This year’s theme, “Rodeo of Resilience,” honored individuals and students who have demonstrated determination, leadership, and commitment to uplifting the community. The keynote address was delivered by Cherina Betters, the Chief of Equity and Access for San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and a Board Trustee for the San Bernardino Community College District. She was introduced by emcee Lester Fountain.

Betters spoke about the increasing role of artificial/ancestral intelligence and technology in shaping opportunities for the African American community, encouraging students to pursue education and innovation as pathways to equity and advancement.

A highlight of the annual event is the awarding of scholarships to outstanding students. Presented by Nalaisha Burnett, the following received $1,000 Academic Excellence Scholarships: Jordyn Crawford, San Jacinto Leadership Academy; Daijon Gilliam, San Jacinto High School; Shamyah Jones, Hemet High School; and Blessing Sele, West Valley High School.

Additional student recognitions included $500 Stellar Awards presented to Yasel Pleasant of San Jacinto High School and Kha’Maiah Wright of Tahquitz High School. The $500 Phoenix Award, which honors resilience and determination in overcoming adversity, was presented to Joshua McClure of West Valley High School.

This year also marked the introduction of the Dr. Patricia Scott Award, named in honor of the Black Voices of the Valley board treasurer who has played a key role in strengthening the organization’s financial infrastructure and expanding donor engagement efforts to support student scholarships. The inaugural recipients of the $750 award were Kamiah Dease of West Valley High School and Cannon McIntosh of Tahquitz High School.

During the program, Scott shared a personal story about the financial challenges she faced while supporting her daughter through college, particularly the costs associated with books and daily living expenses. Her message underscored the importance of community support for students pursuing higher education. To assist this organization with its ongoing scholarship goals, please visit www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/bvov-scholarship-donors-circle.

“We have brilliant students in our community,” Scott said. “Sometimes what they need most is the reassurance that a village stands behind them, encouraging them all the way to graduation.”

To amplify that message, BVOV presented its annual “It Takes a Village” community awards, recognizing individuals and organizations whose contributions have made a meaningful impact throughout the region. This year’s deserving honorees, who contribute to the betterment of the community, are Love Right UNTD, Inc.’s Founder and CEO Gary Jake and Executive Director Leniece Williams; Trish McClure from All Persons Housed; Sharon Jackson with The Rose of Sharon 7, Inc.; Sheila Diggs, CEO of SKD Artz (abstract art); and Dr. Vidhya Koka of SJ Medical Group and the Resilience Center for Mental Wellness.

Love Right UNTD exists to make a measurable, life-changing impact on the lives of individuals, families, and entire communities across Southern California. Jake and his team believe transformation happens when people are given access to stability, support, and human connection. The nonprofit’s purpose is to unite, uplift, and empower underserved populations by integrating the power of social services, arts, music, culture, and community engagement. For more information, www.loverightuntd.org.

All Persons Housed (APH) transitional housing program is designed to successfully transition homeless families with children off the streets and into safe, permanent housing. Its mission is to advocate for the rights and well-being of underserved populations, creating programs that address their diverse needs. They believe that through collective effort and compassionate action, they can transform communities and foster genuine connections among people. For more information, www.allpersonshoused.org.

The Rose of Sharon 7, Inc.’s mission is to provide the best intensive substance abuse treatment for all adult women seeking recovery. The success of an addict’s treatment requires the support of the family. The organization understands the heartache and pains of addiction, the strength that can be gained from a successful treatment, and the ability to make better choices after treatment. For more information, https://theroseofsharon7.org/.

The mission at SJ Medical Group is to provide compassionate, comprehensive, and patient-centered healthcare to individuals and families in the Hemet and San Jacinto area. Dr. Koka and her team are committed to promoting wellness, preventing illness, and delivering exceptional medical services across a spectrum of specialties. With a focus on personalized care and evidence-based practices, they strive to improve the overall health and quality of life for all their patients. The mission of the Resilience Center for Mental Wellness is to provide comprehensive and compassionate care that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit. The group is committed to empowering individuals on their journey towards mental well-being, fostering resilience, and promoting holistic healing. For more information, www.sjmedicalgroup.com, www.resiliencecenterformentalwellness.com.

“Receiving the ‘It Takes a Village’ award is deeply meaningful to me because it reminds me that no one serves a community alone,” Koka said. “Every day in medicine, I am supported by a village — my dedicated staff, fellow healthcare professionals, community leaders, families, and the patients themselves. This award is not just a recognition of one person’s work; it represents the collective effort of many people who care deeply about the health and wellbeing of our community. For over two decades of practicing medicine here, I have had the privilege of walking alongside patients and families through their challenges and triumphs. In doing so, I have seen firsthand how strong this village truly is.”

She said that when a patient finds the strength to fight through illness, when a family supports a loved one through recovery, when a community comes together to uplift one another — that is resilience. That is the true spirit of a village. Koka accepted the award with gratitude and humility and said she was sharing it with every member of the community who continues to “show up, support one another, and make our valley stronger.”

