The first annual O.C. 2024 Charter Schools Parent of the Year celebration took place on May 18

On Saturday, May 18, 2024, La Union de Padres and Activa Tu Voz hosted its first annual OC Charter Schools Parent of the Year celebration. In attendance were Parents, charter school staff, dignitaries and community members who celebrated the 2024 OC Charters Schools Parents of the Year: Laura Munoz and Armando Rojas from Vista Global Academy, Byanka Mercado from Vista Heritage, Cristina Flores and Ricardo Vasquez from Vista Meridian High School, Maria Vega from Palm Lane Elementary, Cecilia Andrade and Minh-Long Hoang from NOVA Early College High School, Gloria Anyely Soltero, Lourdes Martinez, Dalia Garica from Legacy College Prep, Hortencia Morales and Leal Marleny Martinez from Santiago Middle School.

The following Parents received the distinguished awards for their respective category: Laura Munoz from Vista Global Academy -Elementary School Parent of the Year; Byanka Mercado from Vista Heritage- Middle School Parent of the Year and Mr. Minh-Long Hoang from NOVA Early College- HS Parent of the Year.

A recurring theme received from the honorees was how encouraging and inspiring it was for so many parental rights and educational opportunity advocates to be together in one space where the contributions and success of parents were celebrated and how everyone’s participation strengthens the support for more educational options in Orange County.

“The advocacy for parental rights and quality public education for all students in Orange County continues and I am proud to see so many individuals come together to celebrate the tenacity of parents choosing the best educational environment for their children. I am exceedingly grateful for the contribution of OCBE Trustee Dr. Ken Williams, RSCCD Trustee Sal Tinajero, Santa Ana Councilmember David Penaloza, Keynote Speaker former State Senator Gloria Romero and the events MC Feli Michaca from Univision Radio to acknowledge parents on this historic groundbreaking event” said Cecilia “Ceci” Iglesias, founder of La Union de Padres and Activa Tu Voz.

Sponsors for the event included California Charter Schools Association, The Lincoln Club of Orange County, Parents Defending Education, Basta, JAM Sports, The Merino Group, Gustavo Vargas, Mike Tardif, Explore Academy Board Member, OC Businessman Sandy Stiassni, Parent Advocates Teresita Diaz and Sylvia Iglesias and singer Vanessa Gomez. The honorees received Certificates of Recognition from the offices of Councilmember Penaloza, OC Supervisor Don Wagner and OC Supervisor Vincent Sarmento.

Stay tuned for the announcement for La Union de Padres Activa Tu Voz – OC Charter Schools Parent of the Year 2025 date.