efforts in setting up the event.
“I’d like to thank all the elders, grandparents, parents, siblings, aunts, uncles and everybody here for supporting our youth,” Vivanco said. “We as a Tribe have always stressed the importance of education and what better way to do that than to celebrate them today for their achievements?”
He cited it as a good thing that the list of honored students is growing each year, and the banquet room is getting closer to reaching its capacity.
“When we can have all of our youth celebrating their achievements and taking their education careers even higher than they could have imagined, I think that’s a win for all of us,” Vivanco said. “So as a Tribe I think we should be proud of them. Please help me say thank you once again to the students that are doing a great job.”
He told the students to make sure they are doing the best they can to reach their dreams because it is important. He then congratulated them all once again, which was followed by rousing applause from the attendees.
Estrada provided the blessing and guests were then treated to an outstanding buffet that offered a variety of foods from chicken tenders and Western sliders to tacos and baked potatoes with all the fixings. There were also omelet and pasta stations and a salad bar. The dessert tables offered cookies, cakes and other sweet treats.
Students in five categories were acknowledged with incentives. Students in the silver, gold and platinum categories received a certificate, cash envelope and varying sizes of ollas, handmade by Tony Soares.
Those in the Silver/Outstanding category with a GPA of 3.0-3.4 were Jeffrey Lee Arres, Ete’tish Arviso, Lokelani Basquez, Victoria Boiso, Noah Cardenas, Tamara Hurtado, Giovanni Liera, Lavina Lopez, Logan Lopez, Phyllis Morillo, Suun Nelson, Wayne Nelson, Audrina Michelle Pantoja, Adam Post, Emalee Post, Noah Post, Kimani Resvaloso-Sanchez, Jacob Nasūūn Romo, Gloria Valdez, Ezekiel Velazquez and Ginger Velazquez.
Those with a GPA of 3.5-3.9 in the Gold/Superior Achievement category were Ava Arenas, Emily Arrietta, Evan Glen Ayala, Nokaamay Briones, Angel Cardenas, Athena DeHoyos, Tishmal DeHoyos, Shanee Demara, Marco Hernandez, Alana Kashersky, Duke Marruffo-Lara, Ronald Morillo III, Sadie Pimentel, Danny M. Placencia, Aubrey Post, Kiat Nawishmal Resvaloso, Shawna Rivera, Paloma Rodriguez, Myah Saenz, Agustin Salgado, Raya Salgado, Noyáaykit Silvas and Bella Vallejo.
An impressive GPA of 4.0 or higher qualified the following for placement in the Platinum/Academic Excellence category: Allea Alvarez, Crystal Arrietta, Hallee Cozart, Aureny Manzanilla, Aubrey Mazza, Janessa Kalei Mojado, Mary Rose Morreo, Leland Kenneth Razon Jr., Ndiyilii Resvaloso, Sophia Resvaloso and Savannah Rivera.
High school graduates received a certificate, cash envelope, lanyard, Pendleton blanket and a commemorative plate. Upon introduction to the stage to receive their award and be photographed with Tribal Council members, Estrada provided a short description of each of them.
Huahnee Laupsa Briones enjoys watersports and trail driving and her hobby is artistic animation. She plans on receiving a business degree and becoming an entrepreneur. Wayne Walker Calderon likes to play basketball, baseball, and football and work out in his spare time. In the future, he hopes to travel the world. Angelina Chavez is a basketball player who plans to attend law school and pursue a career as a Criminal Justice Attorney.
During high school, Ava Ciccone-Cozart was varsity volleyball captain, Associated Student Body Treasurer and Editor-in-Chief of the yearbook. This fall, she will attend the College of Charleston and pursue her dream of becoming a museum curator. Steven Roy Gonzalez enjoys working out and training for MMA. His future education goals include studying Engineering or Cybersecurity to become an entrepreneur. Zachary Te’met Guacheno enjoys dirt bike riding, basketball, video games and drawing. He plans on attending Cal State San Marcos. His goals are to own a business one day and help his Tribe and people.
