Newsroom
NGW logo 4-30-25

Two El Diamante High School students selected as College Night Scholarship award recipients

Diego Medina-Gutierrez and Grace Yates

This week, the College Night Scholarship committee announced the two graduating seniors who are receiving its prestigious four-year scholarship. Diego Medina-Gutierrez and Grace Yates – both of El Diamante High School in Visalia – will receive $1,000 scholarships renewable for up to four years. Medina-Gutierrez and Yates are the 21st and 22nd scholarship recipients.

Read more in the News Gallery Week.

Also in News Gallery Week: 

Tulare County Spelling Champion Sarvadnya Kadam wins state competition; New Friday Night Live Club Live chapter making a difference at Los Tules Middle School; Reading Revolution crowns elementary champions; Weekend rain doesn’t stop young scientists at annual Science Olympiad; Migrant Education Program students visit Washington, D.C.

Profiles in Character

Tulare students-athletes honored for good character

Tulare Fall PVWH

In partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Greater Tulare, TCOE’s CHARACTER COUNTS! Program recognized this fall’s Pursuing Victory with Honor (PVWH) student-athletes at a breakfast this week. For 16 years, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Tulare has recognized student-athletes, nominated by their coaches, each season for their sportsmanship. The awards included a certificate, a PVWH patch, a PVWH t-shirt, and a lawn sign that read "An Athlete of Character Lives Here.”

Tulare Western High School

America Martin, Senior, Girls Water Polo 
Coach McGuire said, “I cannot say enough about America. She is happy, kind, and one of the best things about our water polo program. There is nothing better than a coachable player. Her dedication to the sport is relentless; when practice sets get hard, she digs in and leads the team with commitment and stamina, all with a smile!  She is one of the first to compliment other players. It is a pleasure to know her as a person, student, and athlete. I am thankful and blessed to have her on our team.”

Elijah Parnell, Senior, Boys Water Polo
Coach Hodge said, “Young men like Elijah know how to take the leadership role from sports into all aspects of their life, which ultimately sets them up for success in life. The lessons learned and the development of character Elijah has experienced is unmatched. He is a great team player and is always looking to support the younger players. Elijah is our role model for all players, he keeps his cool in tough situations, and leads with respect for fellow teammates, opponents, and referees.” 

Mission Oak High School

Maleena Martin, Senior, Girls Water Polo
Coach Moya said, “Maleena demonstrates leadership characteristics far beyond her years. She is dependable, determined, and driven. She has led her team well these past three years as varsity captain. When I think of Maleena, I think of an unstoppable individual that is kind, welcoming, and respectful to all.”

Ethan Rodriguez, Senior, Football
Coach Martin said, “Ethan is an outstanding young man who puts his heart and soul into whatever he is doing. As one of our team captains, he is a leader on and off the field and cares about his teammates. Ethan is a quiet and humble leader who leads with his actions. He truly epitomizes our program mantra - faith, family, football - Ethan is all of that.”

Tulare Union High School

Andrea Sandoval, Senior, Girls Cross Country
Coach Lapadula said, “Andrea is a young woman of tremendous character, and it shows during athletic competitions and in the classroom. She is a dedicated student-athlete who contributes to sports programs.  Even through injuries, Andrea spends time at practices and competitions supporting her teammates. As a coach, I am grateful to be able to trust and rely on Andrea to find ways to make our team stronger and successful. I‘ve had the privilege to be her teacher and coach and she is so deserving of this recognition.”

Nathan Christiansen, Senior, Boys Water Polo
Coach Pederson said, “Nathan is an all-around student of character, but especially in the area of respect and good citizenship. I have seen this demeanor all four years of him playing for me and even opposing coaches, players, and parents have noticed it as well. I am fortunate to have had a player like Nathan on my team.”

Contact

Thanks for visiting the TCOE Newsroom. Questions and story suggestions should be sent to robh@tcoe.org.

Members of the media in need of information about the Tulare County Department of Education can contact Communications Director Robert Herman at robh@tcoe.org or (559) 733-6606 ext.1104.