The annual Scholarships and Awards Ceremony on May 1 recognized 126 seniors for academic excellence, leadership, community service, and post-secondary achievements.

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Cordova High School celebrated the achievements of its Class of 2025 at the annual Scholarships and Awards Ceremony on Thursday, May 1, recognizing 126 seniors for academic excellence, leadership, community service and achievements.

“Tonight’s scholarships awards ceremony is dedicated to Catherine J Fidel and her family honoring their 30 years of generosity in support of the Cordova community,” said Assistant Principal Michele Brown serving as the Master of Ceremonies. “We are grateful for the lasting impact her family has found in our school.”

The academic excellence of the Class of 2025 was further highlighted by the 42 students recognized in the Top 10% of the class.

The event, held at the Cordova High School Performing Arts Center (PAC), 2239 Chase Drive, Rancho Cordova, was a proud and emotional night for students, families and staff alike. Principal Amy Strawn opened the evening with a heartfelt welcome.

“I am very grateful to join all of you in celebrating and honoring the hard work and continued commitment of these accomplished Lancers tonight,” said Strawn. “I’m pleased to see so many family members and friends here to join us, and a special welcome to all the CHS alumni in the audience.”

A total of $52,000 in local scholarships was awarded to 23 students who applied through the school’s scholarship program. Among the evening’s top honorees was Janice Chang, who received multiple awards including the prestigious $10,000 Harding San Juan Lodge Scholarship and was also named co-valedictorian.

Co-valedictorian Janice Chang

“This event recognizes the hard work of our students for four years of their own dedication to their education and their future,” Brown said. “It means a lot to me because I get to see these kids grow up for four years and watch them become young adults and contributing members of our community.”

The list of scholarship recipients included awards from local organizations such as the Catherine Fidel Memorial Scholarship, the City of Rancho Cordova, Rotary Club, Kiwanis, the Lester Family, and more. Each scholarship represented not just academic merit but community trust and support.

One of the scholarship opportunities was given by the mentors at Cordova High program, which supports students who might not have otherwise considered higher education.

“We work with our counselor and community to offer the opportunity to sponsor our students,” Brown explained. “A lot of the scholarships come to us because alumni or family members of alumni want to give back. Cordova High made a lasting impact on them.”

In addition to scholarships, students were recognized for achievements in leadership and community programs. Two seniors, Shae Griffith and Dulce Martinez, received Student Government Leadership Awards. Eight students were honored for their involvement in Sacramento County Office of Education’s Friday Night Live program, and four for their participation in Improve Your Tomorrow, Inc.

Kiwanis Key Club of Rancho Cordova gave $1,000 scholarships to three seniors, Janice Chang, Celia Portillo and Helen Tat.

Cordova High also paid tribute to four seniors entering the military. Gilmar Castillo Mejia and Zanely Hernandez will join the United States Marine Corps, while Travis McGarvey and Ezekiel Konay have enlisted in the Navy.

“These students made the choice to stand apart from the crowd to commit themselves to something greater than their own ambitions. I am very proud of these individuals becoming part of our nation’s finest,” said a recruiter with the U.S. Army and Navy.

The academic excellence of the Class of 2025 was further highlighted by the 42 students recognized in the top 10% of the class and 12 who earned California Scholarship Federation (CSF) stoles. Thirteen students received the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) full diploma, 20 received the IB Career Programme recognition and 36 were awarded IB certificates.

Thirteen students received the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) full diploma.

Being a very ethnically and culturally diverse campus, Cordova High students always do well with the State Seal of Biliteracy, and this year was no exception. Eighty-four seniors received a special gold seal for their diploma and a medal to wear at graduation for demonstrating proficiency in English and one or more other languages. Languages represented were French, Spanish, Russian, Dari, Farsi, Armenian and Tagalog. 

Valedictorians Janice Chang and Tapasya Shrestha were celebrated with high praise from faculty.

“She is confident and unassuming, strong yet kind and consistently driven to better herself and those around her,” said Assistant Principal Michele Brown about Chang. “She is not just a high achiever; she is deeply inquisitive, always seeking to understand.”

Dr. Freddy Castro, Cordova High assistant principal, described Shrestha as “smart, mature, thoughtful and deeply caring. What makes her truly stand out is her love and genuine joy facing challenges. Her optimism, generosity and humility make her not only a scholar but a leader and a friend.”

This year’s scholarships awards ceremony is dedicated to Catherine J. Fidel and her family honoring their 30 years of generous scholarships in support of the Cordova community.

Students shared what the evening meant to them.

“I actually didn’t know I was going to be winning all these awards because they didn’t say anything beforehand,” said Valeria Aguilar, who took home several scholarships. “I am very excited and can’t wait to graduate.”

Aguilar offered advice for incoming freshmen: “Definitely focus, go to tutoring, get all the resources and take advantage of them. Join as many clubs as you can and really enjoy your time.”

Student Christiana Laret, a scholarship recipient and top scholar, added, “It’s really great that everyone put this on for us and helped us get ready for that next step, graduation. We’ve been really grateful for all the staff that has supported us through our four years.”

