05/21/2026
Today at Exchange was our annual High School Youth of the Year, A.C.E. of the Year and Teacher of the Year from the Kern Valley High School.
Our Youth of the Year was Ella Mauer. She holds an impressive 4.435 GPA and is ranked number two in this year's graduating class. Exchangite Gavin Bell, principal of Kern Valley High School summarized that her success in the classroom reflects not only intelligence, but also discipline, perseverance and genuine commitment to learning. Ella is also involved in cross country, soccer and track and demonstrates great teamwork! She is planning to attend University of California Santa Barbara in the fall!
Our A.C.E. (Accepting the Challenge of Excellence) Winner was Miliani Barraza and she holds a 4.204 GPA and is number eight in this year's graduating class. Mr. Bell remarked that she has consistently challenged herself academically while balancing leadership employment, and major family responsibilities with remarkable maturity. She is also President of the Associated Student Body and previously served as secretary and commissioner of assemblies and vice president of the California Scholastic Federation and has helped organize events, spoke at pep rallies and is also active in volleyball, basketball and track and field. She plans to attend the University of Nevada, Reno in the fall with a goal to become a pediatric nurse.
The Teacher of the Year from Kern Valley High School was Heather Van De Kerkhoff. Heather joined KVHS in 2003 and has demonstrated extraordinary dedication, leadership and compassion in every role. She has served as Student Performance Mentor, Tier I Coordinator, Lin Crew Coordinator and PLUS Coordinator and consistently goes above and beyond to support the students, staff and school community.
Congratulations to our Exchange Club Youth of the Year, A.C.E. of the Year and Teacher of the Year from Kern Valley High School!
