Avin Sayarath

Senior O’Farrell Charter School wants to pursue a career in civil or structural engineering because of how fascinated he is by the way infrastructure has the possibility to shape communities.
Bill Sayarath (father) and Manikhone Sayarath (Mother)
Secretary of Key Club, he takes part in planning events and communicating with members to ensure they receive community service. Also part of the student body (ASB)
President of the MESA Club, which is a STEM based club that creates projects that relate to real-world structures and issues.
President of the Asian Student Union, participates and helps organize cultural events like Culture Night and the Lunar New Year festival at school, fostering an inclusive space for students to celebrate their heritage.
His passion for showcasing Lao culture is seen in performing traditional Lao dances at his high school Culture Night, at SDSU and, most recently, at the 2024 Lao New Year celebration. Also volunteered, helping with setup, cleanup at temple, and ensuring the event ran smoothly.
These experiences have deepened his appreciation for his heritage and strengthened his commitment to maintaining Lao culture. Whether it's through dance, school events, or community celebrations, he takes pride in making sure Lao culture is seen, appreciated and passed on

Jetson Bansasine

College Freshmen studying Mechanical Engineering at California Polytechnic State University, Pomona with a goal to become a Design Engineer.
Parents are Nouphone and Bonnie Bansasine
Design engineer-Participated in the ArtCenter College of Design Extension Teen’s Summer Intensive Industrial Design program and developed several car concepts from an autonomous mailing vehicle to a hyper-futuristic Tesla-inspired electric motorcycle.
Won the Dunning Fellows Automotive Design Competition and the College of Creative Studies’ summer program. From this experience, he got the opportunity to design an electric family vehicle concept with Ford and Stellantis designers.
Part of his school’s Digital Art and Media Club as well as their Motorcycle and BAJA Racing Club. Additionally, engages in the sport of wrestling.
Associated with The San Diego Lao Heritage Foundation where he learned traditional Lao music, dance, history, and culture.
He taught himself how to play traditional Lao instruments like the Lannat and the Phin and performs traditional Lao music around the community, including: the San Diego Lao Boat Racing Festival, Lao New Year celebrations at various temples in Southern California, and the Asian Pacific Islander showcases.
Through his journey, he has learned to appreciate his Lao culture and how important it is to represent it. His endeavors have taught him resilience and persistence, a source of strength, and it has shaped how he navigates the world and appreciate other cultures.

Alando Inthavong

College Sophomore at UCSD, with a goal is to become a Physician Assistant (PA) dedicated to serving under-served communities while actively engaging in biological research, using a holistic approach to medicine—one that considers not only a patient’s physical health but also their social and environmental circumstances.
Parents are Sovan Inthavong and Phouthin Phouvatanith
Active member of Interact and the Associated Student Union (ASU) representing students’ concerns and interests. He founded Cover to Cover in high school when academic decline was noted during effects of Covid-19 on mental and social isolation, and helped to build a structure and supportive environment to help underclassmen toward academic and personal success.
Wat Lao Rattanaram, His parents serve as community leaders at a local Lao temple in Richmond. Since they are responsible for organizing events, managing finances, and overseeing temple operations, he naturally became involved in supporting these efforts. He assists with smaller events such as thak-bat by helping the monks and collecting offerings. For larger events, like Lao New Year, he contributes by helping with event setup.
He writes that “Higher education remains a challenge for the Lao-American community, with only 13% earning a bachelor’s degree or higher. Recognizing this, his goal extends beyond personal success— he hopes to set an example and encourage others to pursue education as a means of empowerment. Through his academic journey, he aims to uplift not only his family but also the Lao community, proving that with determination, we can break barriers and create opportunities for future generations.

Edaline Tugashov

Senior at Eastlake
Parents are Pathana Sassady and Edward Tugashov
Link Crew leader, an ASB commissioner, and a member of the field hockey team.
Volunteers at the Wat Lao Buddharam temple, preparing and serving food during weekly prayer ceremonies or participating in Thak-Baht, the morning almsgiving ritual, participated in the Nang Sangkhan pageant during Pi Mai Lao, representing one of the daughters in the Lao New Year parade. She support “Sticky Rice Gains,” a small initiative that sells merchandise inspired by Lao culture.
She grew up with her Lao grandparents and mother, understanding the importance of community, compassion, and service. She is committed to keeping her Lao heritage alive throughout college. She writes that Lao identity isn’t just something she carries—it's the foundation of who she is, shaping her values and guiding her path forward.
She writes that Lao heritage is more than traditions or ceremonies. It’s the warmth of community, the resilience of our people, and the pride she feels every time she wraps a pha biang around her shoulders. It’s a living legacy, carried not just in what we wear or what we do, but in who we are.

Kyana Early

College Sophomore at UCSD, as someone who experienced emotional and financial hardship, she is driven to be an accessible mental health and support resource by earning a doctorate in clinical psychology.
Samantha Khabanh (Mother) #amp; Manuel Early (Deceased Father)
General Health Co-Lead Coordinator for Student Health Advocates (SHA) at UCSD. Also a Newsletter Subcommittee Co-Lead for Colleges Against Cancer’s, a student organization affiliated with the American Cancer Society that prioritizes cancer prevention, research, patient care, and advocacy.
Member of the VOICES Leadership Program and Career Development in Psychology Program. Actively volunteered with the Tai Dam Community Service, helped clean, prepare meals, and attend services at Grace Lao Lutheran Church in Richmond, California.
Member of the Laotian American Student Association (LASA) at UCSD, dedicated to promoting Laotian culture and fostering a sense of belonging for Laotian students.
As a biracial Laotian and Black/African American woman, her grandparents taught her the Laotian-Tai Dam roots and instilled the importance of maintaining meaningful relationships and showing others generosity as if they were her own family. Such values are the foundation of her commitment to supporting underrepresented communities and amplifying voices that are often unheard.

Michael Jamais

High school Senior at Westview High. His career goal is to become a prosecuting attorney for the state of California but my ultimate dream career goal is to become a governor for the state. The biggest problem that he plans to tackle is public colleges and universities being expensive. He wrote that “When higher education is affordable, everyone can benefit from the opportunity to become successful in the future.”
Parents are Maryanne Jamias and Joey Jamias
Member of the Fundraising committee in AVID Executive, similar to ASB. Secretary of three clubs: Sticker club, Youth Creative Animation Club, and Anime club. volunteer as a teacher and an assistant teacher for the Children's Liturgy at his local church.
Being half Filipino and half Lao, his Laotian grandparents taught him about Lao culture and traditions. They shared their experiences and culture through family gatherings such as Lao dishes, their journey from Laos to America, traditional Lao dances, and Lao music. He hopes to continue to keep in touch with his Lao heritage while in college.

Jocelyn Phimmasone

College Sophomore at Palomar College, transferring to San Diego State University Fall 2025 to pursue a career as a Financial Analyst.
Parents are Jimmy and Bobby Phimmasone
Member of Students For Justice and Gender Equity, advocating for equality among all people. Also member of Phi Theta Kappa, an honor society, explored student research about how AI helps shape higher education and implementing an honors program in Palomar College to compete with other community colleges when transferring to a four-year university.
Sold tickets and accounting for the number of attendees during LCCC’s Lao New Year Festival event. Created a video of and expanding and spreading information on Lao culture and language at school. Wrote a nine-page essay for my English college class to not only spread knowledge about Laos but also became more knowledgeable about our country/culture.
Oldest of 5 children, goal is to become successful in continuing to preserve the Lao culture for her future family and future generations, just as her grandparents and parents have done.