Press Release Details
Press Release Message
San Francisco (May 12, 2026) - The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Superintendent’s 21st Century Awards, recognizing six graduating seniors who exemplify the district’s Graduate Profile through leadership, perseverance, collaboration, creativity, and community impact.
Each student received a $3,000 scholarship provided by Spark SF Public Schools, a new Apple laptop from the Tech4Youth Foundation, and was honored at an awards reception. The Superintendent’s 21st Century Awards are presented annually to graduating seniors who exemplify one or more characteristics of the SFUSD Graduate Profile.
“The Superintendent’s 21st Century Awards celebrate students who demonstrate the very best of SFUSD,” said SFUSD Superintendent Dr. Maria Su. “These young people have shown extraordinary resilience, compassion, hard work, and leadership in their schools and communities. Their stories remind us of the power of how education helps students discover their strengths, uplift others, and prepare to shape the future.”
2026 Superintendent’s 21st Century Award Recipients
Gavin Guan — Galileo Academy of Science and Technology
Ready to Lead and Work with Others
As secretary of Galileo’s Best Buddies chapter, Gavin helped expand inclusion and belonging for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Gavin plans to study neuroscience at UC Berkeley and pursue research that improves lives.
Sahar Moghaddas — Raoul Wallenberg High School
Ready to Think, Learn, and Grow
After adapting to a new language and school system, Sahar has distinguished herself through determination, creativity, and service. She volunteers with the Red Cross, Glen Park Library, and in animal care, and hopes to pursue a career in architecture.
Janeice Lopez — Abraham Lincoln High School
Ready for Career and Life
A student leader, athlete, and advocate, Janeice serves as president of the Black Student Union and helped lead Lincoln High School’s flag football team to a city championship. She hopes to combine her passion for science and helping others through a future career as a pediatric radiologist.
Osman Zuniga — San Francisco International High School
Ready to Be Your Best
Originally from Guatemala, Osman demonstrated perseverance and growth as a newcomer student while building confidence in English through programs like 826 Valencia. As captain of the soccer team, he leads with collaboration and hopes to become an FBI agent.
Alan Tello — June Jordan School for Equity
Ready to Tackle a Changing World
Alan has dedicated himself to building belonging and advocating for equity through community organizing and student leadership. He founded both the school’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance and Astronomy Club, creating welcoming spaces for students to connect and grow.
Cynthia Lei — Phillip and Sala Burton Academic High School
Ready to Create
As founder of Project STEM, Cynthia created a peer tutoring and enrichment program that has supported hundreds of students. Through partnerships with the San Francisco Public Library and her leadership on the SFUSD Student Advisory Council, Cynthia has worked to expand access to STEM learning and student voice.
More information about the Superintendent’s 21st Century Awards and the 2026 recipients is available on the SFUSD website.
About SFUSD
SFUSD is the seventh largest school district in California, educating 50,000 PreK-12 students every year. San Francisco is both a city and a county; therefore, SFUSD administers both the school district and the San Francisco County Office of Education (COE). This makes SFUSD a “single district county.”
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