All School Awards Program
Diamond Bar High School 2019/2020
The All School Awards Program at DBHS Celebrates Our Best & Brightest
Reuben Jones - Principal
Matthew Brummett - Assistant Principal
- Gabriel Aguilar, Instructional Dean
- Nicole Cabase, Instructional Dean
- Julie Galindo, Instructional Dean
- Albert Lim, Athletic Director
- Emily Clark, Advisor - Class of 2020
- Latitia Thomas, Advisor - Class of 2020
- Ginger Auten, Marc Nativiadad, Grade Level Coordinators - Class of 2020
- Stephanie Duenas, Kevin Patterson, Grade Level Coordinators - Class of 2021
- Jenna Brummett, Dave Desmond, Grade Level Coordinators - Class of 2022
- Sonja Burns, Rich Gonzales, Grade Level Coordinators - Class of 2023
- Lauren Osajima-Baird, Intervention Coordinator
- Julie Salas, Coordinator - Pathways Communications Academy
- Margaret Ku, Coordinator - International Baccalaureate Diploma Program
- Alina Gallardo, Coordinator - Brahma Tech Academy
- Steve Acciani, Coordinator - Performing Arts Academy
Program Outline
- International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
- Brahma Tech Academy, Career Technical Education, Health/PE, Pathways Communication Academy, ROP, & Social Science
- Math, Science & Special Education
- English, Languages & Arts
- Pathways Communications Academy
- Athletics
I. School Honors & Awards
II. National Merit Scholars
III. Scholarships
IV. California Scholarship Federation
How To Search in the Program
DIVISIONAL AWARDS
Danial Motamedi
Elizabeth Peng
Keshav Sriram
Plaque Recipient - Elizabeth Peng
Most Outstanding IB Diploma Candidate
The Most Outstanding IB Diploma Candidate is selected by our IB teachers each year. Elizabeth’s teachers say that she is the definition of well-rounded; she is an artist, an athlete, an academic. Elizabeth is also compassionate, thoughtful, and responsible. Elizabeth displays overall excellence in attitude and achievement. From Elizabeth’s peers: she cares the most about the rest of us.
Plaque Recipient - Sharon Lee
Most Valuable IB Diploma Candidate
The Most Valuable IB Diploma Candidate is selected by her peers. Sharon is best summed up by her peers as a welcoming and helpful person. She is understanding and is a good listener, giving great advice if someone has a problem or a question. She views others in a positive way and respects others. Sharon is modest and reliable, always striving to do her best in anything she does. In addition to putting in her best efforts, she tries to help others along the way.
2. Brahma Tech Academy, Career Technical Education, Health/PE, Pathways Communication Academy, ROP, & Social Science
CTE (Career Technical Education) Department
Underclassmen
Nichole Godfrey, 9th
Computer Systems Student of the Year
Conner Satawidinata, 9th
Career Explorations Through Tech Student of the Year
Abby Kottke, 10th
Serena Shih, 10th
Presley Moon, 11th
Jacob Chacon, 11th
Seniors
Anna Bachman
Valerie Chang
Joshua Chin
Camille Jackson
Christopher Lai
Christopher Lee
Kelsey Liang
Elizabeth Nunez
Tricia Parker
Matthew Quinones
Samuel Rojas
Keshav Sriram
Plaque Recipient - Anna Bachman
Anna has completed all three levels of the Digital Video Production program. She prioritizes creativity and team collaboration on all of her projects. Her ability to use the foundation of Career Technical Education and think beyond its capabilities is unprecedented.
Plaque Recipient - Jonathan Tan
PLTW Engineering Student of the Year
Jonathan is what you expect from the best of our engineering students: hardworking, takes initiative, a strong leader, detail oriented, creative, willing to learn, and ambitious. More importantly, he is a decent person, thinks about others, and is respectful to all.
Plaque Recipient - Huijie "Cecilia" Li
Brahma Tech Outstanding Intern Student of the Year
Cecilia completed COSMOS – a summer program where she worked on Nanotechnology with mentor, Dr. Terrill, and challenged herself to complete another summer internship with Physics Professor Alex Small, where her extraordinary performance led him to volunteer to mentor future DBHS students.
