Lea Thomas is a senior at Ponderosa High School. She loves agriculture, animals, her friends and family, as well as putting a smile on others’ faces! She is an active FFA member and officer, a band student, freshman orientation leader, tutor, and CSF officer. Lea plans on attending Cal Poly SLO in the fall to major in Animal Science and minor in Agricultural Leadership.

Lea was nominated for this prestigious award by Chapter 716 Adviser Rachelle Hudson. Lisa Garrett is Principal at Ponderosa High School in the El Dorado Union High School District.

Juliana Luna is a graduating Senior at Horizon Charter Schools in Lincoln, California. She is thrilled to be attending her dream school, Columbia University in New York this fall. Juliana will be studying Creative Writing and Human Rights. She loves strong black coffee, elegantly crafted poetry, and blasting Beatles music.

Juliana was nominated for this prestigious award by Chapter 1226 Adviser Melora Klusnik. Kelly Collins is Principal at Horizon Charter School in the Western Placer Unified School District.

When I am not working on homework or studying, I enjoy volunteering at my local animal shelter, working out, and hanging out with friends. After high school, I plan on attending Fresno State as a recipient of the Smittcamp Family Honors College. I would like to Major in Nursing and I have a dream to be either an Oncology or Pediatric Nurse when I graduate from college. Eventually, I would like to get a Master’s degree and become a Nurse Anesthetist.

Payten was nominated for this prestigious award by Chapter 1260 Adviser Arpy Imirian. Felipe Piedra is Principal at Liberty High School in the Golden Valley Unified School District.