First District Awards Scholarships at High Desert's 'State of Education'

On behalf of our office, District Director Kimberly Mesen was pleased to award three deserving high school students with $500 scholarships during the Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce's “State of Education” event on April 5.

First District awards went to Samantha Grantham of Granite Hills High School, Kaitlyn Hatcher of Academy for Academic Excellence, and Ashlee Melo of Oak Hills High School. A total of 15 students were honored with scholarships during the ceremony.

Held at the Hilton Garden Inn Conference Center, the event included an update from San Bernardino County Superintendent Ted Alejandre, who shared many of the High Desert's educational successes over the past year. 

Some highlights:

• The Oak Hills High School Mock Trial Team won the County championships in 2022 and 2023.
• Lewis Center Academy for Academic Excellence was honored for its Space Force JROTC and GAVRT Astronomy Partnership with NASA/JPL.
• Excelsior High School was praised for its STEM and digital learning programs. Its Cybersecurity Pathway offers students in-demand training on computer/technologies, server and network security, cyber security and threat analysis.
• Helendale’s Excel Academy Charter School received this year’s Distinguished School Award.
• Sterling Ware, Paraeducator at Oak Hills High School, was named Teacher for Tomorrow.
• Victor Valley Union High School District's Family Engagement Program won a Golden Bell Award.
• Mountain-Desert Career Pathways continues to bridge the gap between high school CTE programs and employment opportunities in the High Desert.

Congratulations to all of the scholarship winners and First District schools on your achievements!