Plaque Recipient - Matthew Tempongko
Each year, the Most Valuable award is voted on by their peers. Matthew is a great student with a positive, and helpful attitude. His work ethic, leadership and time management skills made him a great role model in and out of the classroom.
Plaque Recipient - Tong Xie
This award represents the student who exemplifies academic excellence combined with a commitment to becoming a world citizen. The Most Outstanding award is chosen by IB teachers. Tong has been called "brilliant", "very curious" and "always wanting to learn about new cultural ideas". She is considered hardworking, insightful, and well-rounded.
Plaque Recipient - Jeffrey Gong, 10th
PLTW Engineering Student of the Year
Jeffrey possesses all the traits that you would want in a great engineer. He has a good analytical mind, can problem solve with the best of them, pays attention to every detail required of a project, is organized to a tee, and is highly creative. The sky's the limit for Jeffrey in whatever field he may want to pursue in the future!
Plaque Recipient - Blake Holmes
Blake has found a creative outlet through film, with a specification in Visual Effects, over 4 years in the Digital Video Production pathway. He is not only talented, but willing to learn and adapt to any new given situation. He has shown himself to be not only a good student, but a good partner, employee, and leader.
Plaque Recipient - Anoushka Bhat
Anoushka has served on the Brahma Tech Student Board for all 4 years of high school, including this year as President. She has served as a mentor and inspiration to her peers.
Brahma Tech Student of the Year
During the summer of 2020, Anoushka completed two internships through the City of Hope & CHOC Hospital, exploring the applications of technology in a medical setting.
Congratulations, Anoushka!
Plaque Recipient - Celine Shen
Celine has been an exemplary student in our Social Science program, completing AP European History, AP US History and AP Economics over the course of her time at DBHS. She has given her best in each of these courses and been a fantastic student in working with her teachers and classmates.
Plaque Recipient - Luke Frederick Zhou
Student of the Year
Luke Zhou did an amazing job this year in our highest math class, HL Math. He was consistently at the top of the class and his work ethic and positive attitude helped elevate everybody. Luke also served as an officer on the Math Team helping things run smoothly in this crazy, virtual school year. Luke also did an excellent job in our competitions – be it Math Madness or the AMC exam. Congratulations, Luke on a tremendous year!
Plaque Recipient - Eileen Zu, 11th
Its been a pleasure to see Eileen mature to a confident seeker of scientific understanding and enlightenment. She has shown great passion for science in her competitive endeavors in the Science Olympiad and Science Bowl Teams. Her academic rigor is as impressive as her approachable and friendly demeanor that makes her well liked by her classmates and teachers.
Plaque Recipient - Arielle Chang
Arielle Chang is the first to arrive to zero period every morning all year long! She is an amazingly hard working and dedicated student who is engaged. She participates daily and often leads discussions. Arielle has superb analytical writing skills. Congratulations Arielle!
Plaque Recipient - Jennifer Lai
Jennifer embodies an amazing Brahma visual art student. She has a deep knowledge in both 3D design and AP Studio Art. Her creativity, work ethic, and experimentation of unique materials makes her a clear standout amongst her peers. Congratulations to Jennifer Lai our DBHS 2020-2021 Visual Arts Student of the Year!
Plaque Recipient - Clare Choi
Clare Choi is one of the most talented musicians and leaders to ever come thru Diamond Bar High School. Her passion for music, especially chamber music, has helped shape not only the current ensembles, but set the standard for the next generation of superstars.
Plaque Recipient - Alyssa Guerra
Alyssa has been an outstanding performer, leader, student, and citizen in choir. She has set the standard for a model performer in the program: one of excellence, integrity, and kindness. She leaves very big shoes to fill.
Plaque Recipient - Aaron Hao
Aaron Hao is the perfect example of what a Diamond Bar student should strive to be. He is an outstanding violinist who is recognized at the regional and state levels. He is a natural leader, who participates in numerous clubs and activities. He is also an academic superstar who is recognized as one of this year’s Valedictorians.