Plaque Recipient - Jessica Yen
Jessica’s mentor from The Boeing Company rated her their “top intern this year, and one of the best ever,” with off scale ratings by mentors and peers alike. It is perhaps her selfless, ready to help, and extraordinary commitment to everything she does that makes her an exceptional leader and student of the year.
Health & Physical Education Department
Ryan Golonka, 9th
Ryan Lewis, 9th
Haley Fetchik, 10th
Ali Razmara, 10th
Charlotte Ting, 10th
Plaque Recipient - Kevin Yang, 10th
Kevin worked hard all year in Athletic Conditioning. He is a role model for athletes at DBHS. He worked hard in class workouts and study hall. He is respected by his peers and teachers, and is a pleasure to have in class.
Social Science Department
Underclassmen
Jessica Leung, 9th
Emma Fu, 10th
Arielle Chang, 11th
Seniors
Ariel Cardona
Jeffrey Katrib
Brian Lee
Jackson Lennon
Anoushka Sahgal
Nathaniel Wu
Plaque Recipient - Yilimire "Elmira" Yilihamu
Elmira has been an exemplary student, successfully completing four AP level Social Science courses, including AP European History, AP US History, AP Economics and AP Psychology.
3. Math, Science & Special Education
Math Department
Underclassmen
Yun Jin "Jinny" Cho, 9th
Thomas Prince, 9th
Kylee Sanchez, 9th
Conner Satawidinata, 9th
Valentina Yonemoto, 9th
Eman Fasih, 10th
Allen Wang, 11th
Brandon Kam, 11th
Allison Santogrossi, 11th
Seniors
Stefan Chu
Angelica Kusnowo
Brian Lee
Plaque Recipient - Keshav Sriram
Keshav's intellectual curiosity is matched by his natural abilities. It has been a pleasure watching him grow into the amazing young man he is today. As president of the Math Team he took the team to new levels and left new footprints for others to follow. In his math classes, he is always at the very top and is eager to share his knowledge with his classmates."
Science Department
Underclassmen
Nathan Chu, 9th
Nicolas Lam, 9th
Kelly Chen, 10th
Justin Andrew Doughty, 10th
Aaron Sun, 10th
Chia-Yin "Ruby" Wu, 10th
Matthew Tempongko, 11th
Chemistry IB Student of the Year
Derek Wang, 11th
Tong Xie, 11th
Jiayi "Maria" Zhang, 11th
Luke Zhou, 11th
Seniors
Bradford Le
Angela Lopez
Elizabeth Peng
Plaque Recipient - Huijie "Cecilia" Li
On Cecilia's first day in class she informed her teacher that she had already taken and passed the ALL the AP physics exams through self-studying. Her reason for enrolling in the class was to complete her experience through labs and activities. She was always willing and helpful to others in the class. Cecilia’s strong academic ability makes her a great student, her strong work ethic and willingness to help others makes her stand out as Science Student of the Year for 2020.
Double Diamond Award
Plaque Recipient - Brandon Ginez
Two attributes that set Brandon apart are his resilience and positive outlook. Brandon’s indomitable spirit makes him a natural leader among his peers and he is held in high esteem by his teachers.
4. English, Language & Arts
English Department
Underclassmen
Jillian Whitson, 9th
Kelsey Wu, 9th
Deanna Yi, 9th
Jinyi "Jessica" Pan, 10th
Tatiana Sprock, 10th
Camille Anne McCurry, 11th
Mi Hyun Suh, 11th
Cristian Vargas, 11th
Seniors
Amelia Alim
Ariel Cardona
Ethan Chavarin
Shiva Dang
Fiona Huang
Chieh "Maggie" Liu
Angela Medina
Jolynn Zhang
Plaque Recipient - Daniel Stahly Frias
Over a single academic year, Daniel Stahly Frias has demonstrated uncommon growth as a writer in AP Literature and Composition. He exhibits a fearless approach to seeking advice--and even criticism--with his own natural potential to achieve top grades among the most competitive students. The analytical and compositional skills he continues to cultivate will be an enduring asset to him throughout his education and beyond.
World Languages - Chinese Department
Underclassmen
Marcus Fang, 9th
Ainsley Jade Doratan, 10th
Kristin Joe, 10th
Emily Chen, 11th
Jacquelyn "Yu Ling" Tsui, 11th
Luke Zhou, 11th
Seniors
Plaque Recipient - Crystal Popeney
Crystal Popeney is pleasant to work with and has a helpful personality. She always has a bright smile and is humble when in class. She is respectful to all teachers and her classmates. Her efforts and enthusiasm for learning shows in her work. Crystal is truly a positive role model.
