At the end of each school year, the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians takes time to recognize young Tribal members who have excelled in their educational endeavors. Tribal Council hosted the 2025-2026 Academic Achievement Awards ceremony at the Soboba Casino Resort Event Center, July 26.
Ninety-six students were celebrated with a luncheon buffet that kicked off with a video presentation of all students being honored. The final slide had the message: “Congratulations! It is because of you that we are a proud nation!” Soboba Chairman Isaiah Vivanco then welcomed everyone to the event.
“We really want to recognize our Elders, parents, aunties and uncles and everybody out there supporting our youth through this journey and their educational goals,” he said. “I think it’s really important that you stand by their side and make sure they get the opportunities they need.”
Bird singers and dancers offered many social songs while guests made their way to the buffet that featured a variety of Mexican food, an omelet bar and a pasta station. After that, each student was invited on stage by Tribal Executive Officer Steven Estrada, who served as emcee for the event and provided the blessing.
Students in grades 6-12 were divided into categories based on their overall GPA with each receiving a certificate, olla and check. Each was congratulated by Tribal Council Chairman Isaiah Vivanco, Vice Chairwoman Geneva Mojado, Secretary Monica Herrera, Treasurer Adona Salgado, and Sergeant-at-Arms Daniel Valdez.
The following Silver Award recipients demonstrated Outstanding Achievement by earning a GPA of 3.0-3.4 during the 2025-2026 school year. Brave Suukat Alvarez, Jeffrey Arres, Alison Arrietta, Crystal Arrietta, Emily Arrietta, Ruby Marie Arrietta, Tuupash Arviso, Evan Glen Ayala, Lokelani Basquez, Noah Cardenas, Nikilish DeHoyos, Logan Lopez, Duke Marruffo-Lara, Navaya Masiel, Nadillyn Mendoza, Su’kutt Morreo, Wayne Nelson, Audrina Pantoja, Aubrey Post, Emalee Post, Sebastian Post, Akwaalimay Resvaloso, Chelesh Resvaloso, Ndiyilii Resvaloso, Ronald Resvaloso III, Agustin Salgado, Bella Vallejo, Ezekiel Velazquez, and Ginger Velazquez.
Gold Award recipients, demonstrating Superior Achievement by earning a GPA of 3.5-3.9 during the 2025-2026 school year, are as follows. Ava Arenas, Tishmal DeHoyos, Randy Benjamin Galindo, Aydreean Rose Garcia, Tamara Hurtado, Alana Kashersky, Davina Masiel, Marilyn Mendoza, Phyllis Claudina Morillo, Mac Pineda, Adam Post, Noah Post, Genevieve Relopez, Monica Rose Rivera, Paloma Rodriguez, Monique Isabelle Russell, Jerimyah Saenz, and Myah Saenz.
Platinum Award recipients who demonstrated Academic Excellence by earning a GPA of 4.0 or higher during the 2025-2026 school year are Allea Nosuun Alvarez, Victoria Maria Boiso, Hallee Cozart, Athena DeHoyos, Elizabeth Lahuede, Aubrey Mazza, and Bella Ward.
Jennifer Valenzuella is a proud mom who had a child in each of the above categories. Tishmal DeHoyos, 17, received a Gold Award, Athena DeHoyos, 14, earned Platinum status, and 12-year-old Nikilish DeHoyos was a Silver Award recipient.
“I really give my kids the credit for all the hard work,” Valenzuella said. “I am there to support them in whatever way I can of course. Positive reinforcement helps. I praise them for not only doing well but also seeking help when they need it. I always encourage them to do their absolute best and never give up; mostly to do better than me, top all of my accomplishments because the only thing that can really stop them is themselves.”
She said it was nice to have everyone’s hard work be acknowledged with this type of ceremony. “It made the kids feel important,” Valenzuella said.
High School graduates and their future plans were shared as they made their way to the stage to be photographed with Tribal Council. Estrada said, “This important accomplishment will allow them to continue pursuing their educational and career goals.” The following students were recognized: Maria Arrietta, Mathieu Begay, Joeann Marie Walker Calderon, Angel Cardenas, Crystal Rae Devore, Marco Hernandez, Kylie Herrera, Levi Herrera, Jesse Lara, Aureny Manzanilla, Kevin Andrew Medina, David Modesto Jr., Janessa Mojado, Ronald Morillo III, Jayden Morreo, Suun Nelson, Sadie Pimentel, Danny Placencia, Leland Razon Jr., KiatNawishmal Resvaloso, Sophia Resvaloso, Savannah Rivera, Shawna Rivera, and Gloria Valdez. Each graduate received a certificate, Pendleton blanket, lanyard, commemorative plate, and check.
