Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians

As the Soboba Foundation fully supports education and the pursuit of higher education for all students within the San Jacinto Valley, the nonprofit honored eight local high school graduates with a $2,500 scholarship to give them a jumpstart on their higher education goals. Most of the checks and proclamations for each student were awarded during the individual school’s senior awards ceremonies, held prior to commencement.

In the past 12 years that Andrew Vallejos has worked as the Soboba Foundation Sponsorship Coordinator, he has come to know almost every business owner and nonprofit director in the San Jacinto Valley. So it makes sense for him to take the gavel as the newest Hemet/San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce Chairman at its annual Installation and Awards Gala on June 24.

From relevant song choices to synchronized choreography and spot-on costuming, all 13 nonprofits vying for prize money at the Soboba Foundation & Soboba Casino Resort’s 14th annual Lip Sync Contest made an impact on the 600-plus guests in attendance. A spectacular buffet offering a variety of fresh foods lined the Event Center lobby.

Schools located on the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Reservation celebrated the advancement of students during a busy week. Noli Indian School, which serves grades 6-12, had a promotion program for its eighth graders on May 31 and a commencement ceremony for its seniors on June 1. Soboba Tribal Preschool kindergartners were celebrated on June 3.

The Southern California Tribal Chairman’s Association hosted an Eagle Feather Ceremony for all the Tribes that belong to the multi-service, nonprofit organization. The Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians were invited to join in 2020.