Ukiah Unified Honors 51 Students as January Achievers

The Ukiah Unified School District celebrated the achievements of 51 students during a special ceremony on February 3, 2026, at Ukiah High School. This event recognized the January Students of the Month from the district’s 11 schools, showcasing their academic successes and social-emotional development in front of family and community members.

During the ceremony, Superintendent Deb Kubin welcomed attendees and introduced each school’s principal, who presented their nominated students. Each principal highlighted the qualities that led to the nominations, including academic dedication and leadership skills. Teachers play a crucial role in this process, nominating students who exemplify hard work and positive character traits.

“Our Students of the Month show us that progress comes from consistency, responsibility, and heart,” said Superintendent Kubin. “We celebrate their achievement and the daily support they receive from teachers, staff, and families. Recognition like this reminds us how powerful a supportive school community can be.”

The event also emphasized the district’s ongoing commitment to attendance and engagement. Frank Zeek Elementary earned the Best Attendance Trophy for January, achieving a rate of 95.42 percent. Meanwhile, Oak Manor Elementary received the Most Improved Attendance Trophy, increasing its attendance rate to 92.47 percent.

The attendance rates for each Ukiah Unified school in January are as follows:

– Calpella Elementary: 92.50 percent
– Frank Zeek Elementary: 95.42 percent
– Grace Hudson Language Academy: 94.78 percent
– Nokomis Elementary: 92.98 percent
– Oak Manor Elementary: 92.47 percent
– Yokayo Elementary: 93.82 percent
– Ukiah Independent Study Academy: 91.71 percent
– Eagle Peak Middle School: 90.29 percent
– Pomolita Middle School: 93.93 percent
– Big Picture South Valley High: 82.62 percent
– Ukiah High School: 91.37 percent

Each student received awards and special gifts from program sponsors in recognition of their accomplishments. The ceremony was recorded, and the video can be viewed on the Ukiah Unified YouTube channel.

Here are the January Students of the Month by school:

Calpella Elementary: Jacob Odell, Carter Pedrotti, Lilianna Smith

Frank Zeek Elementary: Julian Chavez Gutierrez, Abigail Logan, Madeline Richard, Valentina Contreras Palmerin, Flavio De Jesus-De Jesus

Grace Hudson Language Academy: Gibran Fuentes Torres, Sofia Rodriguez Valencia, Averie Morris, Annalucia Williams

Nokomis Elementary: Isabella Bull, Yazmin Manzo Huerta, Alex Hernandez Gonzalez, Liliana Tafolla

Oak Manor Elementary: Samantha Allen, Kynlee Martinazzi, Britney Narez Arteaga, Maryjane Cady, Miah Orozco

Yokayo Elementary: Eric Gonzalez-Ballesteros, Aliyah Sanchez, Pamela Gregory, Shanell Henson

Eagle Peak Middle School: Lillylynn Brennan, Payton Cleary, Noah Amador, Presley Johnson, Garrison Marchando-DeBois, Autumn Odell, Kimberly Calvillo, Bryan Mendoza Cortez

Pomolita Middle School: Kayden Esquivel Torres, Lyla Todd, Evelyn Aparicio, Khaleya Caley, Ruby Keys, Sonia Hudson

Ukiah Independent Study Academy: Gabriel Martin Arauz, Tania Moreno-Ceja

Big Picture South Valley High: Elizabeth Dodge, Izaac Garcia

Ukiah High School: Rebecca Kobetz, Kasey Land, Jazelyn Conner Rodriguez, Wren Samana, Maverik Foster, Kimberli Olea, Molly Kaluna-Jones, Alberto Valencia Escalante

The Ukiah Unified School District expressed gratitude to all parents, family members, and staff who attended the event and encouraged the community to celebrate these exceptional students. The district remains committed to fostering an environment where every student can thrive academically and emotionally.