HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. - Ethan Melendrez, a senior at Valley Vista High School (VVHS) in the Huntington Beach Union High School District (HBUHSD), was honored with the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Every Student Succeeding recognition last Friday.

Every year, ACSA recognizes 19 pre-K through adult students, one from each geographic region, as well as two California adult education students, for overcoming the odds and achieving success with their Every Student Succeeding recognition. ACSA believes that every student deserves equal opportunities to succeed, and they created this recognition to honor those who have had to overcome tremendous obstacles to reach their goals of academic excellence.

Ethan Melendrez is one of those incredible students who has faced hardships and adversities in his life, yet continues to push through academically. Ethan transferred into VVHS, HBUHSD’s continuation school, as a student who struggled with attendance and credit acquisition due to external challenges in his life. The small learning environment, supportive staff and teachers, and new friends at VVHS have truly helped Ethan work toward the future he dreams about. He has improved his attendance record, is on track to graduate, and plans to attend college in the fall. On the day-to-day, Ethan has also become an integral part of campus culture by taking classes in leadership, College 100, and even mentoring other students to succeed.

“Valley Vista High School is designed to support students like Ethan Melendrez. The structure the school day provides, our small campus and class sizes, and our philosophy that VVHS is a new beginning and every student can succeed helps students like Ethan find a positive and safe second home with us,” stated VVHS Principal, Jessie Marion. “Ethan Melendrez is a true success story. In the last two years, he has flourished in his personal and academic life. When he crosses the graduation stage in May, Ethan will be the first in his family to attain a high school diploma. We know this is just the beginning of Ethan’s success, and we are so proud of him.”

The Huntington Beach Union High School District is so proud of Ethan for overcoming many challenges and grateful to the staff and teachers at VVHS for creating an inclusive learning environment and being a positive light in this chapter in Ethan’s life. HBUHSD knows Ethan will continue to thrive and succeed as he closes the door on high school and enters a new season of life post-graduation.