Firstly you might ask, what is Girls World Network? Well it is a network that empowers girls ages 9–19 to become confident, knowledgeable, and well-rounded young women. They provide leadership development, etiquette training, life skills, self-empowerment, and opportunities for personal growth. Their mission is to create a safe, inspiring space where girls can learn, express themselves, build character, serve their community, and develop into classy, educated, and financially sound women who lead with purpose and kindness.

Upon arrival at the event, each girl was welcomed with a personalized table setting featuring her name displayed on a small cart filled especially for her. The celebration included making gingerbread houses, interactive games designed to keep the girls engaged, active, and working together as a team. Cooperation and encouragement were the focus of every activity, and by the end of the games, every participant was a winner.

The holiday fun concluded with each girl receiving a Santa bag filled with special “girly” items, adding to the excitement and festive spirit of the day.

The event was made possible through the leadership of Cheterra McKnight, President of the Hemet Chapter of Girls World, along with the support of dedicated volunteers.

“I love doing this,” McKnight said. “Girls World started with my mom, who wanted to help girls be girls and grow into great women. My volunteers were so helpful in pulling this together and making it a wonderful Christmas for the girls. And this is just the beginning—I have a lot more planned for them.”

When asked about their experience, the girls responded with enthusiasm, sharing comments such as, “Wow, this was fun,” and “I feel good.”

The Girls World Network continues its mission of empowering young girls through positive experiences, mentorship, and community support, ensuring they feel valued, confident, and celebrated—especially during the holiday season.

For more information on Girls World or to join or volunteer contact:  Cheterra McKnight” <girlsworldnetwork@gmail.com>

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Emcee Steven Estrada, who serves as Tribal Executive Officer, introduced Tribal Council Chairman Isaiah Vivanco to say a few words. After welcoming everyone and asking for a round of applause for all of the students, he thanked Sponsorship and Higher Education Coordinator Andrew Vallejos and his team for all their efforts in setting up the event.

“I’d like to thank all the elders, grandparents, parents, siblings, aunts, uncles and everybody here for supporting our youth,” Vivanco said. “We as a Tribe have always stressed the importance of education and what better way to do that than to celebrate them today for their achievements?”

He cited it as a good thing that the list of honored students is growing each year, and the banquet room is getting closer to reaching its capacity.

“When we can have all of our youth celebrating their achievements and taking their education careers even higher than they could have imagined, I think that’s a win for all of us,” Vivanco said. “So as a Tribe I think we should be proud of them. Please help me say thank you once again to the students that are doing a great job.”

He told the students to make sure they are doing the best they can to reach their dreams because it is important. He then congratulated them all once again, which was followed by rousing applause from the attendees.

Estrada provided the blessing and guests were then treated to an outstanding buffet that offered a variety of foods from chicken tenders and Western sliders to tacos and baked potatoes with all the fixings. There were also omelet and pasta stations and a salad bar. The dessert tables offered cookies, cakes and other sweet treats.

Students in five categories were acknowledged with incentives. Students in the silver, gold and platinum categories received a certificate, cash envelope and varying sizes of ollas, handmade by Tony Soares.

Those in the Silver/Outstanding category with a GPA of 3.0-3.4 were Jeffrey Lee Arres, Ete’tish Arviso, Lokelani Basquez, Victoria Boiso, Noah Cardenas, Tamara Hurtado, Giovanni Liera, Lavina Lopez, Logan Lopez, Phyllis Morillo, Suun Nelson, Wayne Nelson, Audrina Michelle Pantoja, Adam Post, Emalee Post, Noah Post, Kimani Resvaloso-Sanchez, Jacob Nasūūn Romo, Gloria Valdez, Ezekiel Velazquez and Ginger Velazquez.

