Lakewood Celebrates Honorees

Published on May 29, 2023

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At a “Lakewood Celebrates” community reception on May 9, honorees from several organizations were recognized for their volunteer efforts and outstanding achievements.

Pan American Association Poetry & Poem Contest

The association received 28 posters and 4 poems, and they enjoyed all the submissions, so it was a very hard decision with so many quality entries.  

Poster Contest

  • Winner - Judge's Choice: Anthony A.
  • Winner - Judge's Choice: Luca G.
  • Honorable Mention: Luca V.
  • Honorable Mention: Emma A.
  • Honorable Mention: Lily H.
  • Honorable Mention: Jada K.

Poem Contest

  • Winner - Judge's Choice: Dawn G.
  • Winner - Judge's Choice: Colbie K.

Pan American Association Scholarship Ambassadors

The Lakewood Pan American Association also selected 11 high school seniors from our city to receive scholarships as part of Pan Am’s Youth Ambassadors program.

Since its creation, the scholarship program has awarded over $240,000 to recipients to help with their higher education costs.

In selecting these ambassadors, they looked for seniors whose character is of the highest caliber and possess the following traits:

  1. Demonstrated good citizenship and respect for human values.
  2. Volunteered in their community and school.
  3. A sincere desire to complete a post-high school education.
  4. Excelled academically.

2023 Ambassadors

  • Hazel Castro
  • Kayla Chavez
  • Crystal Duncan
  • Nina Fife
  • Michael Hurtado
  • Christina Klein
  • Valerie Moreno
  • Neha Neelankavil
  • Meghan Patterson
  • Zahid Ponce
  • Olivia White

Friends of the Lakewood Libraries Scholarship Winner

This recipient of the Friends of the Lakewood Libraries (FoLL) scholarship was honored by the mayor for his Post High School Education as he is enrolled in the College to Career Program at Long Beach City College.  

This award was not based solely on the highest GPA, but also required active citizenship in the community and at school, volunteer hours with FoLL or at the L.A. County Libraries (George M. Nye, Jr. Library or Iacoboni Library) and an essay on a library related topic.  Lastly, letters of recommendation are required to corroborate character and academics.

  • Roque Gutierrez

Highest Achievement in Scout/Camp Fire Recognition

Recognition of Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Camp Fire participants who have achieved the highest ranks for youths in each organization. They have received the Award of Merit plaques from the mayor. 

Eagle Court of Honor

  • Zachary Brown
  • Jack Dunnick
  • Benjamin Farrer
  • Stephen C. Hawes
  • Ryan Kennedy Martinez
  • Jonathan Paul Morey
  • Nathan Napohaku

Work Health Love Award

  • Nina Fife

Girl Scouts Silver Award

  • Angheli Zalameda

 

Odyssey STEM Academy Tree Huggers

Recognition for their dedication and commitment to their cause and volunteerism on the Nature Trail and with the Earth Walk event.

  • Chelsea McFadyen
  • Marianne Leon

 

Teen Action Committee Recognition

The Lakewood Teen Action Committee (LTAC) was recognized for their many acts of volunteerism in the community.

  • Ronald Banks
  • Sophia Campos
  • Andre Houston
  • Avery Janisse
  • Alexander Kelly
  • Olivia Molina
  • Malaya Richardson
  • Natalie Weeks

Lakewood Adult Volunteer of the Year

This recipient is being honored for her 11th year with Meals on Wheels, currently driving a route two days a week. And she’s not only helping feed people, as every other Tuesday she also picks up pet food from Bloomfield Animal Hospital to distribute at Burns Community Center to pet owners in need. 

In addition to driving and visiting clients, she has spent many years typing thank you letters to individuals and businesses that graciously donate to the organization.  

  • Loraine Wilkerson

 

Recognition of Commissioners & Committee Members

These individuals were recognized for their dedication to the Lakewood community through their involvement as commissioners and committees.

Community Safety Commission

  • Lourdes Baez
  • Brad Crihfield
  • Sarah Mendoza
  • Robert Nelson
  • Erin Stibal

Planning & Environment Commission

  • Bill Baca
  • Terry J. Cole
  • Peter Samaniego
  • Vicki L. Stuckey
  • Joe Ung

Recreation & Community Services Commission

  • Dave Allen
  • Veronica Lucio
  • Ted Spaseff
  • Stacy Valdez
  • Anitza Valles

Measure L Citizens Oversight Committee

  • David Arellano
  • Jeannie Clark
  • Crystal Jones-Duncan
  • Rose Nelson
  • Ron Piazza
  • Ahmed Rafi
  • Valerie Youell

Volunteer Day Recognition

Participants in the city’s recent Volunteer Day event helped with maintenance and landscaping projects at homes and public facilities.

  • BSA Troop 134
  • BSA Troop 140
  • Church of Latter Day Saints
  • Church of Latter Day Saints, 2nd Ward
  • Cub Scout Pack 134
  • Cub Scout Pack 208
  • Dave Smith/REMAX
  • Destiny Church
  • Farmers & Merchants Bank
  • Girl Scout Troop 113 & 3433
  • Girl Scout Troop 5543
  • Individual Volunteer Group
  • JB & Sons, Inc.
  • Lakewood High School Merit Scholars
  • Lakewood Leadership Academy
  • LAMP
  • LCEA
  • Rotary Club of Lakewood
  • The Journey at Mayfair Community Church
  • Tree Huggers - Odyssey STEM Academy
  • West Coast Arborists

 

Volunteer Coaches Recognition

Lakewood Youth Sports coaches who have achieved service milestones this year. 

Citation Award

  • Mark Bautista
  • Justin Carter
  • Royshaun Lewis
  • Matt McLeod
  • Sergio Ulloa
  • Adelaida Will

Merit Award

  • William Macias
  • Leona Villegas-Hobby

California Park and Recreation Society Honors

The Volunteer Merit Award is given to an organization, business or individual for their professional and volunteer contributions to the fields of parks, recreation and human services.

  • The Rotary Club was honored for their contributions to the Project Shepherd Backpack Program. 
  • Erich Freudenthaler, Past President of Lakewood Little League was honored for leading impressive infrastructure and field maintenance improvements of the Little League baseball fields at Rynerson Park, including improvements to the dugouts and snack bar, and installation of new turf and irrigation.