Following weeks of student work, editing and research across the Los Angeles region, Pasadena Media Foundation and the Formative Youth Journalism Initiative (FYJI) will announce the winners of the 2025 “Sí Se Puede” Youth Essay Contest at an awards ceremony on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 10:45 am at 1416 N. Mentor Avenue, Pasadena.
Keynote addresses at the event will be delivered by Manuel Bernal, President of the César Chávez Foundation, and by Pasadena City Councilmember Rick Cole. Both speakers will provide insight into civic engagement among youth, social justice, and Chávez’s abiding legacy of struggle for equality.
The competition asked middle school students to examine the theme of perseverance and resilience in the face of natural disasters, political upheavals, and other current issues, drawing parallels to the life and legacy of labor movement leader César Chávez.
Twenty-six essays were submitted by students in grades six to eight from four schools within three school districts. Entries were submitted in both English and Spanish.
To ensure fairness, three bilingual judges with backgrounds in history, culture and literature reviewed and determined the winning essays. All finalists’ essays were also evaluated programmatically to ensure they were the original work of the middle school students.
Prizes, in the form of financial awards, are provided by Pasadena Media Foundation, Culture Honey, and Pasadena Black Pages, with prizes going to first, second and third place and a special distinction for one honorable mention.
Participating schools included:
- Chandler School (Private – Pasadena)
- Roosevelt Middle School (Glendale Unified)
- Blair Middle School (Pasadena Unified)
- Sierra Vista Middle School (Baldwin Park Unified)
Deets
- “Sí Se Puede” Youth Essay Competition Awards Ceremony
- Saturday, June 7, 2025 | 10:45 AM – 12:30 PM
- Pasadena Media Foundation, 1416 N Mentor Ave, Pasadena, CA 91104
- Hosted by Formative Youth Journalism Initiative and Pasadena Media Foundation, with support provided by Culture Honey and Pasadena Black Pages
- Keynote Speakers: Manuel Bernal (César Chávez Foundation), Rick Cole (Pasadena City Council)
