Poudre School District students who work to help others have been honored with Cesar Chavez awards.

"Cesar Chavez’s legacy left us with a clear understanding of the ongoing need to empower others, achieve nonviolent justice, support programs that help the needy, show respect for life and genuine acceptance of others. Cesar Chavez awards give well-deserved recognition to outstanding high school students who have worked toward meeting these core principals," said Norma Huerta Kelley, PSD’s equity and diversity coordinator.

From efforts by Fort Collins High School students who raised money for a power wheelchair to the group of students from Poudre High School who work together to promote equity, this year’s award-winning students mobilized the communities and empowered others.

> Fort Collins High School seniors Monica Lopez and Abigail Miller raised $18,000 to purchase a power wheelchair for Mark Cummings, a FCHS counselor with multiple sclerosis.

As members of National Honor Society, the pair spearheaded and organized "Race for Wheels," a 5K walk/run to raise money for the wheelchair, sold silicone wristbands and helped with a fundraising concert. They purchased the wheelchair in December.

> Rocky Mountain High School senior Breanna Hernandez teaches her peers about teen dating violence, sexual harassment and assault in RMHS health classes. Her leadership and organizational skills were key in providing food, clothing and household items to needy families through Rocky’s Adopt a Family program.

Hernandez also mentors freshmen and sophomores through Rocky’s Link Crew and helped organize Hispanic Awareness Mon-th.

> Fossil Ridge High School junior Andrea Blasini promotes respect for life and acceptance of others as a peace circle facilitator. As an active member of the FRHS Student Ambassadors, Blasini gives tours of the school and helps build a sense of community. She also works to promote nonviolence by educating students about sexual assault and safety.

> Poudre High School’s HYPE, a group of Hispanic youth who work to promote excellence by empowering others, promoting nonviolence, helping the needy and respecting life, supports activities that emphasize traditions important to the Hispanic/Latino population.

Student members of HYPE are: Abe Ornelas, Miguel Ontiveros, Ryan Beethe, Sayde Camacho, Nic Luján, Paige Cookman, Jeanette Yanez, Karen Perez, Olga Larrea-Rodriguez, Evelyn Martinez, Nancy Ortiz, Lizbeth Gonzales, Sofia Ruiz, Adriana Delgado, Ariana Delgado, Yovana Molina, Nuvia Molina, Nara Alvez, Sandra Ornelas, Perla Borunda and Susana Ruvalcaba.