Keira Modesto enjoys choir, Dungeons & Dragons, animation and drawing. She is applying to CalArts and wants to become an animator. Aimee Suvoowut Organ’s career goals are to become an anthropologist and archaeologist. Jacob Peter Pantoja enjoys media arts, music, skating and playing instruments. His career goals are to be a Sound Engineer or Music Technician. Summer Rey Ramirez enjoys baking and cooking for her family. Her career goals are to attend school in the fall to become a Nurse Assistant or Vet Technician. Jade Reyes enjoyed playing varsity softball for Tahquitz. She likes watching television and shopping. She will be attending Paul Mitchell for Cosmetology and hopes to become an esthetician.
Efren V. Reynoso enjoys football and being a member of the Native Club. He likes to work out and help coach youth football. He plans to attend Idaho State University and hopes to play college football and/or become an electrician. Rhianna Salgado was part of AFJROTC and the Four Directions Club at San Jacinto High School for four years, Soboba Youth Council for two years, and the Soboba Fire Explorer Program for three years. She enjoys beading, listening to music, and playing video games. She will be joining Cal State San Marcos for Medical Sonography with Navy NUPOC as her career goal. Andrew Velazquez was part of the golf and wrestling teams. He was Treasurer for the Four Directions Club. He will be attending MSJC in the fall.
Those students who earned their college degrees or vocational certifications also were honored with a certificate, cash envelope, lanyard, Pendleton blanket and a commemorative plate.
During College, Kaya Ciccone-Cozart played varsity softball and served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and plans to pursue a master’s degree in social work. Her long-term goal is to build a career in social work or human resources. Benny Helms IV earned a degree in Recreation Administration with a minor in Native American Studies. He enjoys hiking, playing rugby, and spending time outdoors. His goal is to pursue a degree in Public Administration, give back to his Tribe, and build a financially stable future. Italia Manzanilla has been admitted to San Diego State University to continue pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with a focus on Exercise Science. Her goal is to complete her bachelor’s degree and obtain a teaching credential to become a physical education teacher, with the option of working as a substitute teacher as well.
Sierra Mendez earned her Master of Education in Learning, Design, and Technology from Concordia University Irvine. She currently serves as a resident substitute teacher at Cawston Elementary in the Hemet Unified School District. Passionate about inclusive education, Sierra is committed to supporting neurodiverse learners and fostering a nurturing classroom environment. She plans to continue her work with Cawston’s autism program and hopes to further her education with a focus on moderate to severe autism, deepening her impact in the field of special education. Nashashuk Resvaloso plans to build on her degree by obtaining a barbering license, allowing her to work with all hair types and expand her range of services.
Lynnae Rhodes earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice with a minor in Social Science Forensics. She is actively exploring opportunities in Arizona to pursue her goal of becoming a Crime Scene Investigator. Shayna Lee Silvas-Thomas plans to complete her degree in Marine Environmental Technology and pursue a career focused on improving the health and well-being of animals. Vincent Vega’s career goal is to become a Master Technician. He completed training in auto electrical, engine performance, steering and suspension, as well as hybrid and electric vehicle technology.
All Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Tribal members who qualified for any of these categories were invited to the luncheon held in their honor. Students who were able to attend were recognized on stage, where they received their certificates from members of the Tribal Council. Congratulating them were Chairman Isaiah Vivanco, Vice Chairwoman Geneva Mojado, Secretary Monica Herrera and Sergeant-at-Arms Daniel Valdez.
More than 50 elegant table settings were enhanced by the beautiful centerpieces created by Adona Salgado of SEISH LLC. The eldest guest at each table was allowed to take it home to enjoy. She also made the large arrangements used on stage and throughout the banquet room.
A video slide show of all the students being honored was met with much applause as each name and photo was shown. It was played at the beginning of the event and again during the luncheon. Wayne Nelson from the Inter-Tribal Bird Singers offered bird songs and invited those who wished to participate to dance.
“I want to thank the Tribe for allowing me to be here,” Nelson said. “And congratulations to all the students for their achievements.”
Each student received a raffle ticket upon check-in and was able to go home with a fun motivator to work hard in the coming school year to be able to return for next summer’s event. From gift cards and Nintendo Switch 2 game systems to Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer sunglasses and big screen TVs, the prizes were welcomed by all the lucky and excited recipients.
Photos courtesy of StylePhotography by Alex Tapia
