Carondelet High Student To Be Honored At County Cesar Chavez Ceremony

CONCORD, CA — Carondelet High School's Mariella Cajina is among Contra Costa County's 2024 Youth Hall of Fame Award winners and will be honored as part of the county's 30th annual César E. Chávez Commemorative Celebration, county officials announced Tuesday.

Supervisors hold the annual event to honor the diversity and richness of the community. The celebration begins at 11 a.m. March 26 in the County Board of Supervisors Chambers at the County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar St. in Martinez.

"We honor César E. Chávez and recognize his legacy of fighting injustice and improving the lives of farmworkers, their families, and so many others," said Board Chair Supervisor Federal Glover. "We are inspired to once again commit ourselves to service to others. We also recognize our 2024 Youth Hall of Fame awardees whose commitment to service and community are to be celebrated and are the force moving forward Cesar Chavez’s legacy."

Youth Hall Of Fame

The annual Youth Hall of Fame Awards recognize students who make outstanding community contributions.

Here are the 2024 awardees at the high school level:

• Volunteerism: Mariella Cajina, Carondelet High School
• Teamwork: Neil Chaundran, Monte Vista High School
• Perseverance: Aditya Narayan, Dougherty Valley High School
• Leadership & Civic Engagement: Morelia Gil-Cubillo, Antioch High School
• Good Samaritan: Nitya Varanasi, California High School
• Innovation and Empowerment: Alice Zhou, Miramonte High School

The middle school rising stars for 2024 are:

• Volunteerism: Samhita Chikoti, Gale Ranch Middle School
• Leadership & Civic Engagement: Dhruv Subramanian, Windermere Ranch Middle School

Perseverance & Progress — Perseverancia y Progreso

The theme for this year’s celebration is Perseverance & Progress — Perseverancia y Progreso. In addition to a presentation about the Youth Hall of Fame awardees and their outstanding community contributions, the event will feature Keynote Speaker Fernando Sandoval, live performances by Mariachi Monumental and Ballet Folklórico Netzahualcoyotl, a spoken word performance by Jose Cordon, and celebratory remarks from members of the Board of Supervisors.

"From Tortilla Chips To Computer Chips," A Book By Fernando Sandoval

Keynote speaker Fernando Sandoval is a Pittsburg native who went on to join the U.S. Navy as Cesar Chavez did. Sandoval played an instrumental role aboard the USS Enterprise during the Vietnam War, where his expertise in data systems previewed the vital importance of STEM education, a field he continues to support passionately.

Sandoval's book, "From Tortilla Chips to Computer Chips," is a testament to his life's work and an educational and motivational touchstone for students and educators alike. Like Cesar Chavez, Sandoval continues to embody the value of education, community and family.

Learn more about the César E. Chávez ceremony here. The community can watch the event live online on the county's website or at contracostatv.org. Contra Costa Televesion channels at Comcast Cable 27, ATT/U-Verse 99 and Astound 32 & 1027 will show the event live.