Those with a GPA of 3.5-3.9 in the Gold/Superior Achievement category were Ava Arenas, Emily Arrietta, Evan Glen Ayala, Nokaamay Briones, Angel Cardenas, Athena DeHoyos, Tishmal DeHoyos, Shanee Demara, Marco Hernandez, Alana Kashersky, Duke Marruffo-Lara, Ronald Morillo III, Sadie Pimentel, Danny M. Placencia, Aubrey Post, Kiat Nawishmal Resvaloso, Shawna Rivera, Paloma Rodriguez, Myah Saenz, Agustin Salgado, Raya Salgado, Noyáaykit Silvas and Bella Vallejo.

An impressive GPA of 4.0 or higher qualified the following for placement in the Platinum/Academic Excellence category: Allea Alvarez, Crystal Arrietta, Hallee Cozart, Aureny Manzanilla, Aubrey Mazza, Janessa Kalei Mojado, Mary Rose Morreo, Leland Kenneth Razon Jr., Ndiyilii Resvaloso, Sophia Resvaloso and Savannah Rivera.

High school graduates received a certificate, cash envelope, lanyard, Pendleton blanket and a commemorative plate. Upon introduction to the stage to receive their award and be photographed with Tribal Council members, Estrada provided a short description of each of them.

Huahnee Laupsa Briones enjoys watersports and trail driving and her hobby is artistic animation. She plans on receiving a business degree and becoming an entrepreneur. Wayne Walker Calderon likes to play basketball, baseball, and football and work out in his spare time. In the future, he hopes to travel the world. Angelina Chavez is a basketball player who plans to attend law school and pursue a career as a Criminal Justice Attorney.

During high school, Ava Ciccone-Cozart was varsity volleyball captain, Associated Student Body Treasurer and Editor-in-Chief of the yearbook. This fall, she will attend the College of Charleston and pursue her dream of becoming a museum curator. Steven Roy Gonzalez enjoys working out and training for MMA. His future education goals include studying Engineering or Cybersecurity to become an entrepreneur. Zachary Te’met Guacheno enjoys dirt bike riding, basketball, video games and drawing. He plans on attending Cal State San Marcos. His goals are to own a business one day and help his Tribe and people.

Keira Modesto enjoys choir, Dungeons & Dragons, animation and drawing. She is applying to CalArts and wants to become an animator.  Aimee Suvoowut Organ’s career goals are to become an anthropologist and archaeologist. Jacob Peter Pantoja enjoys media arts, music, skating and playing instruments. His career goals are to be a Sound Engineer or Music Technician. Summer Rey Ramirez enjoys baking and cooking for her family. Her career goals are to attend school in the fall to become a Nurse Assistant or Vet Technician. Jade Reyes enjoyed playing varsity softball for Tahquitz. She likes watching television and shopping. She will be attending Paul Mitchell for Cosmetology and hopes to become an esthetician.

Efren V. Reynoso enjoys football and being a member of the Native Club. He likes to work out and help coach youth football. He plans to attend Idaho State University and hopes to play college football and/or become an electrician. Rhianna Salgado was part of AFJROTC and the Four Directions Club at San Jacinto High School for four years, Soboba Youth Council for two years, and the Soboba Fire Explorer Program for three years. She enjoys beading, listening to music, and playing video games. She will be joining Cal State San Marcos for Medical Sonography with Navy NUPOC as her career goal. Andrew Velazquez was part of the golf and wrestling teams. He was Treasurer for the Four Directions Club. He will be attending MSJC in the fall.

Those students who earned their college degrees or vocational certifications also were honored with a certificate, cash envelope, lanyard, Pendleton blanket and a commemorative plate.

During College, Kaya Ciccone-Cozart played varsity softball and served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and plans to pursue a master’s degree in social work. Her long-term goal is to build a career in social work or human resources. Benny Helms IV earned a degree in Recreation Administration with a minor in Native American Studies. He enjoys hiking, playing rugby, and spending time outdoors. His goal is to pursue a degree in Public Administration, give back to his Tribe, and build a financially stable future. Italia Manzanilla has been admitted to San Diego State University to continue pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with a focus on Exercise Science. Her goal is to complete her bachelor’s degree and obtain a teaching credential to become a physical education teacher, with the option of working as a substitute teacher as well.

