Bob Burton Spirit Award

The Bob Burton Spirit Award is presented to one regular member (not a current area council member) from each area (A-G) for their exemplary leadership in the development of a positive culture and climate by making spirit work on their campus.

The Area H Bob Burton Award is presented to one activity director from Area H (convention attendees from outside California) for their exemplary leadership in the development of a positive culture and climate making spirit work on their school campus.

2025 Bob Burton Award Recipients

AREA A: charles pikas, Pacheco High School 

For seven years Mr. Pikas served the dual role of Activities Director and Athletic Director. Wearing both hats allowed him to find the connection to drive school spirit on campus during the school day as well as at activities outside of school. Having been at Pacheco High since the doors opened in 2010, his passion for the school was seen while serving both positions. In 2023 the Athletic Director role became full time and sadly he had to leave activities, which leaves a big void for him. He still offers his support when needed to the Activities Directors in hopes that Pacheco will continue to show their amazing school spirit.

Area b: virginia Yenter Yanowsky, evergreen valley high School

Introducing Virginia Yenter Yanowsky, a dedicated and innovative leader in student activities. For 16 years, Virginia has served as the Activities Director at Evergreen Valley High School in San Jose, shaping the student experience and fostering a vibrant school community. Her passion for student leadership is evident in the numerous programs she has spearheaded, including the creation of Connection Crew, their version of Link Crew, and the introduction of Shadow Days for incoming freshmen. Virginia and her team developed a five-course UC-approved G Leadership pathway to empower students to cultivate their leadership skills. Virginia also serves as the District Subject Area Coordinator for Activities where she advocates for all ESUHSD Activities Directors, coordinates district-wide leadership camps and executive officer retreats and provides training and support for Activities Directors. Her commitment extends to all aspects of student life, from coordinating the yearbook program, selling approximately 800 books annually, to digitizing the RPO and event request process, and even enriching the school's cultural awareness by implementing African American Cuisine for Black History Month lunches. Virginia's dedication to creating an inclusive, positive and engaging environment for students is truly commendable.

AREA C: thomas Marschall, central high School

Mr. Marschall has been teaching for 32 years at various schools. He started by coaching, subbing and working summer school for Fresno Unified at Hoover and Roosevelt High Schools from 91 to 93. In 1993 he was employed by Firebaugh High School where he taught Geography, World and US History, and coached Varsity Football and Baseball. In 1999 he became the Activities Director for the school and continued till 2007 where he moved to Rio Vista Middle School in Central Unified, and became the Activities Director there from 2007 to 2011. Four years later was moved by the district to Glacier Point Middle School where he became the Yearbook advisor from 2011 to 2014. In 2014 became the Activities director for Central High School and will be retiring this year with 21 years as an activities director. He finds it humbling and surreal that he is getting this award because Bob Burton's book, "Spirit Works Turn it On," has kind of been his go to bible for Activities, so he is very proud to represent activities directors in Area C. He feels that he has always tried to include everyone in the school, in the school activities, with many Culture fairs, video's celebrating students cultures for the announcements and by celebrating everyones birthdays at school. By attending CADA conferences, camps and council meetings it has given him a great understanding of what it means to be an Activities Director. He has alway tried his best to leave a positive impact on the students he's taught by encouraging them to take what they have learned in class into their college or career. He has made lasting memories for students with events such as Week of Wow, Rallies, CLAWS luncheons, Culture Fairs, Haunted Houses, Sadies and Winter Formal. He hopes that students have appreciated his efforts over that last 32 years and they he has made a difference. 

AREA D: lorena Caulfield, Newbury Park High School

Since 1998 Lorena Caulfield has been working with athletes at Newbury Park High School. In 2002 she finally secured a job during the regular school day. At NPHS she has taught Spanish 1, Geography, Health (DC), Intervention, Sports Medicine (1 & 2) & Medical Terminology. In 2004 she started helping the Junior Class plan prom. Lorena has always supported ASG. She participates in LTAs, rallies & attends any activity on campus. Lorena likes to find the fun in every day & enjoys seeing the students do so as well. For the last 15 she has focused on building camaraderie amongst the staff by running “Faculty Club”. Lorena creates opportunities for potlucks & food competitions on & off campus. She started the Panther Award (recognizing a different staff member at monthly meetings) & "You've Been Mugged" (good job). During difficult times of a colleague (death of loved one, surgery, leave of absence) she coordinates the staff from meal preps, laundry services, collecting money for memorials. In the past she coordinated monthly birthday luncheons & “lawn chair lunch” times. Lorena loves being a Panther & wants all the staff to feel included, wanted & welcomed.

