PVWH Community Partnerships
The Tulare County of Education CHARACTER COUNTS! Program partners with local community service organizations to recognize student athletes for their character, talent and sportsmanship on and off the field.
Downtown Visalia Kiwanis - Fall 2026
October 20, 2026
In partnership with the Downtown Visalia Kiwanis, TCOE’s CHARACTER COUNTS!
Program celebrated this fall’s Pursuing Victory with Honor (PVWH) student-athletes at
a lunch on October 20, 2026. The Downtown Visalia Kiwanis recognizes student-athletes,
nominated by their coaches, each season for their sportsmanship. The awards included
a certificate, T-Shirt and a lawn sign that reads "An Athlete of Character Lives Here.”
Below is a list of the Pursuing Victory with Honor award winners along with snippets
from their coaches.
Central Valley Christian High School
Marie Van Ryn - Girls Tenis
Coach Chris Haworth says, "Marie is an easy choice for a student-athlete who displays true character. Marie has played tennis at CVC for the past four years. She always displays a hard work ethic, striking an excellent balance between athletics, academics, music, family, and social life. She is a dedicated, disciplined athlete who is willing to put in extra work to achieve success on and off the court."
Coach Chris Haworth says, "Marie is an easy choice for a student-athlete who displays true character. Marie has played tennis at CVC for the past four years. She always displays a hard work ethic, striking an excellent balance between athletics, academics, music, family, and social life. She is a dedicated, disciplined athlete who is willing to put in extra work to achieve success on and off the court."
Payton Byma - Boys Cross-Country
Coach Ally Kornelis says, "Payton is a strong leader and supporter on his cross-country team and always puts others before himself. He consistently puts his heart into all that he does whether it’s his academics or his sports. Not only does he perform to his full potential, he also does so without complaining. He sets an example for his teammates that others want to follow."
Coach Ally Kornelis says, "Payton is a strong leader and supporter on his cross-country team and always puts others before himself. He consistently puts his heart into all that he does whether it’s his academics or his sports. Not only does he perform to his full potential, he also does so without complaining. He sets an example for his teammates that others want to follow."
Golden West High School
Tatiyana Valencia - Girls Flag Football
Coach Daniel Dominguez says, "Tati, has been an exceptional student-athlete. As a freshman she showed key skills that made her captain. She is very upbeat & positive. She never misses practice and always wants to compete and learn new things. Not only is she a great student but she is also involved in a lot of school activities besides girls flag football."
Coach Daniel Dominguez says, "Tati, has been an exceptional student-athlete. As a freshman she showed key skills that made her captain. She is very upbeat & positive. She never misses practice and always wants to compete and learn new things. Not only is she a great student but she is also involved in a lot of school activities besides girls flag football."
Priscila Ortiz - Girls Tenis
Coach Jeff Housman says, "Priscila has grown a lot in our time together. She is the best player on an average team, which means she faces the other school's best players each time. Priscila embraces that task and fully shoulders that responsibility. Even when the task is too much, she meets the challenge with a relentlessness, effort, and grace that makes me proud."
Coach Jeff Housman says, "Priscila has grown a lot in our time together. She is the best player on an average team, which means she faces the other school's best players each time. Priscila embraces that task and fully shoulders that responsibility. Even when the task is too much, she meets the challenge with a relentlessness, effort, and grace that makes me proud."
El Diamante High School
Arianna Gerrero - Girls Golf
Coach Brandon Guzman says, "Arianna is currently our #1 Golfer and is having her best season ever. She is sitting in 6th place in individual scoring in the EYL. Arianna is a 1st year captain and represents our school in the best way possible. Going from our #5 to our #1 is a big jump and she has shown the willingness to do whatever the team needs to be successful."
Troy Ralls - Boys Cross Country
Coach Kym Tucker says, "Troy is the type of student who can do it all, President of Link Crew, Captain of Cross Country, Leader at his church and our 2026 Homecoming King. He does all of these things while demonstrating admirable character, always doing what is right, and advocating when he feels something is unjust. Troy is truly an example of Pursuing Victory with Honor."
Mt. Whitney High School
Rodrigo Prator - Boys Cross Country
Coach Isaac Gonzales says, "Rodrigo Prator is an exceptional student-athlete with a 3.67 GPA and unlimited potential. Remarkably smart and mature beyond his years, he pairs deep wisdom with an incredible work ethic and fierce determination in every workout and race. Rodrigo's positive attitude consistently encourages and lifts his teammates. Though currently undecided on his future, his dedication and character ensure he can achieve anything he sets his mind to."
Jillian Morris - Girls Volleyball
Coach Casey Norman says, "I would like to recognize Jillian Morris for this award for her hard work, dedication, and outstanding character. She strives for excellence academically while balancing extracurriculars. As an invaluable volleyball team member, Jillian demonstrates strong leadership, organization, and encouragement. Kind, thoughtful, and respectful, her commitment to helping others makes her a wonderful role model and deserving candidate for this award."
Redwood High School
Jack Arreola - Boys Cross Country
Coach Gabby Satterlee-Sugg says, "Jack is a dream leader for any coach. Beyond his athletic ability, he leads by example with integrity, respect, and care. Quick to offer encouragement, Jack excels academically while staying active in youth group. Always honest and fair, he wishes competitors luck, uplifts teammates after tough races, and passes traditions of excellence to new freshmen. Our team is better and brighter thanks to his servant leadership."
Emma Hernandez - Girls Golf
Coach Ryan Coachran says, "Emma is our team captain this year and #1 player. We have 7 freshmen on the roster. She has not only welcomed them but has mentored them and even given them golf advice. She is a 1-time EYL Champion and So Cal State regional participant. No matter what level she is playing, she treats competitors with respect and compliments good play. That is what separates golf from other sports. Emma displays this every day."
Previous Community Partner Recognitions
For more information, contact Zoty Briceño at 559-737-6349 or miozoty.briceno@tcoe.org.