Sierra Mendez earned her Master of Education in Learning, Design, and Technology from Concordia University Irvine. She currently serves as a resident substitute teacher at Cawston Elementary in the Hemet Unified School District. Passionate about inclusive education, Sierra is committed to supporting neurodiverse learners and fostering a nurturing classroom environment. She plans to continue her work with Cawston’s autism program and hopes to further her education with a focus on moderate to severe autism, deepening her impact in the field of special education. Nashashuk Resvaloso plans to build on her degree by obtaining a barbering license, allowing her to work with all hair types and expand her range of services.

Lynnae Rhodes earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice with a minor in Social Science Forensics. She is actively exploring opportunities in Arizona to pursue her goal of becoming a Crime Scene Investigator. Shayna Lee Silvas-Thomas plans to complete her degree in Marine Environmental Technology and pursue a career focused on improving the health and well-being of animals. Vincent Vega’s career goal is to become a Master Technician. He completed training in auto electrical, engine performance, steering and suspension, as well as hybrid and electric vehicle technology.

All Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Tribal members who qualified for any of these categories were invited to the luncheon held in their honor. Students who were able to attend were recognized on stage, where they received their certificates from members of the Tribal Council. Congratulating them were Chairman Isaiah Vivanco, Vice Chairwoman Geneva Mojado, Secretary Monica Herrera and Sergeant-at-Arms Daniel Valdez.

More than 50 elegant table settings were enhanced by the beautiful centerpieces created by Adona Salgado of SEISH LLC. The eldest guest at each table was allowed to take it home to enjoy. She also made the large arrangements used on stage and throughout the banquet room.

A video slide show of all the students being honored was met with much applause as each name and photo was shown. It was played at the beginning of the event and again during the luncheon. Wayne Nelson from the Inter-Tribal Bird Singers offered bird songs and invited those who wished to participate to dance.

“I want to thank the Tribe for allowing me to be here,” Nelson said. “And congratulations to all the students for their achievements.”

Each student received a raffle ticket upon check-in and was able to go home with a fun motivator to work hard in the coming school year to be able to return for next summer’s event. From gift cards and Nintendo Switch 2 game systems to Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer sunglasses and big screen TVs, the prizes were welcomed by all the lucky and excited recipients.

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She said the conference shows Native youth the importance of being an activist and how important it is to not allow society to put you in a box or limit you to a certain category.

“Uniting together as one people is how we can achieve and create the change we all need,” she said, adding that she hopes the attendees learned the importance of speaking up for themselves and their people.

The United National Indian Tribal Youth’s mission is to foster the spiritual, mental, physical, and social development of American Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native youth, and to help build a strong, unified, and self-reliant Native America through greater youth involvement. This year’s theme was Voice of H.O.P.E., which stands for Native youth engaging in Heartfelt conversations, Open dialogue, Promoting resources and Encouraging change.

A logo contest, inviting designs that reflect the richness of local Native cultures, was held and the winning concept came from 15-year-old Reese Mitchell of the Colorado River Indian Tribes, whose artwork helped inspire a final design that pays tribute to Kumeyaay culture and the conference theme. UNITY partnered with the Local Planning Committee and OXDX Clothing—a renowned Indigenous fashion label founded by Diné artist and UNITY alum Jared Kee Yazzie—to bring Reese’s vision to life.

The youth-led annual event drew more than 2,500 Native youth from around the country to participate in days filled with general sessions, regional caucuses, workshops, a career/education fair, and fun evening activities that provided hands-on leadership development activities.

Soboba Tribal TANF’s Andrew Salgado, 18, has attended the conference in the past and enjoyed joining several of the workshops that focused on physical, mental and social development.

