RARE Honors 2026 Forrest Ward Racial Equity Award Recipients
In June of 2026 RARE presented its Forrest Ward Racial Equity Award to four individuals who have made outstanding contributions to improving the racial climate at RHS.
The award was named after Forrest Ward, a former RHS student athlete, coach and mentor to four generations of Roosevelt families. Each recipient received an honorary plaque and a $100 contribution from RARE to a school-related organization of their choice.
The awards were presented to students Isaac Macebo and Gabriella Blanco and staff members Debra Diederichs and Norma Garcia Aguilar at the annual Moving Up all-school assembly. They received a robust ovation from the attendees, demonstrating how much respect the RHS student body and staff had for the winning individuals and their contributions to Roosevelt.
In the early Spring of each year RARE reaches out to the Roosevelt community to seek nominations of students, educators, or organizations who have made noteworthy contributions toward creating a climate of racial equity and who have made a positive impact on the overall racial atmosphere at RHS and its community.
Our 2026 AWARD WINNERS
- Isaac Macebo, senior, a multi-talented young man who was a leader and starter on the football team and a member of Roosevelt’s orchestra. He demonstrated leadership, consistency, and showing up as a young black man in two programs that were going through tough transitions this year. He is a great example of Forrest’s legacy of kindness, bridging race, and making Roosevelt a better place.
- Gabriella Blanco, senior, has had a significant impact at Roosevelt in creating equity. Through ASB and her role on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee she has planned our POC night, Heritage activities, and Town Halls. Gabby creates space for our students and families to feel included, heard and valued in our school community.
- Debra Diederichs, staff, works with the kids who are “falling through the cracks” academically. She creates a safe place for our students, and they know both that they are valued AND that they won’t get away with inappropriate behavior. Debra has an ability to command attention and be fiercely loving.
- Norma Garcia Aguilar, staff, serves as an Academic Intervention Specialist, often working with students that are not fluent English speakers. These are students on the margins and looking for a place to fit in. Norma is brilliant at having these students and families feel seen, while at the same time pushing them toward excellence in academics. Norma advocates with kindness, curiosity and a desire for our students to reach their fullest potential.
For more information about the Forrest Ward Racial Equity Awards please see the Programs tab on our website.