World Languages - French Department
Underclassmen
Jocelyn Vera Herrera, 9th
Yu Shen Sun, 10th
Harry "Lisheng" Zhang, 10th
Kenny Chow, 11th
Gabriel Clements, 11th
Jeffrey Zhou, 11th
Plaque Recipient - Jeffrey Zhou, 11th
Jeffrey Zhou uses every resource available to him to grow in his knowledge of the French language and culture. In turn, he invests his knowledge in helping those around him get stronger as well. He is the personification of what learning a language should look like in 2020.
Seniors
Siyuan "Michael" Cheng
Brian Lee
World Languages - Korean Department
Underclassmen
Iryne How, 9th
Ashley Huang, 10th
Irene Kim, 10th
Jolleen Mejia, 10th
Joseph Nakaishi, 11th
Seniors
Plaque Recipient - Jungmin "Jessica" Yoon
Jung Min (Jessica) has been studying Korean for four years with excellent work ethic and academic achievements. She also shows wonderful leadership as Korean club’s Vice President as well as Joy club’s president.
World Languages - Spanish
Underclassmen
Frances Chuang, 9th
Joshua Duenas, 10th
Kevin Yang, 10th
Taha Daud, 11th
Camille McCurry, 11th
Nathan Sinn, 11th
Plaque Recipient - Jacob Zhi, 11th
Jacob Zhi is an exceptional and enthusiastic Spanish student who possesses a high standard as reflected in his extraordinary reading, listening, speaking and writing abilities. He is especially deserving of this plaque, for generously sharing his expertise to support others in class during his four years of Spanish. Congratulations, Jacob!
Seniors
Underclassmen
Sydney Tagarao, 10th
Alyssa Guerra, 11th
Seniors
Valerie Chang
Kyle Kato
Mikayla Nance
Plaque Recipient - Youngeun "Gloria" Choi
Gloria is an extremely talented musician, both artistically and academically. She has the ability to not only understand music at its highest level, but the innate ability to express herself through her instrument. I have no doubt she will achieve great things as she pursues her dreams at USC.
Plaque Recipient - Hannah Lee
Hannah Lee is an embodiment of the DBHS Choir Department. She is an independent musician and a lead dancer and vocalist. In this year alone, she has acted as a Dance Captain, Section Leader, and Choir Program President. She works tirelessly to make herself a better individual performer and the department a stronger organization.
Plaque Recipient - Mikayla Mendez
Mikayla Mendez is a natural leader, and outstanding musician. Her quiet confidence has been an inspiration to all of us, and her trumpet playing has made the Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, Pit Orchestra, and Symphony Orchestra something special. She will be missed!
Plaque Recipient - Caitlin Raymundo
Caitlin Raymundo is a four-year member of the Dance Department. During her time in the program has exhibited unwavering dedication, excellence in performance and artistry, strong leadership and kind character. She is amazing in every way.
Plaque Recipient - Brian Slack
Brian Slack is one of the most outstanding musicians to graduate from DBHS. His string bass playing has impressed not only audiences, but his peers as well. His time in Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Chamber Music and the Musical Pit Orchestra will never be forgotten. He leaves a legacy of passion, dedication and industriousness.
Plaque Recipient - Katherine "KT" Wirth
Katherine "Kt" Wirth is President of Drama Department, a four-year drama student, and has achieved the highest honor of International Honor Thespian for over 180 hours of service in theatre! She is a wonderful leader, performer, and individual.
Visual Arts Department
Underclassmen
Kai Chen Li, 9th
Alessa Sampson, 10th
Plaque Recipient - Jiayu "Lily" Li, 10th
Jiayu (Lily) Li has grown tremendously in AP art this year by working diligently to further develop her investigation on identity and nostalgic memories; she delves into experiences and struggles at school, and childhood memories through her art. Lily plans to continue another year of AP art to complete the AP portfolio submission.
