Area Service Award

The Area Service Award is presented each year for overall contributions to CADA. Recipients should have been active on the Area Council, summer camp program, as a state officer, as a presenter at area conferences or state conventions.

2024 CADA Area Service Award Recipients 

AREA A: cameron chitwood, tracy High School

Cameron Chitwood has been an educator at Tracy High School since 2017, primarily teaching GOV/ECON as well as Student Government. Over the past four years, he has assumed the role of Activities Director, demonstrating exceptional leadership during the unprecedented times of the pandemic and continues to challenge his students to be the best possible versions of themselves each day. Cameron's primary objective has been to cultivate a strong sense of belonging within his students and the school community. His commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive environment is emphasized through his and his student's commitment to servant leadership, as he sets high expectations for his students while maintaining a vibrant student activity culture.

Cameron's involvement with CADA Programs extends beyond his role at Tracy High School. He has served on the Area A Council, completed the M.A.A. Program in 2023, served on CADA Summer Camp Staff, and continues the tradition of student leader development, he personally experienced under the mentorship of CADA legend Steve Southard, by bringing his own students each Summer to Santa Barbara! Cameron actively shares his insights and experiences with new Activities Directors, presenting at conventions and advisor conferences. He also takes every opportunity he can get to guide student leaders at area conferences, equipping them with valuable tools to implement in their respective schools.

Cameron attributes much of his success to his CADA family, Area A council family, and mentors who have played a crucial role in his first few years as an Activities Director. He values these relationships as essential components of his professional growth and continued development.

AREA B: martine kelsch, jefferson High School

Martine has been teaching for 15 years, starting her journey in New York City and has been the Director of Student Activities at Jefferson High School for 11 years, thanks to her mentor Michael Simon, She has been attending CADA programs and conferences since 2012 where she’s earned her MAA and stepped up to be part of Area B council since 2020!

Bringing the Area technology up to date, she single-handedly created, promoted, and currently manages the Area B Instagram and LinkedIn accounts, while also helping to design logos or anything creative such as social media contests for students at the Area B conferences. She is super creative, spirited, and always ready to laugh and have fun!! Her energy is contagious and last year also started a “newbie” group chat and social media challenge to help mentor and support them at their 1st adviser conference!! Congratulations Coach Tini!!

AREA C: bryan speed, matilda torres High School

Speed has been an Activities Director for the past 8 years. His career has taken him all over the state from LA to the Bay, and now to the Central Valley. He has had the honor of serving on the Area E, B, and C councils helping to plan leadership development opportunities for the students and advisors of throughout the state. He is a member of the CADA Camps Staff, also serves as the Digital Media Coordinator for the CADA State Board. Speed’s ASB Leadership roots run deep, he was involved in ASB all 4-years of high school, and his time as a student leader inspired him to pursue a career in education with the goal of becoming an Activities Director. He currently serves as the Activities Director and Leadership Teacher at Matilda Torres High School in Madera, CA. He had the opportunity to attend CADA Camp, CASL, and many area conferences as a student, and feels blessed to have the opportunity to give back as an advisor.

AREA d: marsha cordes, oxnard High School

Marsha Cordes is in her 4th year as the ASB Advisor of her Alma Mater Oxnard High School. She is a Yellow Jacket through and through and was actually the ASB President in 2004. She is passionate and proud to be a Yellow Jacket. This is one reason why she suggested hosting the Area D South Conference at OHS! With the help of her assistant principal, Ashley Maeshiro and Area D Council, she was able to successfully host the Area conference at Oxnard High School. Ms. Cordes is looking into hosting a district wide LDD to further the leadership abilities of the student leaders in the Oxnard Union High School District.

AREA e: celia collins, lyle s. briggs k-8 School

Celia Collins is a 32-year seasoned educator, 15 of those years she enjoyed being the ASB Advisor! This year, Celia stepped away from her Leadership/ASB Advisor role and is mentoring the new advisor on campus. She continues to teach English and has taken on the challenge of creating a Drama Class!! Celia is a past Bob Burton Award Winner & takes pride in being an Area E Council Member. She has presented at numerous Area E Student and State Conferences, and regularly volunteers to help with Registration Booth set up and take down, working the Registration table, being on the Ask Me team, helping with the Area meetings, and other numerous tasks! She credits the CADA family for all the knowledge she gained over the years and is especially grateful for the noteworthy times working behind the scenes alongside the Area E Council members!

AREA f: becca cook, hillcrest high school

Becca Cook is a member of the Area F Council and works at Hillcrest High School in Riverside. She has been a teacher for 19 years and open Hillcrest in 2012. She started the ASB and Activities program in 2013 with only Freshmen and Sophomores. She has been a CADA member for 12 years and an Area F Council member for 4 years. Becca has presented at the high school, middle school, advisor conferences as well as the CADA State Convention.

Becca is a passionate educator dedicated to fostering student empowerment and creating a positive environment for all. She emphasizes involving students in decision-making and fostering a sense of community, creating a school environment where students feel supported and motivated to succeed. Becca is honored to receive this award and grateful to all the Area F Council members for their wisdom, collaboration, innovation, and friendship! Area F brings the FUN!

AREA g: Alexis melrose, mira mesa High School

Alexis first learned about the value of building community as an AVID teacher at several SDUSD schools, including Mira Mesa High School. Alexis became a class advisor for the class of 2022 before becoming the ASB Advisor for the last three years. Her associate principal, Brittani Reyes, encouraged her to join CADA and has played a significant role in helping Alexis to grow the ASB program at Mira Mesa from one class of twenty-two students to two classes with a combined enrollment of fifty-five students. Alexis is grateful to her husband, Brian, for his unwavering support, and to her co-advisor, Michael Harris, for his guidance and expertise during her first year as ASB advisor. Since joining the Area G council, Alexis has presented at both the advisors and the middle school conferences. Alexis is excited to continue learning from the knowledgeable leaders in Area G council and to help Area G continue to flourish.

Past Area Service Award Recipients