Cesar E. Chavez Youth Awards

The City of Watsonville Parks and Community Services Department hosted the 10th Annual Cesar E. Chavez Youth Awards on Thursday, March 22 at the .

The event recognizes youth in the community who have distinguished themselves through their exceptional volunteer work in Watsonville that exemplify and promote the values of community dedication espoused by Cesar E. Chavez.

Cesar E. Chavez Values

• Community Activism
  Volunteerism
  Non-Violence/Conflict Resolution

A total of 14 youth received recognition at this year’s event, including 7 Cesar E. Chavez award recipients and 7 certificates of recognition recipients.

Cesar E. Chavez Award Recipients

Abraham Corrales has showed a huge commitment to helping the community through volunteering a huge amount of his free time to pediatric cancer support services, including event planning, office assistance, translations and anything else he is asked to do. Abraham is a truly gifted and giving young man who has made a huge difference at Jacob’s Heart. Abraham was nominated by Jacob’s Heart Pediatric Cancer Support Services.

Myra Gonzales has performed more than 132 hours of community service and she is not stopping there. Myra is dedicated to community involvement with youth leadership groups at church, Pennies for Change Project, Shelter Box Project, Jacob’s Heart, Go Green, Firelight Foundation, Mary’s Meals and Pennies for Patients Project. Myra is president of the Rotary Interact Club, ASB Vice President and recipient of 2011Rotary Youth Leadership Award. Myra was nominated by the Watsonville Fire Department.

Oscar Hernandez is an outstanding volunteer with the Confirmation Program. He has volunteered over 100 hours in the program and is willing to help in any way possible. Oscar enjoys his volunteer work and loves interacting with patrons in the program. Oscar often comes in early and stays late to help with set up and clean up after events and workshops. Oscar was nominated by St. Patrick’s Church.

Salvador Lua has put in hundreds, if not thousands, of hours volunteering in youth programs in the community. He has become an integral member of various activist and service organizations. Salvador has played a big role in the success of the . Salvador is also active in the Brown Berets and Springfield Grange. Both of these organizations promote service, unity and self-development. Salvador was nominated by the Watsonville Science Workshop.

Anyssa Luna has volunteered over 100 hours through the . Anyssa successfully completed the Environmental Science WATCH course. Anyssa and her group were selected to represent her school and community at Coastal America in Washington D.C. to showcase their research on Ocean PH. Anyssa is a student of good character and strong will. She has demonstrated resiliency in all her academic endeavors despite diverse situations. Anyssa was nominated by the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Natalie Salcedo participates in a youth group known as REAL which represents populations that are often under represented and addresses community issues. Natalie has volunteered over 200 hours in this group. In addition, Natalie has helped facilitate, from the ground up, a program to educate high school age youth about Diabetes prevention. Natalie was nominated by the Community Restoration Project.

Roseeva Smith is an exemplary young woman, who is actively involved in her community in many ways and is a passionate advocate for animal rights. Roseeva has volunteered for 8 months at the local animal shelter and recently organized and orchestrated a non-violent protest at the circus for animal rights, in response to animal cruelty reports. Roseeva is an aspiring veterinarian and through her participation in the Sueños program she recently completed the course to become a veterinary assistant. Roseeva was nominated by Renaissance High School.

Certificate of Recognition Recipients

1) Luis Acosta

2) Yadira Grajeda

3) Leslie Gutierrez

4) Alyssa Martinez

5) Guillermina Ortega

6) Eddie Robles

7) Miguel Ruan