“I learned that climate change is melting the ice and affecting different peoples’ reservations,” he said. “I learned how to communicate with other people with a better approach.”

A highlight of the conference for him was participating in the UNITY Intertribal Social Dance held on the final night, June 30.

The first full day of workshops focused on college and career readiness topics, such as “Against the Odds: Turning Struggles into Strength and Dreams into Reality” presented by Jason Amador. The workshop was designed to equip youth with the mindset, daily habits, and self-belief needed to overcome adversity and pursue their goals with purpose.

“My favorite part was meeting new people and building stronger connections with those around me,” said Christopher Lagunas, 14. I also really appreciated seeing the opportunities that the future holds for me through events like UNITY.”

Christopher was also pleased with all he gained from attending the national conference for the first time. “I learned how to communicate with others in a more appropriate way and with a better mindset,” he said. “I also learned that it’s important to embrace and accept others and their customs and traditions.

There were several workshops that were popular among many of the Soboba TANF youth. One of those that was well attended was “Girls Flag Football, 2028 Olympic Sport” presented by Keith Vasquez. His purpose was to introduce Native Americans/Indigenous youth to the fastest growing sport in the United States.

Zachary Guacheno, 18, enjoyed the workshops because of the learning opportunities. He also appreciated discovering the different ways of helping his tribe. “You can advocate for yourself and your community,” is something he said he will share with others.

A fun workshop that focused on health and wellness was the candy jar making session with Ashley Johnston. “You’ll decorate your own jar and fill it with your favorite sweets, because self-care should always be sweet and simple,” she said.

Mazie Countryman presented “Sagebrush & Bingo: Native Plants of Fort Hall” where youth learned as they played Native plant bingo and won prizes while deepening their connection to the land.

Hearing about culture games, such as “Creator’s Game: Building a Pathway to the Future” presented by Edison Red Nest III, were also enjoyed by the youth. The workshop was used to discuss the origins of Creator’s Game and how it can be used to better themselves. Also covered was how Lacrosse is being utilized to send Native youth to college.

The newly inducted class of Earth Ambassadors offered a workshop session covering various topics related to culture and environmental stewardship.

Nowaniiki Resvaloso, 14, attended UNITY for the second time with Soboba Tribal TANF. He said he learned the difference between Native cultures and how to communicate with others. He enjoyed all the workshops he attended and learned new things from each of them.

“The world is changing fast because the ozone layer is getting warmer so it’s causing the ice in Alaska to melt,” he said.

Nayeli Brittian, 12, was attending the UNITY conference for the first time and looks forward to sharing some important messages with family, friends and classmates. “I would tell them about every time you think you can’t do something, try anyway,” she said. “I learned that to pursue your dreams you need to actually try.”

The Talent Night on June 29 at 7 p.m. was a favorite and memorable event for her.

David Marquez also enjoyed the Talent Night show. The 17-year-old said he was interested to learn how climate change can be prevented or treated. “I also learned how to communicate ideas with others,” he said.

Agustin Salgado, 15, was also attending for the first time. “I learned about the importance of collaboration,” he said. “One important takeaway was the emphasis on community engagement and collaboration across diverse groups.”

Although the conference was filled with many valuable workshops and exciting activities, the group was able to venture off to Mission Bay beach and enjoy some beach time. “We also visited the San Diego Air & Space Museum as well as the San Diego Natural History Museum at Balboa Park,” Tucker said.

For more information, www.sobobatanf.org.

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Vincent Arres, Vice President and co-founder of the Soboba Bike Crew also served as Event Coordinator alongside Sonia Ramos of Boxing for Christ. He said both groups share a mission to uplift youth and promote healthy lifestyles. The collaboration came from shared values and a commitment to community outreach.

“The ride is about unity, health, and visibility — celebrating Native pride while promoting fitness and youth empowerment,” Arres said. “It also builds bridges with the broader community. This is not a fundraiser, but an awareness and connection ride.”

