ACSA is committed to being the driving force for an equitable education system, fostering the success of every student. Each year, the association recognizes 19 pre-K through 12th grade students, one from each region, as well as two California adult education students, for overcoming the odds and achieving success through the Every Student Succeeding awards program. From serious health issues to homelessness, addictions to abuse, these students show us the true meaning of bravery as they overcome tremendous challenges. Especially as the world grapples with the new reality of social distancing, these stories show the strength and resilience of California’s students, and how we can learn from their achievements. These 19 students will each receive a $1,000 stipend and their stories will be showcased throughout the coming months on social media and in EdCal. They will also be recognized during the Every Student Succeeding Luncheon, which takes place Nov. 5 at Leadership Summit in San Diego.  For more information, visit and follow ACSA on social media to watch for student stories.

Shasta High School, Shasta Union High School District Region 2: Maisy Bishop

Arete Charter Academy, Pleasant Ridge Union School District Region 3: Maribel Zaragoza

Cesar Chavez Community School, Yolo County Office of Education Region 4: Victor Pena

Santa Rosa High School, Santa Rosa City Schools Region 5: Larriesha Cox

Downtown Continuation High School, San Francisco Unified School District Region 6: Leilah Castle

Alhambra High School, Martinez USD Region 7: Gyselle Bibiano

Argonaut High School, Amador County Unified School District Region 8: Ashley Hernandez Pio

Apititud Academy at Goss, Alum Rock Union School District Region 9: Jesse Franco

Kerman High School, Kerman USD Region 10: Monique Blackwell

Seaside High School, Monterey Peninsula School District Region 11: Americus Campos

Granite Hills High School, Porterville Unified School District Region 12: Joaquin Enriquez

Upland High School, Upland Unified School District Region 13: Angelina Espinosa

La Cuesta Continuation High School, Santa Barbara Unified School District Region 14: Olivia Grace Fernandes

Cerritos High School, ABC Unified School District Region 15: Daniell Dominguez

Bowman High School, William S. Hart Union High School District Region 16: Jehoshua Smart

North Hollywood High School, Los Angeles Unified School District Region 17: Sunjay Guttikonda

Los Alamitos High School, Los Alamitos Unified School District Region 18: Jaden Heck

Poway Adult School, Poway Unified School District Region 19: Julia Melendez-Hiriart

Ramona High School, Riverside Unified School District