On Sunday, May 3, United Pilipinos of Alameda (UPA) held its 45th Annual Outstanding Student of Pilipino Ancestry Awards Ceremony at the Harbor Bay Community Center.
[1]UPA is a politically neutral, nonprofit organization. Founded in 1976, it is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The organization was created as a way for the Filipino community to celebrate and share their culture with the people of Alameda.
The last awards program event was held in 2018. This year, Contra Costa Superior Court Judge Benjamin Reyes II gave the keynote address. Reyes, an Alameda resident, is the first Filipino-American judge on the Contra Costa bench and the second Filipino-American trial court judge appointed in the Bay Area.
Principals, teachers, and counselors from Alameda public and private schools nominated deserving students from the promoting or graduating class to receive this award based on their academic achievement, character, and leadership abilities.
The event is an opportunity for the Filipino community to gather and acknowledge both the parents and students, and to share their pride and experiences, organizers noted. Awardees were given a scholarship of $1,200 for 12th graders, $500 for eighth graders and $250 for fifth graders.
This year’s winners are:
- Cassandra Valencia, Amelia Earhart Elementary School.
- Evan Devine, Bay Farm Elementary School.
- Empress Kate Cruz, Edison Elementary School.
- Boden Kai Neveu, Frank Otis Elementary School.
- Lorenzo Joaquin Ramirez, Franklin Elementary School.
- Catherine Sandoval, Love Elementary School.
- Joshua Cael, Maya Lin Elementary School.
- Julian Francis Paiso, Paden Elementary School.
- Emi David, Ruby Bridges Elementary School.
- Jesela Kealani Reyes, Lincoln Middle School.
- Ariah Garrett, Nea Community Learning Center.
- Andee Mendoza, St. Joseph Elementary School.
- Katelyn Condez, St. Philip Neri Elementary School.
- Danica Paiso, Wood Middle School.
- Dylan Mann, Alameda High School.
- Keianna Rayndles, Alameda Science & Technology Institute.
- Sophia Fabia, Encinal High School.
- Carl Pagud, Island High School.
- Kylie Villagomez, St. Joseph Notre Dame High School.
The UPA also honored former treasurer, Rufina Mejia, for 30 years of service to the organization. Mejia retired from the Alameda Unified School District after teaching for 23 years and was also named Alameda Teacher of the Year in 1999.
For more information about the United Pilipinos of Alameda, email [email protected] [2].