Yorba Linda City Council Recognizes Esperanza High School Wrestling Team and Holocaust Art and Writing Contest Finalist

On Tuesday, May 20, the Yorba Linda City Council recognized the outstanding achievements of local student leaders during its regularly scheduled meeting. Among those recognized were the Esperanza High School wrestling team and the five student finalist from Chapman University’s 25th Annual Holocaust Art and Writing Contest.

The Esperanza High School wrestling team received commendation for their exceptional and historic performance during the 2024-2025 season, which was marked by notable victories and a demonstrated commitment to athletic excellence, discipline, and teamwork. Freshman Sammy Sanchez and junior Olivia Davis etched their names in history, becoming the first boy and girl from the same school to claim state titles in the same season, a remarkable achievement for the program.  The team’s achievements reflect the Aztec athletic program’s longstanding tradition of fostering student development through perseverance and sportsmanship.

Also honored during the evening was the five student finalist who represented PYLUSD in Chapman University’s 25th Annual Holocaust Art and Writing Contest. This nationally recognized competition draws hundreds of middle and high school participants from across the country and abroad. The contest encourages students to engage deeply with the testimonies of Holocaust survivors and rescuers by creating original works of art, poetry, prose, or film that preserve and reflect upon their lived experiences.

The finalist’s creative contribution stood out among the hundreds of entries submitted to the prestigious contest, underscoring both the intellectual rigor and emotional sensitivity with which local students engage issues of historical injustice and moral courage.

City leaders commended the honorees for embodying the values of dedication, resilience, and civic responsibility, applauding their contributions to both their school and the greater Yorba Linda community.

The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Esperanza High School wrestling team and the Holocaust Art and Writing Contest finalist for their exceptional accomplishments and continued pursuit of excellence in and beyond the classroom.