RISE Students Recognized for Overcoming Obstacles, Inspiring Others

A student sat with his head down, emotionally exhausted and ready to give up. Nothing in his life, he said, seemed to be going right. Before KCSOS teacher Linda Bryson could step in, Ben quietly walked across the room and took a seat beside him. Drawing from his own experiences with hardship and instability, he began telling the student about a story he once read. It was about a person who faced constant setbacks but refused to let those struggles define their future.

“Right now, you may not see it, but you are going to rise above this too,” Ben told his classmate. “The hard things you’re going through are not the end of your story.”

By the time he finished speaking, the room had gone completely still. Students who moments earlier had been distracted were now listening intently, drawn in by the sincerity and compassion behind his words.

Moments like this are why four students in the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) RISE program were honored Thursday evening during the 2026 Graduate Memorial Awards ceremony at the Kelly F. Blanton Student Education Center.

The annual tradition also honors four beloved RISE educators whose lives were dedicated to supporting students navigating difficult life circumstances. Though they have passed away, their legacy continues through awards bearing their names, each recognizing the qualities they exemplified throughout their careers — empathy, perseverance, integrity, and optimism.

“These students have overcome significant challenges, and yet they continue to lead, inspire, and give back,” said Kern County Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Mendiburu. “They exemplify the values we hope to instill in every student, and we are proud to honor them as part of this meaningful tradition.”

For many students in alternative education, the journey to graduation is rarely straightforward. Thursday’s ceremony celebrated not only academic achievement, but the perseverance students demonstrated while navigating obstacles both inside and outside the classroom.

In Ben’s case, growing up in foster care and living in group homes presented significant challenges from an early age. But rather than allowing those experiences to harden him, he developed a deep sense of empathy and understanding for others facing difficult circumstances.

Bryson said Ben is in tune with how quickly a person’s choices can shape their future and often shares lessons from his own experiences to encourage other students to make positive decisions and stay focused on their goals.

“He’s the kind of student who naturally makes those around him feel valued,” Bryson said. “His influence on the classroom community is meaningful. He always makes the environment more welcoming for everyone around him.”

Surrounded by educators, peers, and family members of the late KCSOS employees cheering him on, Ben received the Jerry Elizondo Empathy Award, recognition for the compassion he shows to those around him. Three of his peers were also recognized.

Emily Salinas Martinez

Emily Salinas Martinez was recognized with the Sixto Urzua Perseverance Award for the resilience, determination, and personal growth she has demonstrated throughout her educational journey.

Despite experiencing frequent instability in her living situation and the absence of consistent parental support, Emily continued showing up to school each day determined to build a better future for herself. KCSOS Court/Community School Principal Rick Gillenwater said her perseverance through adversity has inspired both staff and fellow students.

“She has shown others that even when the deck is stacked against you, through determination and hard work, anything is possible,” he said.

During her time in the RISE program, Emily experienced significant personal and academic growth. Staff members described her transformation from a student struggling with behavioral challenges and credit deficiencies into a focused, mature young woman who now takes ownership of her education and remains on track to graduate on time.

As an unaccompanied youth who regularly moved from home to home during her high school years, Emily encountered obstacles that might have caused many students to give up. Instead, she continued pushing forward and advocating for herself.

“Over her four years in our program, Emily has matured and grown significantly, developing into a responsible young woman who continues to improve and learn each day,” Gillenwater said. “Her perseverance hasn’t gone unnoticed by those around her.”

Emily Salinas Martinez poses with loved ones.

Jazzmine Saenz Williams

When Jazzmine Saenz Williams first enrolled at CLC’s Independent Study Program, graduating from high school was far from guaranteed. Behind in credits and facing the possibility of not finishing school, she could have easily allowed those circumstances to define her future. Instead, she chose to fight for a different outcome.

Now, she has been honored with the Alton Patterson Optimism Award for maintaining a positive outlook and focused determination while overcoming significant personal and academic challenges.

KCSOS teacher Nicole Ocampo said Jazzmine consistently asks questions, seeks guidance, and takes advantage of every opportunity available to help her succeed.

“From the moment she entered the program, she was determined to improve her circumstances and build a better future for herself,” Ocampo said.

Jazzmine’s journey has included hardships few students should have to endure. She has experienced the loss of both parents and other close family members and has also spent time in the juvenile justice system.

“Jazzmine has shared that she did not always have strong role models or a dependable support system to guide her growing up,” Ocampo said.

Yet through every setback, Jazzmine refused to let her circumstances determine her future. Today, she is considering continuing her education at Bakersfield College or pursuing military service after graduation.

In addition to her academic work, Jazzmine participates in the JobsPlus! employability readiness program, where she is developing workplace and career-readiness skills designed to support her long after high school. Perhaps most meaningful of all, she will become the first person in her family to graduate from high school.

Jazzmine Saenz Williams is presented her award from KCSOS Assistant Superintendent Desiree Von Flue.

Jaylee Celis

Jaylee Celis received the Tami Gibson Integrity Award for the responsibility, compassion, and strong moral character she demonstrates both in and out of the classroom.

Her teacher, Beth Gallego, said Jaylee excelled in every category considered for the award and described her as hardworking, honest, and deeply caring toward others.

“I was so proud to nominate Jaylee Celis,” Gallego said.

Described as a conscientious student who takes pride in doing things the right way, Jaylee consistently dedicating the time and effort needed to complete thoughtful and accurate work. Whether completing assignments or taking exams, she approaches every task with focus, accountability, and integrity.

“She has consistently been hardworking and has grown to be an independent and self-disciplined learner,” Gallego added.

During her three and a half years at West Kern Community School, Jaylee remained committed to her goals, staying enrolled year-round and ultimately graduating early with an impressive 3.57 GPA. She is now continuing her educational journey at Taft College, building on the strong foundation she established through hard work, perseverance, and personal integrity.

Loved ones of Tami Gibson, a former beloved KCSOS employee who passed away, pose for a photo during the 2026 Graduate Memorial Awards ceremony.