Girls that ROCK!
El Centro Chamber Foundation honors females
She’s Managing an eighttime student of the year, a peace builder, attends youth groups through St. Mary’s Church, has raised funds for several organizations but more importantly, beat brain cancer at a young age and she’s only 14-years-old.
Southwest High School freshman Hailey Contreras was one of seven ladies honored, the youngest as well, during the second annual Imperial Valley Girls ROCK! event Thursday evening at the Old Eucalyptus Schoolhouse in El Centro.
Contreras, along with Sharon Mousel, Heather and Lindsey White, Mariam Perez, Kiana Nava and Isaura Ruiz were honored under various categories for the various work they do in the community, their leadership skills and more.
“We had a great group of nominees,” said El Centro Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Darletta Willis.
The event was coordinated through the El Centro Chamber Foundation which uses funds raised through the event to award scholarships to high school students going off to college. Last year, the foundation awarded 16 scholarships.
“It’s great to know that we have such great females in the community that are doing great things,” Willis said.
The event honors women ages 5 and up, looking to include the younger girls that are sometimes overshadowed by the accomplishment of professional women.
“Most of our events recognize the older women, the business women who have been doing it for a while,” Willis said. “We’ve kind of forgotten about the younger people so I wanted to make sure we highlighted what they’re doing.”
Contreras, who is a twotime nominee and won it for the first time, was awarded the Social Humanitarian Award for the work she does is the community.
“It’s truly just amazing and that just means I can give more back to the community as it is,” said Hailey. “I just love the feeling to know I helped someone and I helped them clarify who they are, making them stronger.”
There were a total of 11 nominees in six categories and all, according to Hailey, are winners.
“I really don’t think there are any winners per say, I really think it was just an amazing effort to think we’ve all done so many great things for the community,” Hailey said.
Biographies provided by the El Centro Chamber Foundation
Shot Caller Award
Sharon Mousel
Mousel is an extremely dedicated and dependable young lady who definitely qualifies as a positive influence in her community. Currently attending San Diego State University, Mousel continues to volunteer in the community at the Imperial Valley Desert Museum and recently completing her training to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate; she even committed her entire summer to completing the volunteer training.
Community Change Agent Award
Heather and Lindsay White
Heather White has served the less fortunate through Cody’s Closet, a non-profit organization, volunteering countless hours gathering and collecting clothing for children of low-income families free of charge. Lindsay White is an excellent example to young ladies in our community; she has proven to be a dedicated student and athlete all while maintaining a competitive GPA. Lindsay White’s determination and excellent work ethic has earned her acceptance to the University of California in Irvine this fall.
Social Humanitarian Award
Hailey Contreras
Contreras is an eight-time student of the year, a peace builder, attends youth groups through St. Mary’s Church, has raised funds for the Southwest High School chess club, Southwest Latin Dance and is an autism/anti-bullying advocate (inspired by her sister with special needs).
Contreras dreams of holding political office while doing social work where she can make a bigger impact on the Valley and its future.
Rock Star Award
Mariam Perez
Perez is a very energetic, competitive student and athlete. She is a strong communicator as is always willing to listen and help anyone in need; including volunteering with MAG Coalition, serving as an alter server at St. Margaret Mary Church, feeding the homeless and volunteering countless hours with other organizations. Perez has also been involved with the Naval Sea Cadets for two years which has definitely added to her maturity level.
Star Power Award
Kiana Nava
What sets Nava apart are her dedication, hard work ethic and compassion for others. Nava was chosen to attend The American Legion Auxiliary Girls State (and was the first Imperial County Delegate elected to run for governor). She also excels in school by maintaining a high GPA and participating in class office, Mock Trial, Future Business Leaders of America Club and is a saxophone player in the Central Union High School Great Spartan Band. Nava has volunteered over 150 hours at local convalescent homes and hospice care facilities, has served as an alter server and assisted with social gatherings at her church.
Trailblazer Award
Isaura Ruiz
Ruiz has demonstrated that she definitely goes above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the success of any project she is involved in. Ruiz will be leaving for college to attend Cal State Fullerton this fall; she has set a goal to become an art teacher and return to Central Union High School to inspire others through art. Ruiz was involved and helped with the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.