By JULIE DRAKE Valley Press Staff Writer

PALMDALE — The students came dressed in glittering gowns and swanky suits as Antelope Valley Union High School District celebrated the WE CARE Transition Program Oscar Night on Friday at Highland High School.

The third annual event is a celebration of student achievements. The WE CARE (Work Ethics Career and Real-Life Experiences) program provides the opportunity for special education high school students and graduates to gain the skills necessary for successful involvement in employment and adult life.

This year, the district’s WE CARE transition team embraced the theme “Action! Mission EmployABILITY!” for the 2024-25 school year to emphasize the district’s commitment to preparing students for the 21st century workforce.

he students, their parents and guests entered Highland High’s large gymnasium and walked a red carpet before taking their seats. Special guests included Rep. George Whitesides, D-Agua Dulce; Palmdale Mayor Richard Loa and Councilwoman Andrea Alarcón; and Lancaster Councilwoman Lauren Hughes-Leslie.

“Tonight we are celebrating something that often goes unrecognized but is incredibly important — the hard work, resilience and talent of all the students that are here with us tonight,” said Whitesides, who also recognized the parents and teachers. “Folks, as a representative, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of programs that foster a culture of inclusion and empowerment and help young people build the skills they need to lead independent, fulling lives. These students are not defined by the challenges that they face but by their commitment to overcoming them.”

Loa congratulated all of the honorees.

“Your hard work, dedication and perseverance have brought you to this moment and that absolutely deserves to be celebrated,” he said. He added a congratulations to the grandparents in the audience.

Hughes-Leslie also expressed her congratulations and thanks to the staff who made it all possible.

“You are our students, our future leaders, and what you’re doing tonight is just a stepping stone into what your future looks like, what our future looks like,” she said, adding a hope that the students return to the Antelope Valley after they have finished college or their goals.

Hughes-Leslie encouraged everyone seated at the tables to hold up one of the light wands at each table for a selfie.

Also in attendance were Anna Zarley, district director for Assemblyman Tom Lackey, R-Palmdale; Ilsa Garcia, a field representative from Assemblyman Juan Carrillo’s office; and AV Union High School District board members President Carla Corona, Clerk Cynthia Hernandez and Charles Hughes. Video messages from state Sen. Suzette Martinez Valladares, R-Santa Clarita, Assemblymen Lackey and Carrillo, Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Palmdale Mayor Pro Tem Laura Bettencourt and Councilman Austin Bishop were also played.

The event was recorded by Quartz Hill and Eastside high schools’ film and television academies.

“Tonight, we recognize students from all programs in all of our schools for their contributions to building a more inclusive community, regardless of the final outcomes, each of you here this evening are already a winner in my book,,” AV Union High School District Superintendent Greg Nehen said.

Kathy Mercier, coordinator of Transition & WE CARE, said they believe in the abilities of all of their students.

“This event is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and it underscores our commitment to equipping them with the tools they need to succeed in their future endeavors,” she said. “‘Oscar Night’ is more than just an awards ceremony; it’s a celebration of potential and a promise of a brighter future for our students and our community.”

The event was hosted by students from the district’s different campuses. The student hosts announced the nominees in each category and the winners. The presentations included student-produced highlight reels from each of the school sites that represented some of their favorite moments that showcased inclusion, college and career preparation and school pride.

Here are the award categories and the winners:

• Academic Excellence Award: Kiarrie Tillotson, Antelope Valley High School.

• Best Campus Success Story: Wynton Reed, Knight High School.

• Coffee Cart of the Year: Falcon Bean Cafe, Palmdale High School.

• College or Career Readiness Award: Kassidy Barnett, Lancaster High School.

• Communication Mastery Award: David Ocampo Barron, Highland High School.

• Amplifying Student Voice Award: Mairani Galdamez Delgado, Antelope Valley High School.

• Creative Ingenuity Award: Riley Kieffer, Knight High School.

• Entrepreneurship Mastery Award: Fabian Niebla Zuniga, Palmdale High School.

• Employer of the Year: Imagine City.

• Excellence in Leadership Award: Precious Franklin, Lancaster High School.

• Humanitarian Award: Gustavo Montes, Knight High School.

• The Resilience Rising Award: Unstoppable Growth and Resilience: Omar Mendoza, Quartz Hill High School.

• Self-Advocacy Achievement Award: Tyler Poynor King, Eastside High School.

• Team Player Award: Gabrielle Medrano, Littlerock High School.

• Prime Time Athlete Award: Jameson Harris, Quartz Hill High School.

• Prime Time Mentor (NDP): Jordan Edwards Morton, Palmdale High School.

• Equity Mindset: Jamal Jones, Eastside High School.

• Inclusive Excellence: Kaelen Ayers, Knight High School.

• Student of the Year 2024-25 (tie): Jeremiah Shaw, Littlerock High School, and Jaylen Taylor Tindle, Highland High School.