Yucaipa Student Earns District 'Making a Difference' Award

Gesenia Ramirez recognized for leadership and community service

Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:50pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District Board of Education has honored Yucaipa High School student Gesenia Ramirez with the superintendent's 'Making a Difference' Award, recognizing her extensive involvement and impact across her school and the broader Yucaipa community.

Why it matters

The award highlights the importance of student leadership and civic engagement, particularly among young people who are making a tangible difference in their local communities through initiatives that promote mental health awareness, volunteerism, and community events.

The details

Nominated by the Yucaipa High School counseling team, Ramirez was recognized for her roles as YHS Student Council president, chairperson of the city's Youth Advisory Committee, president of the Health and Biomedical Leadership Team, and vice president of the YHS Community Service Club. In these positions, she has helped lead efforts such as the high school's first Mental Health Week and various community events.

  • Ramirez was honored at a recent Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District Board of Education meeting.

The players

Gesenia Ramirez

A student at Yucaipa High School who was recognized with the superintendent's 'Making a Difference' Award for her extensive leadership and community service roles.

Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District Board of Education

The school board that recognized Gesenia Ramirez with the 'Making a Difference' Award.

Kim Pham

A student board member who acknowledged Ramirez's ability to balance multiple leadership roles while remaining deeply engaged in each one.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Yes, even though she wears a lot of hats...she never sees it as a chore. She sees it more as a passion, and whenever she participates in these activities, she feels so fulfilled.”

— Kim Pham, Student Board Member

“I'm honored to receive this award.”

— Gesenia Ramirez

The takeaway

This award recognizes the valuable contributions that engaged and passionate student leaders can make within their schools and local communities, inspiring others to follow in Gesenia Ramirez's footsteps of service and civic involvement.