Santa Cruz County recently came together to celebrate the success of its youth at the annual Your Future is Our Business (YFIOB) luncheon, held on March 31st. The event, which was attended by students, educators, parents, and sponsors, recognized the county’s investment in its future workforce and the impact it has on the local community.
Last year, YFIOB served over 2,000 students across Santa Cruz County, and in just the first quarter of this year, that number has already been exceeded. The luncheon showcased the accomplishments of local students and awarded 22 scholarships ranging from $200 to $1,000.
We really could not do it without you. Your support has made it possible for us to reach even more students this year.
— Yvette Lopez Brooks, Executive Director of YFIOB
The event also recognized the exceptional leadership of Rosemary Menard, Water Director of the City of Santa Cruz, who received an Award of Appreciation for her instrumental guidance and direction during the 2022 Construction Trades Day event.
The luncheon highlighted the commitment of the community and the sponsors who invest in the future of Santa Cruz County students. Board members of YFIOB, including representatives from Elements Manufacturing, Santa Cruz County College and Career Collaborative, and the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, were also in attendance.
YFIOB Career Exploration Scholarship winners:
- Charles (Charlie) Benham
- Nevaeh Karraker
- Averie Young
- Natalia Galdamez Mijango
- Elana McGrew
CTE Scholarship winners:
- Isabella Chavez-Guerrero
- Saul Cruz
- Kenneth (Corbin) C. Kronschnabl
- Charlie Figueroa
- Nathaniel Dow
- Perla Patricia Valentin
- Eva Carrillo
- Michael Margulies
- Ryan Ribeiro Spindola Santee
- Justy Olvera-Serna
YFIOB Luncheon Showcase Winners
- Mauricio Calderon-Luis, 9th grade
- Mary Henderson, 10th grade
- Calvin Lenz-Parton, 11th grade
- Corvinrook Champion, 12th grade
Honorable mentions were also given to Kenzie Smith, Carina Kessler, and Monreve Maguire.
The event would not have been possible without the generous support of YFIOB sponsors, including the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, Bay Federal Credit Union, Construction Industry Education Foundation, Santa Cruz City School, San Lorenzo Valley USD, Graniterock, Shadowbrook Restaurant, Mary Gaukel, County of Santa Cruz, Beckmans Bakery, Pacific Cookie Company, and Deluxe Foods.
Once again, the YFIOB annual luncheon celebrated the achievements of local students and recognized the importance of investing in the future workforce of Santa Cruz County. Learn more about YFIOB programs here: yfiob.org