During the 12th annual Spirit Of San Juan Awards on May 8 ceremony, six honorees were recognized for exhibiting exceptional character, removing barriers and providing an inclusive environment for all. Photo courtesy of San Juan Unified School District

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - San Juan Unified School District rolled out the red carpet at San Juan High School’s Theater on May 8 for the 12th annual Spirit of San Juan Awards. During the ceremony, six honorees were recognized for exhibiting exceptional character, removing barriers and providing an inclusive environment for all.

Student volunteers from various Career Technical Education (CTE) programs across San Juan Unified high schools showcased their skills throughout the evening. 

San Juan High School’s Production and Managerial Arts students captured memories for attendees through photographs, while the culinary arts students catered the reception with an arrangement of flavorful appetizers. The Casa Roble Fundamental High School floral program provided beautiful centerpieces that decorated the reception tables. Additionally, Mesa Verde High School’s student musicians filled the hallway with melodies of jazz.

Good Day Sacramento anchor and San Juan Unified alum Tina Macuha emceed the event. Each honoree was celebrated with a video highlighting their amazing work before being presented with an award by Board Vice- President Tanya Kravchuk and Board Member Pam Costa.

Photos from the event can be found on the district’s Facebook page. A special thanks to our sponsors, Western Health Advantage, Republic Services and SMUD.

You can learn more about the 2025 Spirit of San Juan Awards honorees by watching their inspiring highlight videos at the San Juan Unified School District YouTube page.

Taya Baggett, a Cameron Ranch Elementary School student, is a natural-born leader with a passion for inclusivity. She is a classroom representative for Cameron Ranch’s student council, a member of E-sports, Best Buddies and Project Optimism, and the lead advisor of the school’s Celebrating Diversity Club. Baggett goes above and beyond to remove barriers for her peers. 

San Juan Unified School District rolled out the red carpet at San Juan High School’s Theater on May 8 for the 12th annual Spirit of San Juan Awards. Photo courtesy of San Juan Unified School District

Sonia Botello, a school and community worker at Dyer-Kelly Elementary School, has dedicated 10 years of her career to Dyer-Kelly and her impact continues to leave a mark. As a recent recipient of a master's degree, Botello continues to support her school community.

Kristi Char, a Mira Loma High School teacher, has made art accessible for all students at Mira Loma. Through school-wide events such as Dia de los Muertos, Black Renaissance Day and the Asian Cultural Festival, Char has provided students with the experience to celebrate the cultures of the diverse student body. 

Sara Opeyany, a Lichen K-8 teacher, has an unwavering dedication to fostering an environment of belonging for the students at Lichen K-8. She is the founder of two of the school’s clubs, the Students of Color at Lichen and the Upstanders Club. She is an advocate for all students and staff members. 

Anna Stellmacher, a Rio Americano High School student, is not only a leader at Rio Americano but also district-wide. She is the founder of the Celebrating Diversity Clubs that are being piloted at nine elementary schools in San Juan Unified. She is also a student member of the San Juan Unified Facilities Committee to help shape inclusive learning environments for all. 

Baryalai Talash, a Mira Loma High School bilingual instructional assistant, is a strong advocate for the Afghan community at Mira Loma. With the growth of the newcomer students from Afghanistan, Talash prepared Mira Loma staff with basic cultural knowledge. He has served as a leader for students and founded the school’s first Afghan Culture Club.