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Dwyer Middle School

Igniting Young Minds to Reach for a Bright Future

Honoring Growth and Resilience: HBCSD Celebrates Every Student Succeeding Award Recipients

Posted Date: 11/18/25 (12:00 PM)

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Every day across the Huntington Beach City School District (HBCSD), students demonstrate what is possible when determination meets support. At this year’s Every Student Succeeding celebration, HBCSD recognized eight outstanding students whose individual journeys speak to courage, perseverance, and meaningful personal growth.


Families, teachers, principals, District leaders, and Board members gathered for an uplifting ceremony led by Superintendent Dr. Leisa Winston, who spoke about the values reflected in each student honored.


“These students have faced challenges, some academic, some personal, some social, and through hard work and belief in themselves, they have moved forward in powerful ways,” she shared.


She added that the honorees “inspire us and reflect the very best of who we are as a district.”


While each student’s story is unique, they are woven together by common threads of effort, integrity, kindness, and the courage to grow. HBCSD is proud to celebrate the following recipients:


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Timmy D., Eader Elementary School


Timmy’s growth at Eader has been remarkable. He once struggled to manage frustration during competitive activities, especially in sports. Over the years, he embraced support and developed tools for patience, self-control, and perspective-taking. Today, Timmy participates confidently in school life and models resilience for his classmates. His transformation highlights the impact of perseverance and the strength that comes from not giving up.


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Makenna B., Hawes Elementary School


Makenna balances significant daily responsibilities with grace and maturity. Despite a demanding routine, she maintains high academic achievement and approaches each day with optimism. Her self-discipline, positive outlook, and determination set a powerful example for her peers. Makenna’s ability to thrive, both academically and socially, makes her a deserving honoree.


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Ava D., Moffett Elementary School


Ava entered Moffett with big goals, especially as a reader. Her persistence and love of learning helped her reach and surpass those goals, building a strong sense of confidence along the way. Now in fifth grade, she takes on new challenges with independence and enthusiasm, supporting classmates and spreading positivity in the classroom. Ava’s journey shows what happens when students trust themselves and embrace growth.


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William T., Peterson Elementary School


William has made tremendous progress since coming to Peterson. With steady effort and support, he strengthened his academic skills and developed greater independence as a learner. Socially, he built meaningful friendships and became an active participant in school activities, from choir to after-school programs. William’s pride in his accomplishments is well earned, and his journey reflects years of determination.


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Trevor R., Seacliff Elementary School


Trevor’s story is one of resilience, steady growth, and courage. Early challenges made school difficult, but he continually showed up with determination and a willingness to try again. Over time, Trevor built stronger coping skills, formed important connections, and gained confidence in himself. Known now for his warmth and humor, Trevor is flourishing both socially and academically, proof that persistence can reshape a student’s path.


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Madiah A., Smith Elementary School


When Madiah joined Smith, he was working to strengthen his academic foundation and improve his attendance. Through commitment and hard work, he made impressive academic gains, meeting standards in English Language Arts and exceeding standards in math. As a fifth grader, he arrives early each day, helps around the school, and supports younger students. His reliability, kindness, and dedication have made him a valued leader on campus.


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Brooke B., Dwyer Middle School


Brooke is an exceptional scholar who once found the busy pace of middle school overwhelming. With support from caring adults and her own quiet bravery, she began taking small steps to participate more fully in campus life. Those steps led to leadership roles, athletics, and greater social connection. Brooke now shines as a confident, thoughtful leader whose journey shows the power of courageously stepping outside one’s comfort zone.


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Harley V., Sowers Middle School


Harley joined Sowers in sixth grade, navigating a new school and community. With time, guidance, and growing self-awareness, he transformed early challenges into strengths. In STEM, he discovered a passion for problem-solving and quickly became a go-to student for troubleshooting design and technology. Today, Harley is a collaborative, composed leader who approaches challenges with intention and curiosity.


At the close of the celebration, Dr. Winston offered a message that resonated across the room: “Success is defined by persistence, integrity, kindness, and the courage to keep going.”


Congratulations to this year’s Every Student Succeeding honorees! Your journeys inspire our entire district, and we look forward to all you will accomplish next.