Plaque Recipient - Allison Santogrossi
Allison is an amazing thespian who has gone above and beyond the standard duties and shows an excellence in theatre. Allison is a four year drama student, drama president, and International Honor thespian. She has dedicated over 2,000 hours of theatre commitment! Congratulations Allison!
Plaque Recipient - Lawrence Wu
Lawrence Wu is one of the best musicians to ever grace the stage at Diamond Bar High School. He is recognized both locally and nationwide as one of the top bassoonists in his graduating class. He is an outstanding student and leader, who is multi-talented, as seen by his performance in the title role of “Phantom of the Opera”. He will be missed!
Plaque Recipient - Zephyr Bo Meneses, 11th
Pathways Student of the Year Awards
Zephyr is an attentive student, always wanting to make sure he understands the task or assignment given. Checking for understanding is his number one mantra. Inquiring as to the many ways to complete a project is a familiar approach for Zephyr. From his Pathways Communications Academy teachers’ perspective, Zephyr is an absolute joy to have as a student, knowing that he will almost always be engaged in the classroom environment.
Alicia Kuo
Alicia, 4.0GPA, one of our school's valedictorian, has been the backbone of the Girls Golf program for 4 years (Master of Sport Award). She served for two years as captain and one of the top players in the state. She has displayed great leadership and the ultimate commitment to the team and the program. She always looks out for the new players and sets a great example. Alicia has been a contributor in being part of a team that has won 3 CIF titles, 3 State Semi-Final appearances and two State Finals. Alicia will be in the Diamond Bar Girls Golf Hall of Fame.
Sonny Cao
Sonny is a graduate of the IB Program earning a 4.0 and is one of our school's valedictorian. To Sonny, tennis and playing with the team was definitely the most fun part of going to school. Sonny has played violin during his 9th and 10th grade and he still plays piano for personal enjoyment. Sonny will be attending UC San Diego for Electrical Engineering as Class of 2025.
Sierra Griego
Sierra is the ultimate Brahma Student-Athlete. A three-sport star that is a quiet leader both on and off the field and court. Late in the game, no matter the situation, Sierra is the one you want representing the Purple and Gold.
Vincent Cheng
Vincent Cheng is a four-year varsity swimmer who specializes in butterfly. He holds the Diamond Bar Record in the 200 Medley Relay, 100 Fly, 200 Free Relay, 100 Back, and 400 Free Relay. He's committed to swim for USC and will major in chemical engineering. Vincent is a leader and is well-respected by the team. He has helped many swimmers become faster and more confident in their strokes.
Ava Kayahara
Ava has grown and matured into a wonderful young adult. Her character, integrity, resilience, grit and work ethic have inspired others. Ava has become a leader, a great friend and a great teammate. She is inspiring!
Congratulations Ava Kayahara, I am proud of you.
Aaron "AJ" McElrea
AJ is an incredibly likeable individual. He is kind, respectful, and mature. He has demonstrated great strength of character as a student and athlete. I have always been able to count on AJ as a leader, even in difficult situations. AJ’s honesty and integrity are fundamental parts of the incredible young man he is today.
So proud of you, AJ! Congratulations!
Srijani Krishnan, Krista Pae, Jennifer Prakaiphetkul
It has been an unusual volunteer year for our DBHS Leo Club. With the virus lockdown it was difficult to do all the service hours that our wonderful Leo Club does. the Leos really missed volunteering more. Thank you to Leo Club President, Krista Pae, who guided our Leo Club this year and kept our club together.
It is my honor to present the Jack Tanaka Memorial Leo Club Scholarship to Diamond Bar High School Leo Club President Krista Pae. It is also my honor to present the Jack Tanaka Memorial Leo Club Scholarship to Diamond Bar High School Leos, Srijani Krishnan and Jennifer Prakaiphetkul.