Seniors
Francis Jin
Ava Kremling
Sabrina Peng
Elizabeth Peng
Kyrollos Salama
Underclassmen
Jizele Ortiz, 10th
Roderick Sigmon, 10th
Cristian Vargas, 11th
Seniors
Ariel Justin Reyes Soriano
Kevin Saiz
- PCA - Business Education Student of the Year
- PCA - English Student of the Year
- PCA - Service Learning Student of the Year
Sierra Sigmon
Plaque Recipient - Kevin Saiz
Kevin Saiz has been chosen for the Pathways Brahma of the Year for his tireless work ethic and selfless dedication to helping our California Partnership Academy stand out on campus. In addition to regularly volunteering his own time for academy projects, after school meetings, and community partnerships, Kevin is a standout student and has become the public exemplar of everything this academy stands for. His intelligence, thoughtfulness, and drive have inspired his fellow students and made his teachers indescribably proud.
Plaque Recipient - Jana Song
From her uncompromising academic excellence to her continual displays of kindness and compassion, Jana Song has been enthusiastically selected as the Pathways Student of the Year. Jana has provided a model of unerring academic grit while also exploring her keen interest in the visual arts. Since joining the academy as a sophomore, Jana has built a reputation of responsibility, drive, and achievement.
Plaque Recipient - Lianna Vargas
Since joining the Pathways Communications Academy as a junior, Lianna has made an indelible and positive impression on her peers and teachers. Lianna brightens the day of everyone she encounters and has achieved academic success no matter the obstacles along the way. Her example and involvement have had a measurable impact on our underclassmen, who have looked to Lianna as a mentor. As a beacon of positivity and hard work, Lianna has truly earned her place as the Pathways Standout Senior of the Year. We wish her all the best in the coming years.
Tri-Sport Athletes
Mayah Aviles, 9th
Malcolm Bell, 9th
Maddox Bernardino, 9th
Juliet Kim, 9th
Presley King, 9th
Sydney Humphrey, 10th
Jacob Moskovitz, 10th
Kelly Reyes, 10th
Sierra Griego, 11th
Mt. Baldy League Outstanding Seniors
Scholar-Athletes of the Year
Marissa Vasquez
A quiet leader that led the team by example and a true team player who made everyone around her better.
4 years Varsity Starter, 3 years Varsity Captain, 3 years All-League, 2 years League MVP, 2 years All-CIF, 2 years All-Area Team, and 3 years Team MVP Honors.
Akilan Arunachalam
Resilient and caring towards helping his teammates, he led by example and set standards for others to follow.
3.84 GPA, Varsity Captain, League MVP honors, League Champion, CIF-Individuals 2nd round, Ojai Invitations.
Senior Athletes of the Year
Angelica Kusnowo
One of the greatest student leaders on and off the field. 2 years Varsity Captain, 4 team Divisional Titles, 2 3rd place finish in CIF-State individuals, CIF Individual Divisional Champion, Daily Bulletin Player of the Year, USA Today State California Honoree, 4.00 GPA, Full Scholarship to St. John’s University.
Ethan Thomas
Brahma Athlete - Champions of Character Award: Madison Bernardino
Exemplary selfless teammate who was always working to improve herself so that she can help her teams in any way possible. 3 sport Varsity Letter in Volleyball, Soccer, and Track & Field, 4 year Tri-Sport Athlete, Scholar-Athlete, Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, Coach for Diamond Bar Pony Baseball, and Girls League member.
I. School Honors & Awards
Crystal Tsao, 11th - Walnut Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees DBHS Student Liaison
Perfect Attendance
Paige Gonzalez
Paige Gonzalez is ready to take on life’s next set of challenges. Paige has always had the strength to overcome difficulties but hit a rough patch in the middle of high school. I am so proud to say that Paige is doing better than ever and will continue to excel in college and life.
Britney Trinidad
II. National Merit Scholar Finalists
III. Scholarships
Kalvin Alrez
Ron Hockwalt was the former Superintendent at Walnut Valley Unified School District and was known for his passionate dedication to students and their education. Kalvin shares that passion. While tutoring his peers through the California Scholarship Federation club he helps students by explaining multiple ways to solve problems which gives the students the ability to solve the problems using different approaches. In turn, he says, the benefit is that it has widened his own perspectives on problem solving.
Marc Natividad, Kalvin’s GLC says, “Kalvin is kind, hardworking, perceptive and optimistic. These strengths help him to be a very well rounded individual.”
