2025 ALUMNI AWARDS GALA

February 06, 2025

5:30 PM Cocktail Reception | 7:00 PM Dinner and Awards

Lynwood Bateman Hall

11331 Ernestine Avenue,Lynwood, CA 90262

Recap Video

2025 ALUMNI AWARDS HONOREES

Leadership In Innovation

Awarded to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial skills, successfully launching and growing a business venture. Their vision, creativity, and ability to navigate challenges have resulted in establishing a thriving enterprise, serving as a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Nestor Enciso

Lynwood High Schoo, 2010

Nestor Enciso, founder of Helping Hands Coffee, has received the Leadership in Innovation Award for his contributions to the coffee industry and the Lynwood community. His journey began in 2011 at Tierra Mia Coffee while attending college, where his passion for coffee and community building took root.

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Nestor launched Helping Hands Coffee as a nonprofit to support underserved communities in Southeast Los Angeles. Despite personal and financial challenges, the organization provided resources to thousands of families. By 2022, it transitioned into a thriving business with support from the City of Lynwood and partnerships with Chobani and Oatly.

Helping Hands Coffee donates a portion of its profits to nonprofits and collaborates with socially conscious coffee businesses like Picaresca and Patria Coffee. With over 15 years in the industry, Nestor’s craftsmanship shines through in details like his signature 12-hour Café de Olla syrup.

He credits his success to his parents, sister, and wife, Elsie. Through Helping Hands Coffee, Nestor continues to inspire and create change in Lynwood and beyond.

Rising Star

Awarded to a recent graduate who has achieved remarkable success early in their career, celebrating their outstanding accomplishments. This individual demonstrates exceptional talent, ambition, and promise, inspiring other young alumni embarking on their professional journeys.

Edgar Amezquita

Firebaugh High School, 2012

Edgar Amezquita, recipient of the Rising Star Award, exemplifies hard work and perseverance. Born in Los Angeles and raised in Lynwood, he attended Lynwood Middle School and Firebaugh High School before earning a Mechanical Engineering degree from UC Irvine as a first-generation Hispanic college graduate.

Since 2017, Edgar has worked at Scorpius Space Launch Company, playing a key role in manufacturing flight components for the NOVA-C spacecraft, which recently achieved a successful lunar landing. His contributions showcase his dedication and technical expertise in the aerospace industry.

Edgar credits his success to the values instilled by his parents, including his father’s strong work ethic and his mother’s perseverance, along with the support of friends, mentors, and teachers in Lynwood. Their guidance helped shape his path and encouraged him to push forward.

Proud of his roots, Edgar is committed to inspiring future generations in Lynwood. His journey reflects resilience, determination, and the importance of giving back to the community.

Humanitarian Excellence

Awarded to an individual who has dedicated their life to positively impacting society. Through their selfless acts of kindness, philanthropy, and community service, they have brought about significant change and touched the lives of many.

Oscar Flores

Lynwood High School, 1990

Oscar Flores, a lifelong Lynwood resident, is a co-recipient of the Humanitarian Excellence Award for his dedication to the community. An alumnus of Washington Elementary School, Hosler Middle School, and Lynwood High School, he was inspired by his parents, who fought for better educational resources.

With over 36 years in municipal recreation, Oscar has impacted thousands of lives. He spent a decade as a youth sports coach and Lynwood Sports Association board member, fostering teamwork and leadership in local youth. As a City of Lynwood Recreation Department employee, he contributed to developing parks and community spaces.

In 2020, Oscar was elected to the Lynwood City Council and later served as Mayor in 2023. As Mayor, he launched the “Mayor’s Community Service Award,” personally donating $500 monthly to local groups. He also helped approve major infrastructure projects, including a new playground, fitness stations, and a skate park.

A hands-on leader, Oscar champions recreation as essential to well-being. Whether coaching, volunteering, or driving city projects, he embodies Lynwood’s motto of “Strength Through Community.”

Humanitarian Excellence

Audrey Casas

Lynwood High School, 1999

Audrey Casas, co-recipient of the Humanitarian Excellence Award, is a Lynwood resident, educator, and president of Mastering Hope Inc., a nonprofit supporting families in need. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she and her team launched Mastering Hope in 2020, hosting large-scale events that provided food, entertainment, and supplies to thousands.

Beyond community events, Audrey assists families in crisis, organizing fundraisers and donations. A first-generation college graduate, she attended Wilson Elementary School, Hosler Middle School, and Lynwood High School before earning an English degree from UC Irvine and a Master’s in Urban Education from Loyola Marymount University.

Under her leadership, Mastering Hope has raised over $100,000 to support mental health resources, toy drives, and school supplies. Her work has earned her multiple awards, including Woman of the Year by Assemblymember Anthony Rendon and Latina Advocate of the Year by Senator Lena Gonzalez.

Audrey is a proud wife to Saul and mother to Bruno and Zeuss. She believes in leading with action, proving that even the toughest challenges can create meaningful change.