AAUW-Ukiah Presents 2024 Accolades of Excellence Awards to Ukiah High School Students

–– by Katarzyna Rolzinski

Pictured above: Mary Colvig, Teacher, Alejandra Mosquera, Accolades Awardee; Camila Molina, Accolades Awardee; Brenna Raugewitz, Teacher; Addy Gordon, Accolades Awardee; Alyssa Young, Teacher; and Melia Mendoza, Accolades Awardee – photo courtesy of Katie Gibbs

Left to right, Gretel Palmerin, UHS Math teacher, Alejandra Mosquera, Camila Molina, Addy Gordon, Melia Mendoza, recipients of the Accolades of Excellence awards from the Ukiah Branch of the AAUW.

The mission of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is to promote equity, economic self-sufficiency, and education for women and girls. AAUW-Ukiah is one of over 1,000 branches throughout the United States, and traditionally, AAUW has been known for its programs at the college and university levels. AAUW- Ukiah has also been focusing on high school and middle school students to encourage their interest and success in furthering their goals toward postsecondary education.

The Accolades of Excellence program acknowledges young women in high school who have persevered and are succeeding in their academic goals. Students are recommended by teachers and selected by the Accolades AAUW-Ukiah committee. Last week the AAUW Accolades of Excellence Awards Ceremony was held at the Ukiah High School Library. Gretel Palmerin, the teacher liaison for AAUW-Ukiah coordinated the event with awards going to five junior and senior high school students who were enthusiastically recommended by their teachers. Through the AAUW-Ukiah Accolades Awards, each awardee received an AAUW Accolades of Excellence Certificate from AAUW-Ukiah president, Sulin Bell, along with a cash award.

Alejandra Mosqueda was recommended by Mary Colvig, her English teacher. For two years Alejandra has been studying at the Middle College, a special program located at the Mendocino College campus, where she takes college courses while attending high school. To date she has earned over 20 college credits emphasizing science classes. Planning to become a medical doctor, Alejandra is currently interning at Adventist Hospital, where she has committed to nine months of volunteering for four-hour weekly shifts. She rounds out her busy life by playing soccer. About the meaning of the Accolades Award, Alejandra proudly said, “I feel a sense of accomplishment and that my hard work is appreciated.”

Melia Mendoza was recommended by her U.S. History teacher, Alyssa Young, who said, “Melia is one of those very rare students who is driven internally to not only meet expectations but to exceed them. Every assignment shows 200% effort and commitment.” In describing how Melia was a “one in a million student,” she further described her as a student who is always demonstrating how she wants to help people and is looking toward a career as a clinical psychologist.

Addy Gordon was presented by her teacher, Brenna Raugewitz, who shared that though Addy may speak quietly, that behind her voice is a very intelligent mind. In order to focus on all of her other courses, Raugewitz, applauded Addy for sticking with her APES (Advanced Placement Environmental Science) course after she considered dropping it to ensure success in her other AP (Advanced Placement) classes. However, as Raugewitz continued, “her grades were up in all classes and she was doing well in them, including her three AP classes and PreCalc.”

Math teacher, Brian Montgomery, recommended Camila Molina. He enthusiastically reported, “Camila is an incredibly diligent and focused student in my Pre-Calculus class. She shows neat and thoughtful work, asks questions, and keeps working when the material is tough. Camila’s presence improves the overall quality of my class.” Brenna Raugewitz, also her teacher, added, “Camila works diligently to meet her goals, she is a strong student who is full of promise.” Camila is planning to attend UC Santa Barbara and to major in BioChemistry. About the Accolades Award, she said, “I just feel seen and recognized and appreciated for my hard work. Lots of students lose motivation because their efforts are not recognized, and they may lose motivation.”

Natalia Vega-Valadez, an Algebra 2 student was recommended by her math teacher, Connor Toscano. “Natalia, a skilled student, a skilled learner is able to navigate available resources and to self-advocate which are extremely valuable skills, that she has mastered. Natalia deserves recognition for her hard work as she works toward attending college and establishing her career.” Toscano elaborated on Natalia’s positive attitude, work ethic, and determination. “Many students get dissuaded by the rigor and challenges of Algebra 2, but not Natalia. She completes every assignment on time using all of the resources available to her.”