Since 1981, the City of Lakewood has honored its youth athletes at the annual Lakewood Youth Hall of Fame banquet in February.
The Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding athletes, teams, boosters and athletic achievements as well as Athlete of the Year and Performers of the Year for over a dozen sports. Special Achievement awards are also presented for academics and other significant contributions to youth sports in Lakewood.
In 2018, the "Larry Van Nostran Future Star Award" was added to honor a freshman athlete with the most outstanding achievements in a sport. The award is named after Lakewood's longest-serving council member, who in 1980 founded the Hall of Fame in conjunction with local business owner and current Council Member Ron Piazza. Van Nostran passed away in 2012.
View the list of winners and the videos about the Co-Athletes of the Year below.
Youth Hall of Fame honors student athletes
Lakewood Youth Hall of Fame 2021 Award Recipients
CO-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Arianna Jalomo, Saint Joseph High School - Softball
Kassandra Murguia, Artesia High School - Soccer
Nick Adimora, Mayfair High School - Football
Laura Williams, Lakewood High School - Volleyball
Performers of the Year
Badminton
Sophie Vikram, Lakewood High School
Baseball
Diego Gutierrez, Lakewood High School
Basketball
Sydnee McKee, Artesia High School
Cross Country
Juan Guerrero, Mayfair High School
Jason Parra, Millikan High School
Football
K'Len Williams, Artesia High School
Gymnastics
Juliana Emanuelli, Valley Christian High School
Soccer
Amanda Scott, Mayfair High School
Softball
Kendall Lundberg, Lakewood High School
Swimming
Ella Gannon, Saint Joseph High School
Tennis
Savannah Ford, Mayfair High School
Track and Field
Chelsea Aninyei, Mayfair High School
Volleyball
Esther Kailiponi, Mayfair High School
Water Polo
John Borders, Lakewood High School
Distinguished Nominees
Badminton
Nathan Mohn, Lakewood High School
Basketball
Dillon Botts, Mayfair High School
Mariah Overby, Mayfair High School
Cross Country
Delilah Chavez, Lakewood High School
Juan Guerrero, Mayfair High School
Soccer
Mia Escandon, Saint Joseph High School
Rachel Farragher, Saint Joseph High School
Adrian Palacios, Artesia High School
Softball
Adrianna Natividad, Saint Joseph High School
Hannah Smith, Saint Joseph High School
Tennis
Camilla Uchio, Saint Joseph High School
Track and Field
Daniel Chung, Artesia High School
Cherish Washington-Logan, Lakewood High School
Volleyball
Samarah DaCoud, Lakewood High School
Ketesia Hall, Lakewood High School
Kira Magdelano, Artesia High School
Shayna Martinez, Lakewood High School
Julia Reusch, Saint Joseph High School
Judith Uyanne, Saint Joseph High School
Special Achievement Awards
Scholar Athlete of the Year
Elise Chung, Artesia High School
Sydney Goodin, Lakewood High School
Devin Lane, Mayfair High School
Cassidy Felix, Saint Joseph High School
Kira Magdaleno, Artesia High School
Andrew De La Riva, Lakewood High School
Mia Cuellar, Mayfair High School
Dorothy Castanon, Saint Joseph High School
Olivia Castanon, Saint Joseph High School
Outstanding High School Career
Cherish Washington-Logan, Lakewood High School
Kira Magdelano, Artesia High School
All-Round Performer
Sophie Vikram, Lakewood High School
Larry Van Nostran Future Star Award
Zion Staples, Artesia High School
Camilla Uchio, Saint Joseph High School
Chairman's Award
Spud O'Neil, Lakewood High School
Jalen Neal, LA Galaxy Soccer
Nominations may be submitted to the city's Department of Recreation and Community Services no later than the first week of December of each year.
During the nomination period, forms are available online here, or at City Hall. Written nominations with complete information including nominee's name, address and phone number and detailed accomplishments may also be submitted. Achievements are considered for sports seasons ending during the current calendar year.
The 40th Annual Lakewood Youth Hall of Fame Banquet was held Thursday, March 31, 2022.
The annual program recognizes the athletic achievements of high school and collegiate athletes who live in Lakewood or attend school in Lakewood.
Awards will be presented for Performer of the Year in each sport, various Special Achievement awards, including Scholar Athlete of the Year, and the highlight of the event, the crowning of the Co-Athletes of the Year.
The Hall of Fame Board of Electors convened Thursday, February 3, 2022, to select the 2021 Athlete of the Year and honors for other athletes and coaches.