Ramos said the annual event began last year when a parent from Boxing for Christ, her coach and the Soboba Bike Crew put it together and had a great turnout. “I got together with Vincent to start planning this year’s bike ride and make it bigger,” she said “We started getting sponsors because we feed everyone breakfast burritos, hamburgers, hotdogs, cookies, and snow cones. We raffle off bikes and other great gifts. We would like to continue this event every year and make it bigger every year.”

Everything was free for the community and the City of San Jacinto supported it wholeheartedly. They worked to make sure the streets were clearly marked so everyone could ride safely.

Ramos said San Jacinto Mayor Valerie Vandever did the bike run and Councilmember Crystal Ruiz and her children helped serve food at the event. “They showed the community that they were for the community,” she said.

Arres said this year was definitely bigger and better than last year and he hopes to keep the momentum going for the next one. “We had more riders, more sponsors, and more energy,” he said. “We had greater community involvement, upgraded prizes, food, and even support from the San Jacinto City Council and mayor.”

It was definitely a family affair as his mother, Arlene Arres, also helped out, supporting her son’s endeavors. “This year I sponsored and cooked lunch for 100 riders/community,” she said. “My favorite part of the event was seeing the smiles of joy on the riders’ faces after a filling lunch and raffles and seeing the community coming together and having a good time.”

Vincent Arres’ aunt Bianca Machado also lent a hand with cooking for everyone. “I was happy to see the diversity with the bikers and how this little event has grown within the two years. Something positive that involves different types of people is much needed in this climate that we have nowadays,” she said.

Despite the heat, Machado enjoyed preparing the food for the riders who seemed very appreciative, and hungry. “It was really nice to see the mayor and some of the City Council come out to the event and hang out. Even the mayor rode with the bikers, which I thought was really cool. You really don’t see that a lot from politicians. And the City Council members that did attend stayed to the very end which was really great to see,” Machado said. “I like how this event pulled different people from different areas together to share one fun activity. It was great to see people talking to one another, sharing information about their bikes and making new friends. Like I said, it was really nice to see the mayor and the other members of City Council to really be involved and talk to everyone that was there and even help serve the food when the bikers returned. Things like that bring a sense of community among all of us.”

Soboba Parks and Recreation Director Andy Silvas was one of the riders on Saturday, attending for the first time. “My favorite part was seeing everyone come together, enjoying themselves, and just having a great time as a community,” he said. “What I enjoy most about these rides is seeing the kids involved—it’s a fun and healthy way to get everyone out of the house, exercising, and spending quality time together.”

Soboba Tribal member Damon Miranda was also attending the event for the first time. “The best part was being with my son, riding with the entire community and seeing the youth, adults, and elders out there riding and supporting each other,” he said. “Riding is Important, it can release stress; no worries about anything, just getting out and enjoying life.”

All the children received participation medals for completing the ride. Vincent Arres shared, “The kids were proud — some had never received a medal before. That moment of recognition lit them up and meant a lot.”

The ride began at Sallee Park, heading out along Idyllwild Drive to North San Jacinto Avenue. Riders continued south to the first stop at the corner of East Oakland Avenue and North San Jacinto Avenue, where a water station was available. The group then continued along East Latham Avenue and turned onto North Inez Street, which marked the halfway point of the ride.

On the return leg, participants took a straight shot back—stopping only at traffic lights and signs as needed—following Inez to Latham, then turning onto North Buena Vista Street, East Fruitvale Avenue, South Santa Fe Avenue, and North Ramona Boulevard. The final stretch led down Tahquitz Street and ended back at Sallee Park, where Boxing for Christ has its gym.

Reserve Deputy Leonard Purvis, former Riverside County Sheriff’s Captain, was present throughout the route, ensuring the riders’ safety and helping manage traffic so that drivers respected and shared the road with cyclists.

