Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) congratulates the seven high school seniors chosen by their respective schools to represent specific pillars of leadership: Caring, Citizenship, Courage, Fairness, Respect, Responsibility, and Trustworthiness. The Superintendent’s Character Trait Award winners were recognized at the April 21 Board of Education meeting, where they received commemorative certificates.

“The character of these students is not defined by a single achievement, but by the consistent choices they make every day,” said Superintendent Dr. Wesley Smith. “While we recognize these individuals, they represent just a small sample of the many outstanding students across our district. They are leaders in their schools and in our community, reminding us that character truly matters and that our future is in capable hands.”

Join us in congratulating Estancia High School's 2026 Superintendent’s Character Trait Award winner:

Responsibility: Christopher Garibay Alvarado

Christopher Garibay Alvarado exemplifies responsibility far beyond the classroom. When his family moved to Arizona last year, Christopher decided to remain in California with his grandparents to continue the academic success and scholarship opportunities he had worked tirelessly to earn. Since then, he has navigated school independently while also taking on additional responsibilities at home. 

Estancia staff have been impressed with Christopher’s innate sense of responsibility since he was in eighth grade; as a student at TeWinkle Middle School, he traveled to Estancia for an Advanced Math II course, earning an A+ in a class of older students. 

A four-year varsity basketball player, Christopher endured two ACL surgeries that ended his senior season. Rather than step away, he honored his commitment to the team by attending practices and games, mentoring teammates, and leading from the sidelines.

Christopher has mentored approximately 50 freshmen as a Link Crew Leader, checking in regularly, offering academic and social-emotional support, and drawing from his own experiences to encourage resilience. 

He plans to attend a four-year university in California to study psychology.

Together, the seven Superintendent’s Character Trait Award winners reflect the values that define Newport-Mesa Unified School District. Through their actions, both large and small, they demonstrate how character, leadership, and compassion shape strong school communities. NMUSD is proud to recognize these outstanding seniors and celebrate the positive example they set for younger students across the district.