SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - San Juan Unified School District rolled out the red carpet on Thursday, May 5 as the district celebrated its first in-person Spirit of San Juan awards in three years.

The evening began with a reception hosted at Rio Americano High School’s Center for the Arts building, which featured student involvement from three Career Technical Education (CTE) programs. San Juan High School’s Culinary Arts students catered the dessert reception, while Casa Roble Fundamental High School’s floral program designed the centerpieces to brighten the event. El Camino Fundamental High School media students staffed the photo station. Photos from the event can be found on the district’s Facebook page.

Good Day Sacramento anchor and San Juan Unified alumna Tina Macuha emceed the event and highlighted the district's six honorees who were chosen for exhibiting exceptional character, removing barriers, and providing an inclusive environment for all.

Each honoree was celebrated with their own video highlighting the amazing work they have done in the last year, before being presented with an award by Superintendent Kent Kern and Board of Education Vice President Zima Creason.

Learn more about the 2022 Spirit of San Juan honorees by watching their highlight videos on the SJUSD YouTube page.

Courtney Comstock: Parent, Mariemont Elementary School

Courtney serves as a board member of Mariemont Elementary School’s PTA. She has consistently worked toward not just benefitting her own school community but has broadened her reach to help other schools in San Juan Unified.

Maria Gibbons: Teacher, Mary Deterding Elementary School

Maria is a fourth-grade teacher who has taught at Mary Deterding Elementary School for 24 years and continued Zoom lessons for her students that couldn’t attend class due to health concerns or COVID-19 related quarantines. She also dedicates her time to tutoring former students after school.

Sariyah Horne-Kemp: Student, El Camino Fundamental High School

Sariyah is a senior at El Camino Fundamental High School and has spent the last three years working with the San Juan Youth Voice Advocates to inform the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) with student voice. She is a leader at her school and started a Black Student Union club on campus to create opportunities for students to connect.

Rene Mikluscak: Teacher, Rio Americano High School

Rene is a special education teacher who works with several community partners to create work opportunities for students who receive special education services. She helps students gain valuable independent living skills through experience working in real-world settings, such as starting a dog biscuit business and learning how to do laundry.

Nanik and Zubin Tagore: Students, San Juan High School

Nanik and Zubin are students and brothers who have created videos and a podcast to highlight efforts at San Juan High School and the district as a whole. The two are go-to student leaders on campus and make an impact on those around them, while working to ensure others are equipped with the information they need.