This year, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools office introduced a new award aimed at recognizing students who may not always find themselves in the spotlight. The Superintendent’s Award honors one 8th grade and one 12th grade student from each of the Valley Oaks Charter School campuses in Bakersfield and Tehachapi. These are students who, according to Kern County Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Mendiburu, embody perseverance, kindness, and a strong work ethic, even if they aren’t at the top of their class.
“These are the students who consistently show up, give their best, and make a positive impact on those around them,” Mendiburu said. “They deserve to be celebrated.”
Read on to learn more about each of the VOCS Superintendent Award recipients.
Willow Pittman
8th Grade Graduate
Valley Oaks Charter School – Bakersfield
When Willow Pittman heard the words “petting zoo” during the award presentation, she had a hunch.
“I was completely surprised,” said Pittman. “When they mentioned the petting zoo, it kind of gave it away because I work for my sister and my aunt’s petting zoo. But I was still in shock, and really grateful.”
Willow, who has been at Valley Oaks since 2022, is described by her teachers and principal as a young woman of remarkable integrity, leadership and quiet strength. She’s known not only for her academic effort but for her moral compass and her willingness to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s not the easy thing to do.
“Willow is a strong, self-assured young woman with a clear sense of identity and purpose,” said Donna Smith, principal at VOCS Bakersfield. “She’s never afraid to ask thoughtful questions or seek out deeper understanding. Her resilience and grit are evident in the way she tackles challenges head-on, always standing up for what is right.”
Outside of school, Willow is an active part of her family’s business, BFF Mobile Petting Zoo. From goats and pigs to miniature ponies and donkeys, she helps care for a wide variety of animals, though her favorite is a miniature donkey named Betsy.
Her love for animals doesn’t stop there. Willow’s dream is to become a veterinarian, and she’s already charting her path: high school next, and then, she hopes, veterinary school.
“She is a remarkable example of strength, kindness, and determination,” said Dr. Mendiburu. “We are proud to honor Willow Pittman with this year’s Superintendent’s Award.”
Willow Pittman is congratulated by Dr. John Mendiburu.
Bryan Daniels
12th Grade Graduate
Valley Oaks Charter School – Bakersfield
Whether he’s sparking a Conga Line at a dance or singing cartoon theme songs with his sister, Bryan Daniels has a way of lifting up everyone around him. Known for his energy, warmth, and kindness, he’s been a bright presence on the Valley Oaks Charter School campus for much of the past decade.
Bryan first attended Valley Oaks in 2nd and 3rd grade, then returned in 6th grade. Since then, he has been a consistent source of joy and school spirit throughout high school. As Senior Representative on the ASB this year, he wasn’t just a leader for his class. He went out of his way to connect to students across all grade levels, encouraging shy students to join in and turning everyday moments into lasting memories.
“Bryan is a shining light at Valley Oaks,” said Remedios Rueda, Bryan’s principal at the VOCS Bakersfield campus. “He’s always ready to lend a hand and bring people together.”
When he heard his name announced for the Superintendent’s Award during graduation, Bryan was stunned.
“I was just like, ‘No, that can’t be me,’” he said. “But then I heard the part about dancing and thought that it was definitely up my alley. It was awesome.”
Outside of school, Bryan helps with his family’s property clean-up business, a job he credits with teaching him the importance of responsibility, punctuality, and work ethic.
Looking ahead, he plans to attend trade school and pursue a career in HVAC.
“That’s the plan,” he said. “That’ll be it for me.”
Emelia Robbins
8th Grade Graduate
Valley Oaks Charter School – Tehachapi
Students who enjoy the vibrant and robust drama program at VOCS Tehachapi have Emelia Robbins to thank. When she was in seventh grade, Emelia advocated and worked with her mother to bring the once-closed drama program back to life. Since then, it’s become a favorite among students.
“Emilia’s initiative and commitment to bringing back something her peers deeply valued is a powerful reflection of her dedication and determination,” VOCS Tehachapi Principal Kristi Henry said.
Emelia has been continuously enrolled at Valley Oaks since kindergarten, along with some of her friends. She says she was surprised and excited to learn she earned the Superintendent’s Award, because she didn’t think it would be her.
“I thought it was one of my good friends, Kyle because he’s also been here forever. He’s very similar to me, so it was a crazy surprise, I did not expect that,” she said.
Community, church, service, and advocacy are cornerstones of Emelia’s journey at Valley Oaks. The staff describes her as a curious problem solver and explorer, ready to embrace a life of learning through adventure and experience. She’s always willing to lend a hand to those in her community, whether on campus or off.
“Emelia is an exceptional young woman with the confidence to advocate for what she believes in,” Henry said. “I deeply admire this quality in her and am confident it will continue to benefit her in the years ahead.”
Calista Livingston
12th Grade Graduate
Valley Oaks Charter School – Tehachapi
Since her enrollment at Valley Oaks seven years ago, Calista Livingston has become respected in class for her determination, strong work ethic, and remarkable commitment, not only to her academics but also to her demanding journey as a competitive dancer and instructor. Calista says her mom signed her up for a dance class when she was about two years old and has been dancing ever since. Principal Kristi Henry calls her discipline, perseverance, and passion truly inspiring.
“She is a remarkably talented young woman who excels not only in her academics but also in the demanding and expressive art of dance,” Henry said.
Calista said she had no idea she would be the one to receive the Superintendent’s Award, until Dr. Mendiburu mentioned that the winner had to regularly commute to Tehachapi from California City.
“It was insane to me. A lot of these kids at Valley Oaks are so amazing,” she said. “It’s been a hard drive for seven years of my life, but it was awesome.”
Another thing Calista is known for is her relentless positivity. Valley Oaks staff describe her as respectful, hardworking and kind with a consistently positive attitude.
“Calista has an incredibly bright spirit and brings positive energy to every space she enters,” Henry said. “All of us at VOCS are immensely proud of her achievements and the vibrant presence she brings to our community.”
“She is a remarkably talented young woman who excels not only in her academics but also in the demanding and expressive art of dance.”
— Principal Kristi Henry
By Jennifer Bryan
Jennifer Bryan joined Kern County Superintendent of Schools in 2021 as a Communications Specialist. As a creative and motivated marketing communications specialist, she has a special knack for storytelling and content creation. Born and raised in Kern County, Jennifer has worked in major industries within the region such as agriculture and oil and gas before she made the transition to education.