Student of the Year Awards Next Week

The Castro Valley and Eden Area Chamber of Commerce is set to recognize outstanding local students at the Student Citizens of the Year event on April 13.

The award lets each school pick a Student Citizen who demonstrates qualities in two categories: School and Community. The event will be the first time since 2019 that students will be in person to receive their awards. The 2020 event was canceled due to COVID.

"The students chosen for this award should show self-discipline, leadership, cooperation and servanthood, scholastic effort, community and home responsibility, and possibly community service and work experience," said Chamber Executive Director Gary Slate.

Extra-curricular activities such as clubs, athletics, music, library helpers, and student council are factored into the "School" category. Youth organization participation in groups like Scouts, Campfire, 4-H, softball, Little League, and Boys/Girls Clubs are considered when deciding a student's "Community" efforts. 

All the public schools from Castro Valley participate in the decision process Parochial schools like Our Lady of Grace and Redwood Christian participate as well.  Committees are limited to choosing only one student from their school. No ties are allowed.

More than 150 people are expected to attend, including leaders from each school. Alameda County Office of Education Trustee Aisha Knowles, who oversees the unincorporated communities, will be the keynote speaker at the event.

The event will be held at the Redwood Canyon Golf Course and Event Center between 12 noon and 2 p.m.