St. Helena High School Grad Recipient Of Sen. Bill Dodd Award

NAPA VALLEY, CA — A graduate of St. Helena High School is the first to receive an If Given a Chance award named in honor of state Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa. The award of up to $2,500 will be made annually through the local nonprofit from a fund in Dodd's name to students pursuing careers in business, politics, or public service.

Award recipient LeAnah Paul, who graduated in 2021 from St. Helena High, is now pursuing a degree in political science at California State University, San Marcos. She is studying abroad this school year in Germany and is focused on international relations and hopes to find diplomatic work in a U.S. embassy upon graduation.

"I appreciate being recognized by If Given a Chance," said Paul, who was raised by her grandparents because her biological parents were not able to assist in her upbringing. "They made me realize that despite my struggles, anxieties, and trauma, I am a leader, I am worthy, and I am a survivor. I will do whatever it takes to reach my goals and ambitions, and If Given a Chance helps me with this throughout everyday life."

If Given A Chance has served over 400 underserved and at-risk Napa County youth over the past 28 years, and currently supports 10 high school students and 32 college students as they pursue their education.

Dodd, through an annual holiday party he started 22 years ago, has raised millions of dollars for nonprofits across Napa County. His 2020 event raised $235,000 for If Given A Chance.

"If Given a Chance has enabled hundreds of young people in our community to overcome obstacles and achieve their educational and career goals," Dodd said. "With the backing of Napa County’s generous donors, this non-profit provides a lifeline for those who might otherwise slip through the cracks, ensuring everyone has a chance to succeed. We are all so much better off for the work of this impactful organization."

Dodd’s support of underserved youth in Napa County comes from his deep roots in the area. A fifth-generation Californian, he grew up on a small family farm in Napa County and owned one of the largest full-service Culligan Water operations in California. He was elected to the Napa County Board of Supervisors in 2000, serving for 14 years before being elected to the California State Assembly in 2014 and the California State Senate two years later. He was re-elected to the state Senate in 2020.

During his tenure, he has established himself as the most prolific lawmaker in the Legislature, authoring 99 bills that have been signed into law. His work has spanned many topics, including improving public education.

Dodd and his wife, Mary, live in Napa and have five grown children and 12 grandchildren. The Napa Valley Chamber of Commerce recognized their philanthropic efforts by selecting Dodd for the "Citizen of the Year" award for his fundraising for local charities.

In addition to the Senator Bill Dodd Award, If Given A Chance offers other special awards. This year, the William S. Chiatt Award to a student who identifies as LGBTQ+ went to Daisy Zamora, a 2019 graduate of Napa High School and student at Napa Valley College with a grade point average of 3.8. Zamora, who plans to pursue social work, has worked the last two years as the youth outreach coordinator for the Napa High School Wellness Center. Also this year, Liliana Carreon, a 2022 graduate of Vintage High School and a student at Napa Valley College, will receive the Almeida/Price Award for a student studying business. To donate to any of these three awards, go to https://www.ifgivenachance.org/donate/.

About If Given A Chance

If Given A Chance identifies Napa County high school juniors who have overcome extraordinary challenges and demonstrated a commitment to continuing their education to support their positive path to success. IGAC helps students regain their sense of self-worth, emotional balance, and independent living skills through mentoring, life-skills training, and financial assistance.

IGAC provides ongoing support as these students navigate the challenges of obtaining a college degree or completing a professional/technical training program. IGAC believes in the transformative power of financial support, education, mentors, and role models to change lives and create new pathways for success.