AREA E: Eloisa castillo, chino high School

Eloisa is in her fourth year as the activities director at Chino High School, where she promotes school spirit and community pride. As a proud Chino High alumni, Eloisa has always embodied the Cowboy spirit, and returning to her alma mater after COVID gave her the opportunity to revive that energy on campus. She makes spirit work by highlighting not only sports but also the diverse range of clubs and performing arts groups, ensuring every student feels included and valued. The construction of the new Chino High campus has provided Eloisa and her team with the chance to innovate and make a positive impact. Eloisa’s deep roots in the Chino community fuel her passion for preserving the Cowboy Country culture, and her commitment to inclusivity and engagement continues to make a lasting difference in the experiences of both students and faculty.

AREA F: carrie ross, Aliso Niguel High School

Last year, Carrie Pierce Ross, or “CPR” as her students call her, took on the challenge of a new role as the Activities Director at Aliso Niguel High School, after spending 10 years as a coach, teacher, Athletic Director and Assistant Activities Director at Dana Hills High School. Carrie eagerly approached this new role as a chance to build her own team/activities program from the ground up, as the new “head coach”. Last year she focused on building connections with the kids, staff, and school community, and started to see some positive shifts in campus culture, which laid the groundwork for this remarkable year. With a record-breaking number of student applications to join ASB at the end of last school year, Carrie and her elected leaders built the largest ASB team in school history, 61 student leaders strong. This team of 61, led by an inspired and motivated senior class, set out to revive school spirit on their campus this year. Under Carrie's guidance, they kicked off the school year by earning the Darrell Stillwagon award, which is the highest honor for spirit and leadership at the annual Orange County Leadership camp, out of the 58 OC high schools in attendance. Her students carried this momentum into this Fall, as they were named OC Student Section of the Season, shattering the county record for the weekly people’s choice titles with a total of nine for the ten week season, and were even named National Student Section of the Week amongst thousands of high schools across the country. As an activities director, Carrie sees her role as a facilitator and coach for her ASB team by empowering her students to set their own goals and believes that great things can happen on your campus when you provide your students the tools and structure to succeed, and let your students take the reins. It’s Carrie’s unique combination of her approach to leadership and experience that has allowed her to truly revive school spirit and build a thriving ASB program on the Aliso Niguel campus in just a short year and a half.

AREA G: jenny Serban, Steele Canyon high school 

Jenny Serban, the Student Activities Director at Steele Canyon High School, is dedicated to making spirit work by fostering an inclusive and vibrant school culture. She empowers her student leaders to engage in empathy mapping in order to create a school environment where each student feels valued, heard, and inspired to participate. Through innovative events, engaging activities, and student-led initiatives, she builds a strong sense of unity and pride within the Steele Canyon community. Jenny ensures that all students have a voice and a place in the school’s traditions. From assemblies to music festivals to service projects and rubber ducky adoption events, she makes a positive difference by empowering students to lead, connect, and celebrate their individuality. For Jenny, school spirit is about connection—it’s about finding a place of belonging, strengthening relationships, and creating lasting memories, one Polaroid picture at a time. Through her passion and leadership, she inspires students and staff alike, proving that together, they can make spirit work!

AREA H: Janet Leilani Riehle, Mililani High school

Janet Leilani Riehle is humbled to be recieving the Bob Burton Spirit Award. As the Student Activities Coordinator at Mililani High School for 13 years, she has cultivated a spirited and inclusive school environment while maintaining Trojan Nation pride. Leilani’s dedication is evident in the creation of impactful events like the Culture Fair, Spirit Give Days and Leadership Training Camps. Her welcoming, positive attitude ensures that every student, whether a lifelong resident or recent transfer, feels part of the Mililani community. Beyond her work at Mililani, Janet’s leadership extends statewide as the President of the Hawaii Student Activities Association, where she helps support student activities across Hawaii. Leilani’s can-do Aloha spirit is inspired by Bob Burton’s legacy, this CADA family and her students. She is committed to fostering school spirit and is honored to receive this award. Janet Leilani wants to thank Area H Ohana who inspire her to be more like Bob. Mahalo everyone for Coming Together at CADAstock and for this award.

Past Bob Burton Award Recipients