Yanyssa Ochoa Named Youth Social Justice Award Winner for 2023
Holland Public Schools were well-represented at the Holland Human Relations Commission Social Justice Awards; a student, an alumnus, a retired teacher, and a former board member were all recognized during ceremonies Wednesday night.
YOUTH SOCIAL JUSTICE AWARD: Yanyssa Ochoa - HHS Class of 2024
Yanyssa works to make sure opportunities are possible for all students regardless of race, ethnicity, social group, or their financial need. She works tirelessly through her involvement with Student Senate, the National Honor Society, and LAUP’s citizenship classes. Yanyssa is focused on increasing the number of minority students enrolled in advanced placement classes at Holland High School. A member of HYAC, Yanyssa serves as a student representative on the City of Holland’s Human Relations and International Relations Commissions.
Also recognized for their contributions to the City of Holland:
Accessibility Award: Lucia Rios - HHS Alumni
Born with spina bifida, Lucia Rios says having a disability is not the barrier, it’s the attitudes and physical structures around her that create a disabling environment. For more than 20 years, Lucia has taught people and organizations ways to create access and equity on a variety of fronts, from buildings to housing to employment. And as the co-editor of the Disability Inclusion series that runs in three online West Michigan publications, Lucia has educated readers about accessibility issues.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Deborah Sterken - Former HPS Board Member
Through her forty-two years in Holland Deborah Sterken has championed developmentally disabled young people, women and families facing racial/ethnic discrimination and/or lack of opportunity, students struggling to develop, and families lacking the means for housing or housing maintenance.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Wayne Klomparens - Former HPS Teacher
With 38 years as an elementary school educator, a term as president of the Holland Education Association, and two terms on the Holland City Council, Wayne Klomparens’ heart beats for the people of Holland. As Council Liaison to the Human Relations Commission from 2012 through 2019 Wayne’s desire, first and foremost, has been for Holland to be a warm and welcoming community, one that accepts everyone and where all can live, belong, and thrive.