We commend you for your hard work and dedication and wish you much success at UC Santa Barbara.
Courtney Chan
WVAA
The Walnut Valley Administrators Association sponsors the Kenny Goodson Memorial “Future Leaders Scholarship” to recognize a student in the graduating class of 2020, nominated by their GLC, as an individual who serves as a model of leadership among their peers.
Tiffany Chang
The Chris Foy Scholarship
This scholarship is dedicated to the memory of a long-time Brahma, an incredibly hard-working and efficient staff member and a loving, wonderful friend who inspired us all with her devotion to DBHS and those in need. Tiffany Chang exemplifies this award. She is an excellent student who has given so much to our community while being a scholar athlete.
The Walnut Educational Foundation - Teen Citizen Scholarship
During her time at DBHS Tiffany volunteered with Heart for Hope, helping children with special needs develop social skills and confidence by forming meaningful friendships. She volunteered with Imagiscience labs with Kiddie Academy to inspire scientific passion in preschoolers. Tiffany has been awarded the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, the Silver Red Cross
Executive Service Award and was a Coca Cola Scholars Program Semifinalist. Her GLC Marc Natividad says: “She is one of the most involved and hardest working students on our campus, and a pleasure to be around.”
Tiffany has a heart for service and hopes to take action by becoming a veterinarian and work with shelter animals and alleviate suffering for companion animals and their owners. She will be attending Purdue University’s as an Animal Sciences major and has been offered early acceptance to the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Valerie Chang
Ed Chapman, the third president of the Walnut Valley Kiwanis Club, is recognized for his desire to encourage students who were going to vocational schools. The scholarship honors students' marked passion for or improvement in subjects as diverse as computer aided drafting, Photoshop, and sports medicine.
Kellen Cheung
The Scholarship consists of full tuition, books, fees, housing, monthly stipend, and summer cruises. The scholarship is valued in excess of $180,000.
Kellen will be activating his scholarship in the Fall at University of Southern California.
Sooyeon Eun Llovet
The iFeliz Dia! Scholarship
The iFeliz Dia! Scholarship was created in memory of my personal hero and Dad, Ernesto Aparicio. He had an incredible love for life and taught me to always pursue the path that brought me happiness and calm. This year's recipient wrote a beautiful essay honoring her personal hero, her Mom. Similar to my Dad, Sooyeon's Mom places a high emphasis on the happiness of all her children and helps them strike a balance of challenging themselves without becoming overburdened with stress or sleep deprivation. Congratulations, Sooyeon!
The Class of 1989 Educational Scholarship
The Diamond Bar High School Class of 1989 is pleased to present this educational scholarship to Sooyeon Eun Llovet. It is their hope that this scholarship will assist her in her college pursuits.
Tera Evans
Tera always put the school first. She has given the best example of what it means to be a Brahma. She has truly made the school better and always made sure her fellow students had the best experience in all of the activities that they helped organize.
Raquel Figueroa
This scholarship is being given in honor of the first President of HOPE. Her activism on behalf of students and parents created a legacy that future members have strived to uphold.
Isabella Garret
This is the inaugural awarding of this scholarship which was made possible through the hard work and commitment of Student HOPE to create a legacy that will benefit one of their own.This award is the paying forward of their dreams and wishes for a graduating member.
Mena Hassan
Mena has been a rich asset to our campus. Her thirst for knowledge is only exceeded by her desire for excellence!
Walnut Valley Educational Foundation - Industrial Technology Scholarship
During her time at DBHS Mena was active with robotics, STEM, the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council along with many other campus and community organizations. Assembly member Philip Chen said in his letter of recommendation: “Her kindness and curious intellect have established her as an invaluable asset to this community.”
Mena, we commend you for your hard work and dedication and wish you much success in all your future endeavors.
Francis Jin
This scholarship is presented by Ray McMullen and Dedicated to Learning Inc. Nancy McMullen, was an extraordinary elementary school teacher who went to UCLA as an art major and a biological science minor. These scholarships are given annually in her memory and are intended to help young people pursue a career in a field of the visual arts. Francis plans to attend the Laguna College of Art and Design to become a 2D animator.
