Beneath the soft glow of stage lights and a backdrop of gold and white flowers, the Thomas Downey High School auditorium transformed into a place of celebration and reverence on April 2.
Each year, the Eddies honors 68 scholars across 34 school sites who embody values that reflect the heart of Modesto City Schools’ Character Education Program through their everyday actions. The traits — courage, honesty, loyalty, respect, responsibility, civility, compassion, initiative and perseverance — are a cornerstone of the district’s educational vision.
“This award is especially meaningful because it highlights Modesto City Schools’ long-standing commitment to character education, a pledge made back in 1998 — more than 25 years ago,” said Sara Noguchi, superintendent of Modesto City Schools.
The Character Education Program reinforces the district’s commitment to creating a respectful and inclusive learning environment. Rooted in board policy on student conduct, it affirms the district’s responsibility to support students’ academic and ethical development by defining clear standards of moral behavior across all campuses.
Whether it was Olivia at Franklin Elementary, who took the initiative to pick up trash during recess, or Alejandro at Bret Harte, who quietly cleaned the campus simply because it was the right thing to do, elementary students showed that small acts can reflect great character.
At the middle school level, Angelina at La Loma supported her peers through leadership and mentorship as a Safe School Ambassador, while Jesse at Hanshaw inspired others with his resilience and positive attitude in the face of challenges.
In high school, Katerina at Johansen served as a role model in both academics and athletics, and Noah at Beyer built an inclusive community through his leadership in the Tea Club. Across all grade levels, these students showed that character isn’t measured by a single moment; it’s demonstrated through consistent, everyday actions.
Among the many powerful stories shared during the evening, one stood out. Michelle Cisneros Castillo, a senior at James C. Enochs High School, received the Superintendent’s Award, a special recognition presented to one student whose journey exemplifies the full spectrum of Modesto City Schools’ character values.
Cisneros Castillo’s story began with hardship. At just six years old, her father was deported. That moment might have derailed many, but instead, it fueled her determination. Entering kindergarten as an English learner, Cisneros Castillo worked tirelessly to master the language, eventually being reclassified as Fluent English Proficient. Her academic excellence and leadership have since flourished.
She juggled the duties of lieutenant governor of Key Club’s Division 46 South and vice president of the Hispanic Student Association at Enochs and logged more than 300 hours of community service by tutoring peers, leading campus clubs and volunteering in her church and community.
Cisneros Castillo was accepted to multiple colleges but decided on attending the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she plans to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. She will be the first in her family to attend college.
“This award is a testament that effort leads to progress,” Cisneros Castillo said. “I’ve learned that excuses keep you stuck where you are. I’ve seen people with greater challenges reach their goals by accepting what they couldn’t control and working against the odds. Every moment in life is precious, so spend it fighting for the life you want, not settling for the one you were given.”