Celebrate Education Event Highlights Local Student Achievements and Community Collaboration
The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its annual Celebrate Education event on Thursday, April 23, showcasing the accomplishments of local students and educators. The gathering emphasized the importance of education and the role it plays in shaping the future of the community.
During the event, several middle and high school students shared their experiences and insights on leadership and transitioning into the workforce. These young individuals demonstrated not only their academic achievements but also their growing understanding of what it means to be a leader in both personal and professional settings.
The chamber has long been committed to investing in the future of Torrance’s youth through its nonprofit foundation. This dedication is reflected in various initiatives and programs designed to support students as they navigate their educational and career paths.
Key Programs and Initiatives
Among the programs launched by the chamber are:
- Business for a Day: A program that allows students to experience the daily operations of a business.
- Jr. CEO Program: Designed to provide students with hands-on leadership training and exposure to the business world.
- Mentorship Program: A partnership between students and local leaders that aims to guide and inspire the next generation of professionals.
These programs have had a significant impact on students, helping them develop essential skills and gain valuable real-world experience.
Success Stories from the LEAD Program
One notable success story is that of Aria Fulton, a North High School graduate who participated in the chamber’s LEAD program in 2018. The LEAD program was created to cultivate “ambassadors” for the city, giving students a behind-the-scenes look at Torrance.
Fulton described how the program helped her develop life skills, become a leader, and create a clear path for her future education and career. Her experience highlights the transformative power of such initiatives.
This year, the chamber sponsored a mentorship program that paired 20 local business leaders with 20 sophomores at North High for a seven-month program. Two of these students were awarded the Dick & June Rossberg Scholarship.
The Impact of Mentorship and Scholarships
Kirk Rossberg, owner of Torrance Bakery and son of the late Dick and June Rossberg, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent his parents and the Torrance Chamber Education Foundation. He shared how his parents’ values of hard work and education shaped his own path.
“My parents were amazing role models for me,” Rossberg said. “After high school, they went straight to full-time work, but they still made education a priority. It couldn’t have been easy working a full-time job and then going to school, but they understood how important it was.”
The first scholarship recipient was Roseanna Riscia, a 16-year-old who owns her own cake business, Rosie Cakes. Her mentor, Trang Trinh-Byrd, praised her creativity, marketing skills, and inquisitive nature.
“Watching you balance your baking business while maintaining your school commitments has been a highlight of my time as your mentor,” Trinh-Byrd said. “This scholarship is beyond a financial win for you. It is a testament to your potential to make a significant impact in becoming a female business leader and baker.”
The second scholarship recipient was Nikolas Nishihara, who shared his goal of becoming a firefighter to help others and make a difference.
Leadership Lessons from Students
During the event, students also discussed how their experiences in mentorship programs, extracurricular activities, and volunteer opportunities have broadened their understanding of leadership.
Emma Smith, a student at South High, shared her perspective: “It’s taught me that the greatest leaders aren’t always the people who are the most domineering or the most outspoken. Rather, it’s the people who take the time to listen.”
Klara Mertz, a student at Ambassador Christian School, echoed similar sentiments. She emphasized that real leadership involves asking the right questions and listening to the answers.
Recognition and Gratitude
At the end of the event, North High principal Paul Nitake thanked Duperron for her commitment to the education of Torrance students. He highlighted her role as a bridge between the schools and the real world.
“There’s a ton of great things to celebrate education,” Nitake said. “Everybody has their hand in this, but there is one connector — and that is Donna Duperron. She is the bridge from our schools to the real world.”
Nitake also shared the school’s goal of ensuring every student has a career, college, or career opportunity, along with a college and career plan. This vision extends beyond the classroom, offering students opportunities to explore and discover their futures.
