A year after launching a new recognition program designed to honor students whose achievements often go unnoticed, the Superintendent’s Award once again celebrated Valley Oaks Charter School students this week. The award was created to shine a spotlight on students who may not always receive traditional academic or athletic recognition, but who embody the values of kindness, service, resilience, and determination in meaningful ways.
This year’s recipients represented both the Bakersfield and Tehachapi Valley Oaks campuses and were recognized for everything from mentoring classmates and supporting school productions to overcoming personal challenges and quietly serving others behind the scenes.
“This award is about recognizing the students who make schools better simply by the way they show up every day,” said Kern County Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Mendiburu. “These students demonstrate leadership through kindness, perseverance, humility, and service to others. Their stories deserve to be celebrated.”
Congratulations to this year’s honorees:
Seth Bass
8th Grade
Tehachapi Campus
At the Tehachapi campus, eighth-grade student Seth Bass was recognized for outstanding commitment, nearly perfect attendance, and a consistently positive attitude that has made a lasting impression on staff and classmates alike. Teachers described Seth as a student who greets others warmly, willingly helps peers, and continues to demonstrate remarkable growth in problem-solving and perseverance.
Ava Wiehn
12th Grade
Tehachapi Campus
Tehachapi graduating senior Ava Wiehn was honored for leading through quiet dedication and service. Known for volunteering countless hours at school and community events, Ava earned praise for consistently stepping forward to help without seeking recognition. School staff highlighted her humility, positivity, and the example she sets for younger students through athletics, leadership, and service.
Alexa Rios
8th Grade
Bakersfield Campus
In Bakersfield, eighth-grade student Alexa Rios was recognized for tremendous personal growth and confidence. Once shy when first arriving at Valley Oaks, Alexa has flourished through involvement in programs such as SHINE and the VOCS Media Club. Teachers described her as highly organized, creative, hardworking, and always willing to support classmates in meaningful ways.
Nathaniel Wheeler
12th Grade
Bakersfield Campus
Nathaniel Wheeler, a Bakersfield graduating senior, was honored for his leadership and mentorship within Valley Oaks’ technical theatre program. After discovering a passion for technical theatre, Nathaniel became an integral member of the school’s performing arts department, helping support productions, mentoring younger students, and contributing creative ideas behind the scenes. Staff members praised his quiet determination, kindness, and positive attitude.
By Robert Meszaros
Rob Meszaros is Director of Communications for the Kern County Superintendent of Schools, where he has served since 2012. In his role, Meszaros oversees media relations, internal and external communication strategies, publications, Marcom, branding, and multi-media content creation. Before joining KCSOS, Meszaros was the PIO for CSU Bakersfield and earlier worked for seven years at The Bakersfield Californian.