By Sara Beth Williams-–
Among this year’s San Juan Unified School District Spirit of San Jaun Award honorees are one local student and a local student leadership group representing Mesa Verde High School and San Juan High School respectively.
At Mesa Verde High School, student Nia Blunt has been selected as one of four of the district’s Spirit of San Juan recipients. San Juan High School’s Ambassador Program is also being honored, highlighting the impact of student-led leadership.
“So proud of our students! San Juan Student Ambassadors are our the very best of us,” San Juan High School wrote on its social media page in response to the district’s announcement. The high school said the students in the leadership program great and welcome new students to San Juan High School, make students feel comfortable, and provide a friendly face through a students first day at San Juan.
Other honorees this year include Ojehi Benito-Oserogho, a student at Encina High School, and Kim Minugh, a teacher at Encina, each recognized for their contributions to their school communities.
District officials say the Spirit of San Juan Awards aim to spotlight not just achievement, but compassion, resilience and a commitment to equity.
The Spirit of San Juan Awards ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, May 14, at the Center for the Arts at El Camino Fundamental High School, with an outdoor reception beginning at 5:30 p.m. The ceremony will begin at 6 p.m.
In addition to the Spirit of San Juan recipients, the event will also celebrate the district’s 2026 Classified Employees of the Year and 2027 Teachers of the Year, highlighting excellence across multiple roles in education.
Tickets for the event are available through the district’s website.