Co-valedictorian TapasyaShrestha.

Laret, a four-year member of the school’s golf team, reflected on her high school experience.

“I loved being out there every day doing what I love and being able to be with a team and have that environment.”

One of the scholarship opportunities was given by the Mentors at Cordova High program, which supports students who may not have otherwise considered higher education.

“Our program targets students who need additional support to help them excel in academics, attendance and behavior,” a program representative shared. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see many of these students now in the top of their class.”

As Cordova High prepares to send its seniors into the world, the Scholarships and Awards Ceremony served as both a recognition of the past and a celebration of the future.

Cordova High paid tribute to four seniors, Gilmar Castillo Mejia, Zanely Hernandez, Travis McGarvey and Ezekiel Konay, who have enlisted in the Marines and Navy.

Full list of awardees and recipients:

The scholarship winners were: 

Capitol Coalition Scholarship $2,000: Janice Chang; Catherine Fidel Memorial Scholarship $1,000 each: Mariana Bradburry, Lia Antonio, Celia Portillo, and Tyler Schubin; City of Rancho Cordova PRIDE Scholarship $1,000 each: Christiana Laret and Janice Chang; Cordova Joe Memorial Scholarship: Savannah Fennell; Don Nottoli Scholarship $5,000: Janice Chang; FCEA Scholarship $250 each: Valeria Aguilar and William Wallace; Folsom Cordova Leadership Association Scholarship $500: Calla Webber; Harding San Juan Lodge $10,000: Janice Chang; Kiwanis/Key Club of Rancho Cordova $1,000 each: Janice Change, Celia Portillo, and Helen Tat; Larry D. Smith '62 Leadership & Ethics Scholarship $1,500: Valeria Aguilar; Lester Family Scholarship $1,000: Helen Tat; Mark Levy Memorial Scholarship $500: Stephany Santana; Aric Wilt Arts and Sciences Scholarship $1,000 each: Eileen Patraca Medina and William Wallace; Belka & Hagan Families Student Athlete Scholarship $1,000: Ethan Lam; CL3 MACH Leadership Award $1,000: Ijea Duarte; Jeanene Namisnik Childhood Development Scholarship $1,000: Aleki McMoore; Robert “Neal” IveyService to Others Scholarship $1,000: Valeria Aguilar; Walter “Walt” Chambers, Jr. Vocational Scholarship $1,000 each: Tyler Schubin and Quiel Agito; William “Bill” Ferreirae, Jr. Educational Scholarship $1,000: Van Merrill; Natoma Lodge No. 64 Scholarship $1,250 each: Janice Chang and Savannah Fennell; Rotary Club of Rancho Cordova Scholarship $1,000: Valeria Aguilar, Eileen Patraca Medina, Aliyah Ayala-Porter, Christian Gutierrez Lopez, Janice Chang, Stephany Santana, Tapasya Shrestha, Van Merrill, and Madeline Ford.

Two students received Student Government Leadership Awards:

Shae Griffith and Dulce Martinez

Eight students received recognition for their participation in SCOE’s Friday Night Live program: Rosaura Alejo Ramos, Jenny Delgado Lizarraga, Jasmine Lor, Scarlett Padilla, Deja Perry, Aliyah Porter, Megan Sandner, and Alina Cuevas Torres.

Four students received recognition for their participation in Improve Your Tomorrow, inc. (IYT): Johnathiel Esquilin, Malachi Gorman, Demari Priest, Keymone Williams.

Four students were recognized for enlisting in the military: Gilmar Castillo Mejia and Zanely Hernandez in the United States Marines Corps, and Travis McGarvey and Ezekiel Konay in the United States Navy. 

84 seniors received a special gold seal for their diploma and a medal to wear at graduation for demonstrating proficiency in English and one or more other languages.  Languages represented were French, Spanish, Russian, Dari, Farsi, Armenian and Tagalog.  The following students received Seal of Biliteracy medals:  Eric Acosta, Quiel Ryan Luis Agito, Valeria Aguilar, Rosaura Alejo Ramos, Ali Al-Janabi, Lia Victoria Antonio, Yalda Aqsow, Faisal Atae, Aliyah Ayala-Porter, Amirkhan Ayanuly,  Kayla Denise Bautista, Andrea Bejinez Ceballos, Ci Berry, Heather Bills, Max Brainard, Joseph Campos, Gilmar Damian Castillo-Mejia, Cristian Cavos Vega, Jennifer Ceja, Janice Chang, Valeriya Charnitski, Dilraj Cheema, Alina Cuevas Torres, Emma Danilyuk, Princess De Dios, Janette Delgado, Jenny Delgado Lizarraga, Ashika Devi, Ijea Duarte, Samantha Espinoza Morales, Sebastian Farias, Savannah Fennel, Madeline Ford, Angela Gates, Jocelyn Gutierrez Donis, Zanely Hernandez, Julia Hernandez, Xiomara Hernandez, Thalia Jacobs, Serafina Koran, Zoe Lobbestael, Keiry Loya, Quinten Marks, Dulce Martinez,  Kyleigh McCants, Bernardo Medina Valenzuela, Sophia Mendoza, Van Merrill, Jennifer Munkhnasanjargal, Jessica Nunez Gomez, Alyson Odabashian, Elijah Ovcharenko, Maritza Pascual Ramirez, Eileen Patraca Medina, Jared Perez, Marianna Petrosyan, Anahida Pina, Gor Pohosian, Celia Portillo, Tabasom Rahimi, Camila Ramirez Aguilar, Johan Ramirez Delgado, Brian Rangel, Meena Rashedy, Stephania Renteria Bejinez, Emily Reuben, Camilla Rocha, Alexandra Rohrer, Edwin Rosas Paniagua, Nomar Sebastian Sanchez, Stephany Santana, Tapasya Shrestha, Steven Soriano, Miranda Steelman, Kay Stout, Desiree Sumpo, Jasmine Tagubansa, Helen Tat, Hope Tellez, Gizelle Urias, Jailia Vang, Adriana Vega, Valeria Volosina, William Wallace, Calla Webber, Elijah Whittle, and Amy Xiong.