Arres gave a shout-out to all the raffle prize donors, food sponsors and vendors who made the event shine. “A huge thanks goes to Soboba Casino, Soboba Motorcycle Club, San Jacinto City Council’s Mayor Valerie Vandever and Councilmembers Crystal Ruiz and Clarisa Sanchez, Soroptimist of San Jacinto and Hemet, Roadrunner Express, Sonia Lamas with Lamas Housing Project, Tina from Menifee Bike Shop Est. 1982, Cynthia’s Treats, Discount Battery Center, Prime Battery Solutions, Gabriel Herrera II, Linda Resvaloso, Domingo Resvaloso, Little Pantry Kitchen, Bianca Machado, Romell Mojado, Arlene Arres, Vanessa Rangel, Rudy Arrietta, Dreena Arrietta, Mia Basquez, the Razon family, Kenny Gonzalez with the Los Frijoles Bike Crew, Sonia Ramos and family, and Leonard Purvis,” he said.

Arres’ role with the club includes coordinating events, building community partnerships, and helping bring youth and families together through biking.

“The Soboba Bike Crew started in 2021 as a grassroots effort to bring together riders of all ages from our tribal communities,” he said. Currently, there are approximately 13 active members and it’s growing steadily.

Charles Resvaloso serves as president and his role includes networking with surrounding teams and serving as the glue that holds SBC together. “He sets the tone for the crew by keeping us consistent and also manages our marketing, social media, and design work,” Arres said. “That said, SBC runs as a true team — we all have an equal say and make sure everyone is on board, whether it’s a ride, T-shirt, or new design. Team first — always.”

Linda Resvaloso said, “My sons are members of the bike club, and it all started with my son Charles riding and then he brought his cousins into it and then all the children.” She said that when they were riding around town, they met someone from Boxing for Christ, which led to last year’s inaugural City Bike Ride.

She said her favorite part of the event was seeing the community getting involved, especially the mayor. “I am most impressed with the fact her heart is in the right place; she really cares about her city,” she said. “It was an awesome ride. I usually follow in my truck in case someone gets a flat tire or needs extra water.”

Resvaloso, who is with H.A.L.O., which stands for Helping and Loving Others, enjoys doing what she can to help others in need. She donated one of the bikes that was raffled off this year. One young rider had been using his sister’s bike to participate in the event. Another had recently had his own bike stolen. Thanks to the generosity of the community, both went home with brand-new bikes.

“It was powerful to see them win — these weren’t just prizes, they were reminders that people care,” Arres said. “One kid couldn’t take his eyes off the Naruto themed bike and manifested the win and got the bike he wanted.”

Arres said the love, support and presence of his Soboba family made all the difference and he could not have done this without them.

“To the SBC crew — my cousins and core team — thank you for your unwavering support, for pushing me, and for boosting my confidence to be able to put this together,” he said. “To the city council and mayor — your kindness, approachability, and genuine presence proved you’re not just holding seats, you’re holding up the community. Much love and respect. And to the entire valley, your helping hands, open hearts, and willingness to show up made this all possible. Like the saying goes, ‘it takes a village to raise these kids.’ Words can’t describe the gratitude I feel. Just know that I see you, I appreciate you, and this event was only possible because of you. We rode together. We rose together. I’m just honored to be part of something bigger than myself — this is about all of us riding together for a stronger, healthier future.”

The Soboba Bike Crew participates in monthly events in surrounding cities and weekly throughout San Jacinto and Hemet. Rides are scheduled based on the weather. All riders are welcome, regardless of experience or equipment; even e-bikes are allowed.

“We host community rides, youth bike days, and partner events with local groups throughout the year,” Arres said. “Special focus goes toward family-friendly rides and youth fitness as well as more intense rides for adults.”

For more information on the Soboba Bike Crew, please visit @res_lyfrz on Instagram. To learn more about Boxing for Christ, please visit them on Instagram and Facebook.

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