Students across Pacific Beach were honored by the local Kiwanis Club this week with the Hope of America award for “outstanding leadership, character and academic achievement.”
The winners are always surprised by the recognition, said Ana Estrella, a teacher at Barnard Elementary.
“We are told to select the kids, it’s a surprise for them. I don’t think they really know why, so that’s why we have to say something,” she said. “I feel they don’t give themselves enough credit, or see themselves the way I see them.”
The award is given annually by the Kiwanis Club of Pacific Beach, part of an international group dedicated to supporting children in local communities. Families were invited to breakfast at the Broken Yolk Cafe on Garnet Avenue, where students were given their award plaques and a $25 gift card to Mr. Frostie — a local soft serve staple since 1949.
Barnard Mandarin Magnet Elementary School
Isaac Stratton and his family. (Photo by Thomas Murphy/Times of San Diego)“Hāi, wǒ shì ài sà kè (Hello, my name is Isaac),” said Isaac Stratton, introducing himself in Mandarin, which he learned in his fifth grade class.
Isaac’s positivity and responsibility embody the award he received. A self-motivated student, he never fails to bring home stellar grades, to the joy of his mother Dreah and father Matt.
“He loves to read; his reading comprehension is next level. I’ve never had to worry about his academics,” Dreah said.
As a leader in the classroom, Isaac helps Estrella, his English teacher, by keeping everyone on task.
“Last week, we were reading and stopped to make a frozen picture – acted out – of what was happening in the book,” Isaac said. “All everyone wanted to do was mess around, so I got everyone organized; I asked them what they wanted to be.”
Harold Robison receives the award from Ana Estrella, his English teacher. (Photo by Thomas Murphy/Times of San Diego)Isaac’s friend and classmate Harold Robison was also honored for his “inclusive and caring nature,” which has made him a role model to schoolmates. When asked why he is so kind, Harold said “Nothing!,” explaining that it just comes naturally.
“He has a very good heart,” said Harold’s mother Casey Robison. “That builds on what Ms. Estrella said. I’m not surprised to hear that because he genuinely cares and wants to do what’s right.”
According to Estrella, Harold is the most well-liked child she has seen in 27 years of teaching.
“It doesn’t matter who he gets grouped with, he is a friend to everyone,” she said. “Very sweet, respectful. It’s really nice to see nowadays with all the little cliques and groups of students – he fits in with everyone and everyone welcomes him.”
Pacific Beach Elementary
Brylie Wong receives the award from Dr. Karon Schnitzer, her principal. (Photo by Thomas Murphy/Times of San Diego)Today’s students face new challenges, with one fifth of students having experienced cyberbullying, according to the National Center for Education Statistics in 2024. Brylie Wong was honored for fighting against that trend, coming to the aid of her fifth-grade classmate in a group chat.
“It was nine at night. They were fighting and calling her a ‘b-word,’” Brylie said. “I wasn’t supposed to be on my iPad, but I was looking because it kept dinging. I went upstairs to my mom to text the mom of the kid who was bullied.”
Her mother, Rebecca, and father, Steve, are proud of their daughter’s courage and maturity, saying she is a great example for others.
Ryder White receives the award from Dr. Karon Schnitzer, his principal. (Photo by Thomas Murphy/Times of San Diego)Brylie’s classmate and fellow honoree Ryder White also loves a challenge. He is a hardworking student, whose love of learning and desire to lend a helping hand.
His parents Matt and Kristna appreciate his work ethic and kindness, which has earned Ryder a little local celebrity.
“One time we got a random Facebook group commenting on him and his friends out at the park,” Matt said. “Normally, when a parent says, ‘Oh, there’s a Facebook group commenting on your son,’ you go ‘Oh no!’”
“Him and his friends were being so nice at the park that someone felt compelled to write. Getting random feedback from strangers on Facebook is always a good sign.”
Kate Sessions Elementary
William Murillo receives the award from Matt Nelson, his teacher. (Photo by Thomas Murphy/Times of San Diego)Fifth-grader William Murillo was recognized for his principled and caring attitude. He excels at every level expected of a student at an international baccalaureate school – a global educational foundation that focuses on inquiry-based learning in a challenging academic environment.
Matt Nelson, his teacher, said that he admires William’s quiet, humble way of leading by example.
“If you need someone you can count on, he’s there,” Nelson said. “When he picks up on something quickly and he understands it, he’s looking around to see if someone might be struggling, then he just naturally reaches out to see if he can help them.”
Saranya Hedge receives the award from Karen Clifford, her teacher. (Photo by Thomas Murphy/Times of San Diego)Saranya Hedge’s mother, Sukanya, describes her daughter – the school’s other honoree – as a hard worker, to the point she has to ask Saranya to take a break and have more fun. In the classroom, she steps up to educate her classmates about her culture.
“She’s one of few Indian kids at Kate Sessions, but every year she asks her teacher to talk about Diwali, she explains it to her class and they embrace it,” Sukanya said. “She does a little powerpoint and talks about what the festival signifies.”
“Diwali is a festival of lights,” Saranya said. “A lot of people learn new things about our culture.”
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School
Jack Fahy receives the award from Meredith Binnie, his principal. (Photo by Thomas Murphy/Times of San Diego)Jack Fahy and Cason Samarripas have been friends ever since Cason joined St. Paul’s two years ago. The pair are the only sixth graders to be awarded this year; they’re also a dynamic sports duo.
Jack plays baseball while Cason prefers football, but they join forces to play RISE flag football every Saturday.
Cason Samarripas receives the award from Meredith Binnie, his principal. (Photo by Thomas Murphy/Times of San Diego)“The two of them represent St. Paul’s and their class,” said Lucy Samarripas, Cason’s mother. “The camaraderie they have amongst their class and how they carry that out in their sports and extracurriculars – it’s very telling of the two of them and very representative of the award.
This dynamic carries into the classroom, where Cason helps with English while Jack helps with history – their preferred subjects.
“They’re both really kindhearted kids,” said Whitney Faye, Jack’s mother. “They’re aware of people not feeling good and go out of their way to be kind.”
Principal Meredith Binnie, after 11 years of Kiwanis events, she still “loves to see all the kids shining up there.”
“When they leave St. Paul, they’ll be ready to go out and use those same qualities they’ve been learning,” Binnie said. “Sixth grade is the time you start branching out from your families and choosing your own path; with such strong families to keep them grounded, I know they’ll succeed.”
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