January 19, 2024 --  Equitas Academy Alumni Programs is proud to announce the winners of the 2023 Commitment to Community Award.

The Commitment to Community Award recognizes Equitas Alumni for their leadership, community service, and social justice efforts in their high schools, and are seen as leaders in their communities. All alumni are eligible but must be nominated by a teacher, mentor, counselor or other member from their high school or community. Previous winners and more information can be found here. 

Awarded annually in December, the Equitas Academy Commitment to Community Award recognizes four alumni in high school grades 9-12. High school staff and community members nominate honorees every fall, and alumni are encouraged to share the nomination form with their teachers/counselors. 

This year we had nominations from the Class of 2028 (12th Grade), the Class of 2029 (11th Grade), and the Class of 2031 (9th Grade).  The recipients of this prestigious award are Nathaniel L., Astro Ovalle, and Samantha Munoz! 

Nathaniel L. (Class of 2028)

Nate is one of the top students in his overall grade level, participates in sports, many clubs, and numerous on-campus events. Additionally, Nathaniel has been chosen a number of times to attend field trips as a representative for our school as a STEM student. Nathaniel is an active learner who never hesitates to ask how he can support others. Nathaniel was asked to be a member of our School Site Council as his voice is always an important one when it comes to making positive changes to our school. Additionally, he knows how to present feedback to stakeholders in a way that is mature and respectful. Aside from being a member of the boy's basketball team, Nate took it upon himself to be an academic mentor to a student who transferred into our school and joined the team. Previously, the student failed all classes at his school. After working with Nate for a semester, the student earned Honor Roll. Nate stays after school frequently and engages with our after-school program, often working with other students to build community. He is really just a light and positive force at the school. He is one of the most impressive students I have ever worked with in my 13 year educational career.

Nate consistently volunteers within the school. He has partnered with administration and school custodians to work on a school clean up campaign, participates in peer-tutoring, and supports other school sports. Nate has a goal to one day be an engineer. One of his passions is getting clean water for everyone in the world; especially those living in underserved communities. As a student, he remembers clearly having to walk to his neighborhood bodega with his mom to get clean water for his family. He was very much inspired by this and has consistently said he wants to work to make this a reality for all.

Nate is a model for other students at our school. He is a truly motivated individual -- not just for his own gain, but to help support others. Nate truly lives and breathes to make things better for his family but also for others around him. I am really impressed with how reflective Nate is and how he thinks about his positionally in the school and in the larger neighborhood.

Astro O. (Class of 2029)

As an active member of the Associated Student Body (ASB), Astro has been instrumental in organizing various school events, including pep rallies, dances, and the much-anticipated Winter Carnival. Their ability to bring the community together and create memorable experiences for their peers is a testament to their leadership and commitment to school spirit. In addition to these efforts, Astro's participation in community events underscores their dedication to civic engagement and community service.  Astro's talents further shine in the realm of performing arts. Their performances in the Drama Club, especially in the improv show 'Made Up Stuff,' are not only hilarious but also demonstrate their creativity and confidence. These qualities make them a standout member of the Drama Club and an inspiration to their peers who admire their artistic abilities.  Academically, Astro sets a high standard as a model student in honors and Advanced Placement courses. Their dedication to academic excellence, combined with their active participation in extracurricular activities, makes them a well-rounded individual and a role model for their peers.  Astro's advocacy work as a strong and vocal member of the Gay Straight Alliance (formerly known as Pride Club) is particularly commendable. Their efforts in promoting inclusivity, understanding, and support for the LGBTQ+ community within the school are vital contributions to social justice.

Samantha M. (Class of 2031)

Samantha is always helping everyone out , keeping up with all the work and having positive interactions with everyone around her.  Samantha is dedicated to do her work and pushes her teammates to accomplish their work. Samantha had done a presentation based on Mass Incarceration and let her peers know why it's impacting our society. She did research, asked questions to open up her thinking and others. Samantha's effort has impacted the Pico-Union community by volunteering her time in community service hours. She went to her old middle school and engaged in positive multigenerational change.