DaeChole Reed-Herbert. Courtesy photo

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - San Juan Unified School District will celebrate six outstanding individuals, three of them students, at its 11th annual Spirit of San Juan Awards on May 9. One of those students is DaeChole Reed-Herbert from Citrus Heights.

“We are incredibly proud of DaeChole's 'Spirit of San Juan' award, acknowledging her actions and efforts as an exceptional leader on our campus,” said interim Principal Roxanne Stellmacher. “DaeChole exemplifies the type of student we strive to develop at Lichen P-8, one who stands up for what's right and leads by example. We could not be prouder to call her a Lichen Bear."    

The awards recognize individuals within the district’s school communities who exhibit exceptional character, remove barriers and provide an inclusive environment for all, according to district spokesperson Elysse Fresquez.

The three students being recognized this year are Julia Clauson from Bella Vista High School, Fair Oaks; Reed-Herbert from Lichen K-8, Citrus Heights; and Ethan “E Train” Minton, Winston Churchill Middle School, Carmichael.

 Julia Clauson. Courtesy photo

 Ethan “E Train” Minton. Courtesy photo

The three other honorees are Robert Anderson, a Mary Deterding Elementary School teacher in Carmichael; Nancy Carter, a Mission Avenue Open Elementary School volunteer in Carmichael; and Greta Scholtes, Encina Preparatory High School principal at Arden Arcade.

 Robert Anderson. Courtesy photo

 Nancy Carter. Courtesy photo

 Greta Scholtes. Courtesy photo

Clauson, an 11th-grade student, advocates to ensure student voices are heard at Bella Vista. Clauson actively participates at the school and district level as a Superintendent's Student Advisory Council member, as the Bella Vista's writing club president and as one of two student representatives on the school's equity team. This year, Clauson is also spearheading her new project, a district-wide literary magazine aimed at sharing student voices.

Reed-Herbert, a seventh-grade student, mentors and encourages her Lichen K-8 School peers to promote a positive school environment. As the Black and Brown students club founder and Student Senate member, Reed-Herbert has fostered a welcoming and inclusive experience for Lichen students and staff.

Minton, a seventh-grade student, has advocated for and promoted literacy through his online platforms. He has organized book donations and author visits, and has also volunteered his time by reading books to kindergarteners in the district. Minton's work will leave a lasting impact on Winston Churchill Middle School students, who now have increased access to books.

Anderson was chosen for his dedication to young learners both in and outside of the classroom. As a kindergarten teacher at Mary Deterding Elementary School, Anderson promotes a welcoming and accessible classroom environment for his students and their families by making their first years at San Juan Unified School District memorable.

Carter is a San Juan Unified retiree who continues to make an impact through her math tutoring volunteer work at Mission Avenue Open Elementary School. Her energy and enthusiasm for helping students succeed has been extended to all students, especially those who need extra support to get the job done.

Scholtes, as Encina Preparatory High School principal, actively removes barriers to make education accessible for all students. She works closely with students and families to solve attendance barriers, increases access to resources by working with resettlement agencies and community partners, and leads by speaking up for marginalized groups.

The awards ceremony is at 6 p.m. May 9 in Rio Americano High School’s Center for the Arts, 4540 American River Drive, Sacramento. Each honoree will receive a plaque.

Learn more about the May 9 event on the Spirit of San Juan webpage at www.sanjuan.edu and RSVP at https://forms.sanjuan.edu/240726246398969.