Tribal members earning a college degree or vocational certification are Alyssa Appleby, Jasmine Adele Basquez, Tatiana Diaz, Taryn Grant, Joshua Lala, Lawrence A. Modesto, Lenora “Ponie” Mojado, Shyann Morreo, Michael Placencia, Steven Post, Yolanda Rhodes, Alyssa Salgado, Ariyana Nicole Salgado, and Raymond Smestad. Each received a certificate, Pendleton blanket, lanyard, commemorative plate, and check.
“Ponie” Mojado, who earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in early childhood education, enjoyed sharing the event with her 12-year-old son, Mac Pineda, who was a Gold Award recipient. The San Jacinto Valley Academy student, whose favorite subject is history, is looking forward to playing soccer this school year and is determined to keep his grades up so he can attend the awards ceremony again.
“Mac plays baseball and soccer in middle school, so he had to maintain good grades both semesters to participate,” Mojado said, adding that her 10-year-old son Eli is going to do his best in school so he can be part of the awards ceremony in a couple of years.
Reflecting on her own educational journey, while being a busy mom and working full-time as the Soboba Preschool Director, Mojado said balancing everything has been a real challenge.
“I often had to focus on finishing papers instead of letting the boys celebrate with their teams after a soccer tournament win,” she said. “They understood, and I’m grateful to have two amazing boys who support me.”
Mojado said the recognition event truly motivates kids to work hard. “I was amazed by how many college graduates are pursuing teaching,” she said. “It’s inspiring to see so many future educators, especially at a time when we need more Native teachers for both the preschool and Noli.”
Vivanco said since they were celebrating academic achievement, the Tribal Council felt it was an appropriate time to focus on higher education, highlighting the many high school and college graduates.
“We want to promote that as best we can and make sure we are giving our kids the opportunity to go on in whatever career paths they choose,” he said. “So today we have two ceremonial signings that we will be doing.”
The first was with California State University, San Bernardino. Vivanco explained that the Memorandum of Understanding will allow graduating students to get automatic acceptance if they meet the minimum requirements for eligibility set forth by the school. It also allows the students to transfer admission.
“What it does is, it opens that door,” Vivanco said. He then invited Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs A. Rafik Mohammed and Admissions and Outreach Specialized Recruiter Alex “Panda” Armendariz as well as Tribal Council Vice Chairwoman Geneva Mojado, Secretary Monica Herrera, Treasurer Adona Salgado, and Sergeant-at-Arms Daniel Valdez, to witness the signing amid applause from a full room of guests.
University of La Verne Vice President for Enrollment Management Alaina Dunn was invited to sign the MOU that guarantees admission for enrolled Soboba Tribal members and Noli Indian School students who meet the university’s standard admission requirements.
The school is also offering ongoing admission and enrollment training for teachers, counselors and parents, financial aid and scholarship workshops. The long-term partnership will expand access to higher education for Native American students while creating new educational and professional development opportunities for the Tribe’s workforce.
“We know many times our youth are going to big colleges and sometimes it’s a culture shock, but these colleges have committed to helping our youths to make sure they can stay in a place that’s comfortable for them,” Vivanco said. “I think these two signings today will help guide our youth into the kind of future leaders we need. So again, on behalf of the Tribe, thank you to them.”
Soboba also has existing MOUs with the University of Redlands and California State, San Marcos. Vivanco recognized Soboba TANF and Noli staff for working on all the MOUs for the future success of Soboba’s youth.
There were some spectacular prizes to be won by all the students as each had received a raffle ticket when they arrived and there were enough gifts to go around. From PS5 game systems and Apple iPads to 55-inch televisions, Dick’s Sporting Goods’ and Starbucks’ gift cards, there was much to get excited about.
In closing, Chairman Vivanco reflected on the fact that over the years, this ceremony has grown from a small venue at the Soboba Springs Golf Course clubhouse where about 100-200 were in attendance.
“Today we expected almost 600 people here to help celebrate our youth and all our graduates,” he said. “We know the event will continue to grow and that’s exactly what we are looking to have happen. The Tribal Council will continue to do the hard work to make sure that we can continue to support our youth, making sure they have every opportunity to attend college and achieve their career goals. Hopefully one day they will come back and be a productive member of our own community. Students, strive for your best; we’re here to support you. And thank you.”
