California Western School of Law Hosts Spring 2025 Student Recognition Celebration
SAN DIEGO (April 2, 2025) -- California Western School of Law (CWSL)’s Office of Student Affairs hosted the annual Student Recognition Celebration. Students are nominated for their achievements during law school. Over 30 awards were recognized, as well as the Josi-Dixon PILF Post Bar Grant recipients—selected and awarded by the Public Interest Law Foundation. Congratulations students!
Academic Excellence Award, in recognition of outstanding academic performance, classroom performance and other scholastic activities:
Rachel Kupfer 3L
Castetter “Dean Gene” Memorial Scholarship, in recognition of laudable achievements in law school, including organizational leadership and service to the community:
Erik Berroteran 2L
Erica Brown Gardner Mediation Clinic Scholarship, in recognition of students who exhibit the skills, attitudes, and values of an exceptional mediator:
Zachary Wagonis 3L
Enas Gaballa 3L
Jillian Holland Brown 3L
Luis Montaño 3L
Chase Hayes 3L
Julie Lewis 3L
Competitive Advocacy Program Award, in recognition of time and effort dedicated to representing the school on an advocacy team in a manner which serves as an example of hard work, leadership, and overall development of advocacy skills:
Kaylina Castellanos 3L
Heather Hunter 3L
Madison McCormick 3L
Meenal Patel 3L
Delilah Sadat 3L
Benjamin DeCarlo 3L
Natalie Brown 3L
CWSL Law Review Scriba Regis Award, in recognition of excellence in Law Review writing, analysis and contribution to legal scholarship:
Ryan Jensen 2L
California Western School of Law Trustees’ Scholarship, in recognition of laudable achievements in law school, including scholarship, service to the law school, and other activities:
Mitchell McCarthy 3L
Diane Ethics Award, in recognition of exemplary ethics and high ideals of the legal profession through academic, professional and extracurricular activities:
Sarah LaVake 3L
Duane W. Laton International Law Scholarship, in recognition of excellence in and commitment to the study of International Law:
Kaylina Castellanos 3L
Faculty Award, in recognition of significant and positive contributions to California Western through scholarship, service, and other contributions that enhance the reputation of the law school:
Clare LaCount 3L
Chloe Kramer 3L
Gabrielle Mark-Bachoua 3L
Brittany Wallace 3L
Heather Hunter 3L
Stephanie Haumschild 3L
Lexi Vander Linden 3L
Lauren Schulze 3L
Gordon & Holmes Oral Advocacy Award, in recognition of exemplary trial skills in interschool competitions:
Kirstin Rosa 3L
Lexi Vander Linden 3L
Alexander Kent 3L
Brenda Virrey 3L
Jack Hathaway 3L
William Wang 3L
Dante Thorn 3L
Harvey R. Levine Scholarship, in recognition of interest and promise in the areas of consumer law, consumer rights, and /or consumer advocacy:
Amie Troutt 3L
International Law Journal S. Houston Lay Award, in recognition of excellence in writing, analysis, and contribution to international law:
Sarah Yee 2L
James P. O’Neill Scholarship, in recognition of interest in pursuing a solo practice and in the area of public service:
Jessica Richer 3L
Justice Howard B. and Mrs. Joan C. Wiener Scholarship, in recognition of academic excellence and great leadership skills, and your commitment to a democratic society consistent with equal rights under our State and Federal Constitutions, and who shows sensitivity and concern for human rights and the fair administrations of justice:
Grace Banny 2L
Justice Judith L. Haller Scholarship, in recognition of sterling character, integrity and ongoing dedication to issues of equity, equality, and inclusion in the Southern California region:
Kathryn Cox 3L
Law School Service Award for Promotion of Academic Achievement in Others, in recognition of devotion to the promotion of academic achievement in others:
Michelle Valania 3L
Barbara J. Cox & Steven K. Russell ‘97 LGBTQ Scholarship, in recognition of demonstration of intent to protect and advance the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals:
Cristal Hernandez-Moreno 3L
Professor Irwin D. Miller Inspiration & Achievement Award, in recognition of demonstration and inspiration of courage in others by your actions in the face of extreme difficulty:
Brooke Walker 3L
Professor Janeen Kerper Memorial Scholarship for Criminal Defense Advocacy Award, in recognition of demonstration of interest and achievement in the area of criminal defense advocacy:
Verenice Meza 3L
Turner J. Hopkinson Memorial Scholarship for Student Veterans, in recognition of demonstration of leadership and service to student veterans:
Danielle Sanderlin 3L
Professor Susan A. Channick Memorial Scholarship, in recognition of a student who is balancing academic work and family obligations:
Kiah Norris 2L
Professor William C. and Sally B. Lynch Scholarship, in recognition of significant academic improvement and dedication to the study of law:
Z Rigamer 2L
Kulia i ka nu’u Scholarship, awarded to a second or third year student who was born in the state of Hawaii, lived there for a minimum of 10 years and demonstrated commitment to service and spirit conveyed by native Hawaiian proverb Kulia i ka nu’u (strive for the summit or highest point possible):
Eden Arthur 2L
Josi-Dixon PILF Post Bar Grant, in recognition of commitment to the mission of social justice and your goal to serve the needs of the public interest:
Freida Aguilar 3L
Kaylina Castellanos 3L
Thelma Guerrero-Sanchez 3L
Samantha Sepulveda 3L
Michelle Del Real 3L
Tatiana Peregrina 3L
Maria Siliezar Siguenza 3L
Cristal Hernandez-Moreno 3L
Analese Sandoval 3L
About California Western School of Law
For 100 years, California Western School of Law (CWSL) has trained practice-ready lawyers and thoughtful advocates for justice. As the first and longest-running law school in San Diego, CWSL remains committed to providing students with the fundamental knowledge, skills, and real-world experience to thrive in a rapidly evolving legal landscape. CWSL enrolls a student body representative of our diverse society, amplifying access to opportunities for social and economic mobility. Tailored programming allows students to focus on specific areas of interest, and distinguished faculty are dedicated to student growth and scholarship on critical social issues. The law school emphasizes practical, hands-on training through clinics, internships, externships, and pro bono service. CWSL is committed to excellence in education, nurturing compassionate legal professionals who use the law effectively and creatively to solve complex human and societal problems. For more information, visit www.CWSL.edu.