The Humboldt Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) recently awarded Chromebooks to two graduates of Continuing Education Schools in Humboldt County. Selected by their teachers for their outstanding high school performance and interest in continuing their education, these students have achieved success despite life challenges that took them off the typical path and into continuation programs.
Heidi Rayburn earned her high school diploma from Eureka Adult School and is enrolled at College of the Redwoods, where she will begin taking courses this fall, working towards an Associate of Arts (AA) in Social Work. Her ultimate goal is to become a youth substance use disorder counselor. As a student, Heidi stood out for her dedication and perseverance. Adult Education Teacher Rebecca Twiss praised Heidi’s personal qualities of enthusiasm and positivity, along with her big compassionate heart, which she knows will fuel her to accomplish her goals and help others in need.
Anika Gonzales from East High School was also selected to receive a 2025 Chromebook Award. According to Natalie Heckman, Student Support Counsellor at the school, Anika consistently stands out as a respectful, intelligent and hardworking student. She brings a thoughtful and kind presence to every space she is in, and her creativity shines through in both her academics and personal interactions. Anika will be attending College of the Redwoods in the fall with the goal of becoming a teacher — a path well suited for her compassion, leadership, and dedication to learning. Heckman added that Anika will no doubt make a meaningful impact in the lives future students, just as she did at East High.
AAUW-Humboldt has been offering an annual award to one or two outstanding female high school students for over 40 years, with the emphasis on students from Continuation High School programs started several years ago. The dictionaries that were originally awarded have been replaced by notebook computers in keeping with the times.
AAUW-Humboldt’s mission is to advance gender equity through research, education and advocacy. In addition to this award to outstanding continuing education high school students, the branch provides scholarships to women re-entering Cal Poly-Humboldt as upper division or graduate students, supports local girls’ attendance at Tech Trek (a summer science and math camp for girls who will enter eighth grade in the fall), and community action projects. It also hosts monthly meetings to promote community engagement. For more information, see humboldt-ca.aauw.net.
The above was written and submitted by the Humboldt Branch of the American Association of University Women.
This article appears in My Humboldt Life September 2025.