Kyle Kato
Kyle’s dream to turn his musical talents into a career and passion began in the 4th grade. He auditioned for the All State and All Southern Honor Bands, consistently earning the Principal position. Steve Acciani, DBHS, Director Performing Arts Academy says Kyle is: “Without a doubt he is one the most dedicated and passionate students I have had the privilege of working with in my thirty-one years of teaching. Kyle personifies the ideals that we are striving to achieve at the high school, high academic standards, artistic development, and leadership in all activities.”
Kyle will pursue a career in classical saxophone performance attending the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, studying with the renowned Dr. Timothy McAllister.
We commend you for your hard work and dedication and wish you much success.
Rohaan Lateef
Rohaan is an excellent person with ethics and morals guiding him. He has grown from a shy freshman into a selfless leader and is the current President of DBHS Leo Club. It was through this club that he met Mr. Tanaka, a man in whom he looked up to and credited with guiding Rohaan’s path. Rohaan is a great young man who has overcome obstacles and is driven by his passion to help others.
Matthew Lioe
The Sra. Buccola Scholarship for Excellence in Spanish Language and Culture
This year, the Buccola family created the Señora Buccola Scholarship for Excellence in Spanish Language and Culture to support students pursuing studies in the Spanish language and culture for use in their careers. This scholarship honors Chris Buccola, a Spanish teacher at DBHS for nearly 30 years.
Two outstanding AP Spanish students will receive $1,000 each. Both students demonstrate advanced proficiency and strong passion for using the language.
Matthew Lioe plans to pursue Urban Studies and use his passion for Spanish to connect with people of different cultures.
Nia Mitchell
The Council of African American Parents (CAAP) is a 28-year old non-profit and parents driven organization that works to empower scholars and families about the importance of academic excellence through, preparation, programming and persistence. As the first affinity organization within the Walnut Valley Unified School District and Diamond Bar High School we are proud of our continued partnership and ability to participate by awardIng scholarships to amazing high school seniors annually in the areas of scholastic achievement, community service and leadership.
Forgiving for Living Scholarship
Forgiving For Living is an organization that helps at-risk, marginalized or inner city girls by providing them with mentorship, life skills, and scholarships. Nia, was nominated by CAAP for her outstanding academic endeavors. We are proud to partner with and support the work of CAAP.
Elizabeth Peng
The Chris Foy Scholarship
Elizabeth Peng embodies the definition of what Chris Foy brought to the DBHS campus. Elizabeth is a leader in many areas. She is a committed Varsity Tennis athlete, she is an Editor-In-Chief in Journalism for our school newspaper and she commits a lot of her time volunteering for UNICEF. We are proud of Elizabeth and she has earned distinction with this scholarship.
Sydney Robinson
Sydney always put the school first. She has given the best example of what it means to be a Brahma. She has truly made the school better and always made sure her fellow students had the best experience in all of the activities that they helped organize.
Karen Shao
During her time at DBHS Karen co-founded a nonprofit organization call Project Kai and through a partnership with a local foster center, Project Kai volunteers tutor and mentor students, lead toy drives, organize games and they befriend foster kids who have come from backgrounds of child abuse, human trafficking, and refugee camps. Her GLC, Ginger Auten, says Karen: “Is amazing both as a student and a human being. Her beautiful heart is always giving to others and, no matter what the circumstances; she works hard to beat the odds.”
Karen we commend you for your hard work and dedication and wish you much success.
The Class of 1989 Educational Scholarship
The Diamond Bar High School Class of 1989 is pleased to present this educational scholarship to Karen Shao. It is their hope that this scholarship will assist her in her college pursuits.
Liliana Ruvalcaba
This scholarship was named in honor of Diamond Bar High School's former Principal, Catherine Real. Her vision for the school and the organization was for parents to take an active role in their child's education through the stages of their academic life.The creation of the Hispanic Organization for Parents and Education, HOPE, is the embodiment of that intention.
William Tan
The Scholarship consists of full tuition, books, fees, housing, monthly stipend, and summer cruises. The scholarship is valued in excess of $180,000.
William will be attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York this Fall. He plans to major in Mechanical Engineering.
Alexandra Tejeda
This award is named in honor of a longtime advocate for students and parental participation at Diamond Bar High School. His desire to see students thrive under the care and mentorship of teachers, staff, and parents is emblematic of what Diamond Bar High School and parent groups like HOPE stand for.
