The award ceremony takes place during Contra Costa County's upcoming César E. Chávez Commemorative Celebration.
Maggie Fusek, Patch Staff
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — A San Ramon student will be honored with a 2025 Youth Hall of Fame Award as part of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors' 31st annual César E. Chávez Commemorative Celebration to be held Tuesday, April 1.
San Ramon resident Johann Webber, who attends Stanford University Online High School virtually, will receive the Innovation and Empowerment Award. The accolade honors a youth who lifts up others and inspires change through creative solutions.
The theme for this year’s celebration is "His Legacy Our Time – Su Legado Nuestro Tiempo."
"We honor César E. Chávez and his enduring legacy of fighting injustice and uplifting the lives of farmworkers and their families," said Board Chair Candace Andersen. "His dedication to service continues to inspire us. In this spirit, we also recognize the outstanding 2025 Youth Hall of Fame awardees, whose commitment to service and community reflects Chávez’s mission."
The festival features Antonio Quintero and Douglas Lezameta as keynote speakers
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Quintero has been the director of the California Department of Parks and Recreation since 2020. With a background in environmental sciences, Quintero has held leadership roles at the Sierra Nevada Research Institute, the California Water Commission and the National Park Service.
Lezameta is a dynamic podcast producer, host and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Contra Costa County, leading efforts to empower Hispanic businesses and promote community growth. With a career spanning 19 years, he founded Fusion Latina Network, creating content across multiple platforms, including podcasts, live video streaming and TV channels, to uplift and connect the Hispanic community.
The 2025 Youth Hall of Fame Awards will be presented to students who make outstanding community contributions. Below is a list of this year's honorees.
High School Awardees
Volunteerism: Megan Reese Dowdy, Heritage High School
Teamwork: Christophe Davis, Miramonte High School
Perseverance: Kaelyn Matthis, Pinole High School
Leadership & Civic Engagement: Karlina J. Meyer, Carondelet High School
Good Samaritan: Arianna Shirin Bustamante, Campolindo High School
Innovation and Empowerment: Johann Webber, Stanford University Online High School
Middle School Rising Stars
Volunteerism Rising Star: Hope Huffmaster, Knightsen Elementary School
Perseverance: Maddox Lindsey-Pedraza, Thomas Gaines Virtual Academy
Innovation & Empowerment: Aalia Bachar, Knightsen Elementary School
The event features live performances by Salseros with Arthur Murray Dance Studios and remarks from the Board of Supervisors.
The annual celebration honoring the diversity and richness of the community begins at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 1, in the Board Chambers at 1025 Escobar St. in Martinez. The event will be broadcast live on Contra Costa Television channels —Comcast Cable 27, ATT/U-Verse 99 and Astound 32 & 1027 —and the County’s website.
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