Alyssa Guerra
During her time at DBHS Alyssa has performed in such productions as The Wedding Singer, Beauty and the Beast, Finding Nemo to name just a few. Rich Langham, the Director of Choral Music at DBHS says “Alyssa is a superb performer, a natural on the stage. Her many years of training in singing, dance, and theater have instilled in her strong technique in all areas.” Alyssa plans to attend UC Irvine to study drama and pursue her passion for the arts.
Allison Santogrossi
During her time at DBHS Allison was a member of Solitaire, the intermediate women’s show choir, and the International Thespian Society where she earned the title of International Honor Thespian, the highest honor within the Society. She was also named Department MVP for her dedication to the drama department. Allison will be attending Illinois Wesleyan University pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in musical theater.
Keiren Yu
Keiren is dedicated to dance and performance. As a freshman Keiren earned a spot on the Song Team but her heart was set on accomplishing more. She auditioned for and earned a spot on the prestigious DBHS Dance Company. Her time on with the Dance Company has taught her the value of hard work, humility and collaboration. Keiren’s GLC Stephanie Duenas says “Keiren can handle just about anything – seamlessly balancing tough academic courses, clubs, dance and life”.
Gracel Mutuc
During her time at DBHS Grace became proficient in Computer Aided Drafting and developed a passion for the STEM program in her Advanced Engineering and Architecture Design class. Her Architectural Design teacher An Tran says Grace is “One of a kind… her resolution to continuously improve inspires those around her.” Grace plans to continue with her passion for engineering at one of the Cal State Universities.
Breanna Yang
During her time at DBHS Breanna volunteered as a tutor for her fellow students and created Sunshine Club raising funds and awareness of childhood cancer. Breanna founded the Bryson’s Sunshine Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, in honor of her brother Bryson who passed away from leukemia in 2019. That organization is dedicated to helping pediatric cancer patients and their families. Breanna’s GLC says: “She has so much love in her heart … She has turned a devastating loss into a passion to help others … she is extraordinary in every aspect of her life.”
Erin Zhou
During her time at DBHS Erin volunteered for Critterton Foster Home Services and organized numerous community events for foster home youth. Erin also co-founded Project Kai which raised thousands of dollars for kids in foster homes and conducted a community holiday gift drive that touched hundreds of lives. Erin plans to continue her community service while attending the University of Pennsylvania.
Gustava Drew
Founded in 1876, the Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT has consistently been ranked among the nation’s most prestigious and selective institutions of higher learning. Being the smallest of the nation’s federal service academies, it has succeeded through many years to produce leaders of character ready to lead in the service of their country and humanity.
Each year over 10,000 students will inquire about the Academy and many go on to complete the application process. After nearly 9 months of a grueling and intensive review process, less than two hundred and seventy highly qualified men and women will be selected for an appointment and sworn in this summer to the Class of 2025.
A scholarship valued at over $300,000, the Coast Guard Academy appointment offers a total integrated life experience. Our campus provides a secure, supportive, and highly structured environment for a unique higher education experience focused on academics, athletics, leadership, and professional military development. As a representative of the Coast Guard Academy Admissions Office, it is my privilege to recognize and present this appointment to the United States Coast Guard Academy to Gustava Drew.
Brian Lee
The iFeliz Dia! scholarship was created in memory of my Personal Hero and Dad, Ernesto Aparicio. He had an incredible love for life and instilled in me the courage to pursue my dreams and never allow the fear of failure to hold me back.
This year's recipient, Brian Lee, wrote an amazing essay about his Personal Hero and former teacher, Mr. Michael Machado. in the essay, Brian expressed his gratitude for all the things Mr. Machado taught him, including, "You let me realize helping others is an important part of our human development and every instance we get to support our community only empowers us as caring human beings."
Mr. Machado was not able to join us in person but logged on to Google Meet to help me present the award!
Congratulations, Brian!