Koka said the most meaningful highlight of the event for her was being recognized for the dedication and passion she has always had for serving this community.

“Medicine has never been just a profession for me — it has always been a calling,” she said. “To have that commitment acknowledged by the very community I have had the privilege to care for over the years is truly humbling and deeply rewarding.”

BVOV Executive Director Stephanie Bruce thanked all the guests for coming and offered a special thank you to Simon Chu, who sponsored the venue and has long supported community initiatives. Black Voices of the Valley also recognized Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez for grant funding that helps support the organization’s youth and scholarship programs and he has committed to continuing the support. A shoutout was also given to Andrews Catering and DJ Chosen for their contributions to the highly successful event.

For more information on Black Voices of the Valley, please visit www.blackvoicesofthevalley.org.

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The various scholarships were awarded to students in several disciplines for academic excellence, community involvement and personal growth, officials said. The scholarships provided the recipients with mentorship opportunities, peer tutoring and career development workshops.

“This scholarship has made a significant difference in my life by easing the financial strain of educational expenses. As a full-time student who is also balancing family responsibilities, this scholarship allows me to focus on my studies and engage in learning opportunities that are essential for my growth and preparation for graduate school,” Divina Portillo, a psychology major and recipient of the John J. and Sheryl Benoit Endowed Scholarship, said in a statement.

Adriana Banda, a sociology and social work major and recipient of the John Steven Peterson Endowed Scholarship, said, “I hope to continue creating inclusive and safe spaces for those in the LGBTQIA community, especially in the field of social work. Receiving a scholarship has given me a bit more peace of mind financially, and it will help cover anything I will need this upcoming academic year, especially since senior year can be costly with graduation- related costs.”

Officials said the scholarships will help invest in student success and reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and access to high education.

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Katelynne Ray, a Western Center Academy graduate, excelled academically and was deeply involved in ASB leadership, Link Crew, and extensive community service. With a passion for education and student engagement, Katelynne plans to attend George Washington University, majoring in History and Social Studies, with the goal of becoming a high school history teacher and eventually working as an ASB advisor.

Tyler Trout is a student-athlete from Hemet High School, who successfully balanced AP coursework and sports. He was actively involved in ASB, athletics and Advanced Choir, and volunteered regularly at the Ramona Animal Shelter. Tyler played football, golf, and baseball, developing discipline and teamwork through competition. With aspirations of becoming a sports agent, athletic trainer, or P.E. teacher, he plans to pursue a degree in kinesiology or sports management at Cal State San Marcos.

Jesse Castaneda, a recent Tahquitz High School graduate, balanced academics, athletics, and a part-time job to support his family.  Both an athlete and leader, Jesse served as captain of the varsity basketball and track teams and was secretary of the Career and Technical Student Organization. His work ethic brough him such honors as English Student of the Year and the Seal of Biliteracy. He plans to pursue Business Administration in college and has applied to UCLA and UC Berkeley, hoping for a career in finance and entrepreneurship.

Genesis Marie Andrade, a graduate of Hamilton High School, excelled in academics, leadership, and athletics throughout her four years. She served as a varsity softball and basketball captain and a Peer Mentor and was on the Gold Honor Roll for four years. Her diverse skills in English, art, public speaking, and leadership reflect her many talents and areas of interest. With a focus on law and criminal justice, she plans to attend La Verne or Northern Arizona University to pursue a career as a lawyer or judge.

Andrew Bedolla, a graduate of West Valley High School, was actively involved in various extracurricular activities throughout his high school career, including AVID, Link Crew, Math Club. With a deep fascination with medical imaging and its role in diagnosing and treating patients, he plans to pursue a career as a radiologist, combining his passion for science with his commitment to service and his desire to help others. He hopes to attendLa Sierra University, UCLA, or UC Riverside.

Daniel Contreras isa recent graduate from Alessandro High School. Inspired by family members in the medical field, he enjoys helping others and hopes to become a registered nurse. At Alessandro, he participated in the Career and Technical Education program for First Responders, further developing his skills and commitment to service. He has shown leadership as a Student Leadership Team member, a Mayor Mentee and student representative to the Governing Board. He plans to attend Mt. San Jacinto College before transferring to Loma Linda University to major in nursing or another area of medicine.

Pan Sorrell attended the Academy of Innovation in Hemet where she developed an interest in science and medicine. While at AOI, she was enrolled in a dual enrollment program at Mt. San Jacinto College and will eventually transfer to a four-year university to pursue a degree in health sciences or biology, with the goal of becoming a neurosurgeon. Her experience in the Medical Innovation Research & Entrepreneurship program reinforced her commitment to medicine and mentorship. In the future, she plans to establish a nonprofit organization that provides internships for aspiring physicians and delivers free healthcare to underserved communities. The Hemet Education Foundation, founded in 1978, has been dedicated to supporting students in the Hemet Unified School District in their pursuit of higher education for decades. Through its generous scholarships, the foundation continues to invest in future leaders, innovators, and changemakers, recognizing their achievements in academics, athletics, leadership, and community service. To learn more about the foundation, go to HemetEducationFoundation.com.

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