Grace Toohey
The Sra. Buccola Scholarship for Excellence in Spanish Language and Culture
This year, the Buccola family created the Señora Buccola Scholarship for Excellence in Spanish Language and Culture to support students pursuing studies in the Spanish language and culture for use in their careers. This scholarship honors Chris Buccola, a Spanish teacher at DBHS for nearly 30 years.
Two outstanding AP Spanish students will receive $1,000 each. Both students demonstrate advanced proficiency and strong passion for using the language.
Grace Toohey hopes to combine her skills in Math with her Spanish abilities and study engineering in Spain while in college.
Britney Trinidad
Britney continues to seek a better and richer future for herself. Every year she has continued to grow and engage on campus as a valued member of Pep and in the Performing Arts. She has worked hard academically and is excited to begin her next adventures in college.
Lianna Vargas
The Principal's Recognition Scholarship is awarded with the input and guidance of our Senior GLCs, Mrs. Auten, Mr. Natividad, & Mrs. Salas. Principal Reuben Jones is honored to select Lianna Vargas as the recipient of this year's award!
The selection process for Lianna Vargas was unanimous. Lianna has overcome obstacles and has a heart for people and is committed to helping others! This scholarship is awarded to a student that is first and foremost a great person. She has plans of giving back to others in a profound way. She is a joy to everyone she meets. Lianna has endured physical set backs, but used these challenges to become stronger. She is using that strength to pursue a career in nursing. It is with great joy that I announce Lianna Vargas as our 2020 Principal's Recognition Scholarship!
Katherine "KT" Wirth
Congratulations Katherine for being awarded the 2020 Walnut Valley Educational Foundation’s Visual and Performing Arts Scholarship.
Katherine has been intimately involved in every aspect of the performing arts since a young child. She believes that every aspect of the theatre program has exceeded her wildest dreams.
Jared Kaitz, DBHS Drama Department Director/Teacher, says of Katherine: “As a student and leader she is teachable, willing to accept new ideas and always goes the extra mile by practicing and being prepared for all tasks expected, and accepting the challenges of live performance. Her experience as an actor, student, leader and member of the Performing Arts Department at DBHS gives her the experience and eagerness to share her talents with others.”
Katherine will attend UC Santa Cruz, where she plans to minor in Theatre Arts and major in Environmental Policy. We wish you much success.
Hamlin Wu
Ron Hockwalt was the former Superintendent at Walnut Valley Unified School District and was known for his passionate dedication to students and their education. Hamlin has shown that he too shares that passion. He spends countless afterschool hours tutoring students at Chaparral Middle School.
Chaparral’s Teen Scene site supervisor Kelby Riley says Hamlin takes the unique language of math and makes it easy to understand. Hamlin uses patience perseverance, and deductive reasoning to help students – not just giving them a “fish” but teaching them to “fish”. He uses different math questions and games to challenge and inspire!
We commend you for your hard work and dedication and wish you well at UC Berkeley.
Debbie Yim
The Joe Dyer Award is presented to the outstanding graduating Key Club member who exemplifies service, leadership and commitment to the ideals of community service, both within and outside of Key Club.
Adrienne Yun
Like former WVUSD Superintendent, Adrianne shares his vision and passion for education. Adrianne sees her pursuit for learning as another step to connect emotionally with others, especially in everyday interactions. Her classes, the hours she spends studying, her grades will all prepare her to become a better teacher, mentor, and most importantly, person.
Adrianne will attend UCLA studying neuroscience, and hopes to incorporate the lessons and experiences she has had during her time at DBHS into her everyday life. We commend you for your hard work and dedication and wish you much success.
Chapter 1047 Advisors: Jennifer Burns and Dawn Daza
2020 Gold Sash Recipients
CSF - Lifetime Award Recipient
Acknowledgements:
- A heartfelt thank you to Stacy Tenace and Randy Thomas for all of their assistance in assembling this program.
- A special thank you to Adams Photography, Portrait Pros for their photos.
- And to the many individuals and organizations that give their time & resources to provide such bountiful opportunities for our Brahma Family, thank you! Your giving spirit helps us thrive!
Notifications:
- Underclassmen will be notified in the future where and how they may pick up their certificates/plaque awards.
- All Scholarship recipients should plan on sending a brief note expressing their gratitude to the organization or individual responsible for their scholarship.