Long Beach, CA — May 20, 2025 California State University Long Beach’s School of Engineering K-12 Outreach hosted its annual MESA Awards Banquet, honoring the achievements of young engineers and the educators who guide them. The event brought together more than 20 middle and high schools from districts including ABC Unified, Long Beach Unified, Los Angeles Unified, and Paramount Unified.
The evening celebrated eighth-grade students promoting to high school and high school seniors preparing to graduate. Seniors were presented not only with certificates but also honorary white stoles to wear proudly at their upcoming graduation ceremonies.
The banquet, emceed by Dr. Saba Reda, Director of K-12 Outreach for the CSULB School of Engineering, marked the official close of the 2024–25 MESA season. Attendees enjoyed delicious food, heartfelt moments, and vibrant celebrations, many joined by proud parents witnessing dreams fulfilled—especially for many first-generation college-bound students.
Among the evening’s most moving highlights was the recognition of two outstanding Paramount Unified educators. Jeremiah Haynes, from Paramount High School, and Edie Cabral, from Zamboni Middle School, were both honored as Advisors of the Year for the entire CSULB MESA region. Their dedication, mentorship, and unwavering belief in their students have left a lasting impact.
A heartfelt thanks to all our incredible MESA advisors who make the program possible across Paramount Unified School District’s 6-12 schools:
- Pattie Gonzalez – Jackson Middle School
- Edie Cabral – Zamboni Middle School
- Alicia Ledezma & Christine Bakkers – Hollydale School
- Karina Lopez – Paramount Park Middle School
- Jeremy Felipe – Alondra Middle School
- Nicole Bottomley & Wences Zepeda – Odyssey STEM Academy
- Jeremiah Haynes & Pamela Garcia – Paramount High School
To all our MESA scholars and advisors: congratulations, thank you, and onward to even greater accomplishments ahead!