CSF (California Scholarship Federation):

Lia Victoria Antonio, Janice Chang*, Quinten Marks*, Dulce Martinez*, Van Merrill*, Jennifer Munkhnasanjargal*, Celia Portillo, Emily Reuben*, Alexandra Rohrer*, Kathryn Stout*, Hope Tellez, Jailia Vang* (*Life Member Highest Honor).

Top 10%:

Ali Al-Janabi, Lia Victoria Castro Antonio, Yalda Aqsow, Aliyah Marie Ayala-Porter, Amirkhan Ayanuly, Kayla Denise Villamor Bautista, Heather Sue Bills, Shivesh Chand, Janice Chang, Nia Danelia, Ho-Nam Nhu Dang, Micah James Fennel, Savannah Rose Fennel, Savannah R Koppel, Vallery Sergeyevna Kosovan, Zoe Olaya Lobbestael, Logan Alan Lynch, Oleksandra Mandyk, Quinten Davis Marks, Dulce Maria Martinez, Van William Merrill, Benjamin J Mirzoyan, Jennifer Nomuunerdene Munkhnasanjargal, Alyson Anne Odabashian, Chosen Otto, Marianna Petrosyan, Celia Isabella Portillo, Tabasom Rahimi, Emily Audrey Reuben, Alexandra Juliette Rohrer, Tapasya Shrestha, Aarzu Raina Singh, Danika Noel Khan Stewart, Kay Stacy Stout, Desiree Safe Sumpo, Jasmine Torres Tagubansa, Helen Tat, Rachael Phuong-Trinh Tran, Aitkul Usupbekova, Jailia Precious Vang, Adriana Silvia Vega, Jasper Rahim Wilhelm-Steffens

Full International Baccalaureate Diploma:

Kayla Denise Villamor Bautista, Janice Chang, Ashika Kalpana Devi, Quinten Davis Marks, Van William Merrill, Jennifer Nomuunerdene Munkhnasanjargal, Tabasom Rahimi, Emily Audrey Reuben, Alexandra Juliette Rohrer, Tapasya Shrestha, Kay Stacy Stout, Desiree Safe Sumpo, Hope Elizabeth Tellez

IB Career Programme Certificates: 

Quiel Ryan Luis Malig Agito, Lia Victoria Castro Antonio, Karen Baires Abarca, Shivesh Chand, Miranda Lynn Couch, Maria Belen Cruz Bernabe, Alina Cuevas Torres, Jenny Delgado Lizarraga, Shae Lea Griffith, Vallery Sergeyevna Kosovan, Levko Maksim , Aleki Juel McMoore, Scarlett Catbagan Padilla, Eileen Michele Patraca Medina, Marianna Petrosyan, Stephany Santana, Aarzu Raina Singh, Adriana Silvia Vega, Amy Xiong, Arman Zubyan 

IB Certificates (3 or more IB classes in 11th and 12th grade):

Quiel Ryan Luis Malig Agito, Lia Victoria Castro Antonio, Yalda Aqsow, Aliyah Marie Ayala-Porter, Ci Berry, Mariana Grace Bradbury, Emily Ann Collins, Alina Cuevas Torres, Ho-Nam Nhu Dang, Jenny Delgado Lizarraga, Ijea Marie Duarte , Micah James Fennel, Savannah Rose Fennel, Madeline Mae Ford, Ethan Quoc Lam, Hayden Flo Lee, Zoe Olaya Lobbestael, Dulce Maria Martinez, Cayden James Nivens, Scarlett Catbagan Padilla, Eileen Michele Patraca Medina, Deja Breanna Perry, Marianna Petrosyan, Celia Isabella Portillo, Justus Michael Ramirez, Bobby Anthony Rodriguez, Tyler Samuel Schubin, Aniq Ali Shah, Jasmine Torres Tagubansa, Helen Tat, Rachael Phuong-Trinh Tran, Jailia Precious Vang, Adriana Silvia Vega, William John Wallace, Calla Renee Webber

Cordova High will have two valedictorians this year, Janice Chang and Tapasya Shrestha.