The Tuolumne County Association of California School Administrators (TCACSA) recently celebrated 18 remarkable students from across the county at the annual Every Student Succeeding event. This prestigious recognition is awarded to students who have demonstrated extraordinary resilience, perseverance, and determination in overcoming significant life challenges.
The purpose of the Every Student Succeeding award is to honor students at all grade levels who have achieved success despite obstacles, exceeded expectations, or captured the admiration of their educators. Each year, one student is selected from each school in Tuolumne County to receive this special recognition, highlighting their unique journey, inspiring accomplishments, and their ability to rise above adversity.
The students chosen for this honor have faced a wide range of challenges, including family tragedies, disabilities, homelessness, and more. Despite these hardships, they have continued to excel academically, maintain strong performance in school, and serve as positive role models within their school communities. These students are recognized by their principals, teachers, and support staff for their unwavering dedication and spirit of hope.
Members of TCACSA, along with educators, families, and community supporters, are proud to celebrate these students—not only for their academic achievements but for the positive influence they have in their schools and communities. Their stories inspire us all to embrace perseverance and to celebrate the power of resilience.
The 2025 Tuolumne County Every Student Succeeding Nominees were as follows:
Belleview Elementary – Paislee Gonzales
Columbia Elementary – Alexzander Cepeda-Steele
Connections Academy – Kaleah Caudillo
Curtis Creek Elementary School – Louis Leonard
Dario Cassina High School – Vivian Phillips
Don Pedro High School – Dakota Saaty
Gold Rush Charter School – Marti Jay Melton
Jamestown Elementary – Skyler Leal
Sonora Elementary – Abigail Greenway
Sonora High School – Lucas Davis
Soulsbyville Elementary – Karson Hicks
Summerville Elementary – Sibby Carr
Summerville High School – Angela Free
Ted Bird High School – Austin Rown
Tenaya Elementary – Killian Pacheco
Tioga High School – Leilani Jauch
Tuolumne Learning Center – Jovanni Valera-Pelayo
Twain Harte Elementary – Nevaeh Backus
A very special thank you to Nickie Lamm and Wynette Hilton for their tremendous pre-work and for ensuring that all the details were ready well in advance.