On April 29th, we gathered for our annual Forget-Me-Not celebration and were reminded of the power of community in helping young people thrive. Together, we shared our passion for this work, reflected on the importance of building communities of belonging where youth can thrive, and honored this year’s outstanding educators.
Here are a few highlights from the event, and you can check out all the evening’s photos by Inspired By Studio here and recordings on our Youtube channel.
Executive Director Sharon Navarro opened the evening by sharing a powerful story that reflected the heart of Acknowledge Alliance’s mission. She described a middle school student who, after months of quietly struggling, slowly began to open up through the consistent care and patience of a resilience counselor, eventually saying, “I didn’t think anyone at school noticed me. But now I know someone does.” Sharon emphasized that feeling seen is where resilience begins and reminded guests that their generosity and support make it possible for students to feel valued, educators to feel supported, and school communities to become places where every young person can thrive.
The evening’s program began with a panel discussion entitled “Building Communities of Belonging and Access Where Youth Thrive”. Tracy Lyons, LMFT (Resilience Consultation Program Director), Dr. Candice Arora (Educator and Co-Founder of The Arora Collective), and Leo DelToro (Director of Bill Wilson Center’s Drop-in Center) reflected on the profound impact that caring adults and supportive communities can have on young people facing adversity. Dr. Arora shared her personal journey immigrating from Pakistan as a teenager, navigating homelessness, bullying, and uncertainty before two educators helped her feel seen, supported, and capable of pursuing higher education. Speaking about the importance of belonging, she shared, “Resilience doesn’t grow in isolation. It grows in relationships,” emphasizing how authentic connection and consistent support can transform a young person’s sense of wellbeing and possibility.
Leo DelToro spoke candidly about her own struggles with trauma, addiction, and disengagement from school as a young person, and how those experiences now shape her work supporting unhoused and vulnerable youth at Bill Wilson Center. Reflecting on what young people need most, she emphasized the importance of creating spaces where students feel acknowledged, welcomed, and safe enough to ask for help. Together, the panelists highlighted the growing mental health needs among students, the barriers many youth face in reconnecting with education, and the importance of creating safe, welcoming spaces where young people feel valued and understood. Despite the challenges, both speakers shared hope in the increasing focus on social-emotional learning, community collaboration, and a broader shift toward asking not “What’s wrong with this child?” but “How can we support them?”
Mariel Joseline Islas Lopez Mooraj, M.Ed. of Sunnyvale’s Columbia Middle School was honored as the 2026 Teacher of the Year. As Cheree Clark, the onsite Resilience Consultant at Columbia shared, Mariel is a lifelong learner who leads by example through deep self-reflection, vulnerability, and unwavering dedication to her students. Despite navigating personal challenges with courage and grace this year, she consistently shows up for her students, serving as both an inspiration and a trusted source of support, especially for those who share similar social and cultural experiences. Her commitment extends beyond academics to nurturing students’ social-emotional growth through creative lessons, engaging classroom projects, and a warm, welcoming environment. As a Social Studies teacher, she skillfully connects historical events to current issues, encouraging critical thinking and meaningful dialogue in today’s rapidly changing social and political climate. The trust and care she has cultivated are evident in the way students naturally gravitate to her classroom during lunch and free periods, making it a true space of belonging and support.
Principal Patricia Alcocer of Adelante Selby Spanish Immersion School was honored as the 2026 Principal of the Year. Patricia has been an invaluable partner in fostering social-emotional learning and building a culture of care within her school community. From her time collaborating on Project Resilience lessons as a 4th grade teacher to her leadership as Principal of Adelante Selby Spanish Immersion School, she has consistently modeled perseverance, social intelligence, creativity, teamwork, and joy. Patricia works closely with staff, students, and community partners to ensure that no one faces challenges alone, connecting people to support with compassion and intention. She leads with warmth, gratitude, and authenticity, creating an environment where both students and educators feel valued and cared for. Through her dedication to excellence, collaboration, and joy, Patricia exemplifies the very heart of social-emotional learning and continues to inspire those around her every day.
Terri W. Kemper was presented with the Outstanding Educational Leadership award for her 30 years of service as founder, teacher and director of the Mountain View Whisman School District Preschool Program. Terri embodies the kind of leadership that strengthens and uplifts children, families, and entire communities through integrity, care, kindness, commitment, and intentionality. Her strength-based approach, thoughtful communication, and ability to balance high expectations with genuine guidance and support stand out immediately to her colleagues. She leads with warmth and compassion, creating a culture that is reflected throughout her staff’s interactions with students and families. Terri is deeply committed to advocating for the needs of both children and educators, consistently showing up prepared, organized, and ready to champion her preschool community. Beyond her leadership skills, she models authenticity, self-reflection, and personal growth, inspiring those around her to grow alongside her. After 30 years of dedicated service, this award is both a well-deserved recognition of her extraordinary impact and a bittersweet celebration as she begins her next chapter in retirement.
Thank you to everyone in the Acknowledge Alliance family who joined us in celebrating and supporting our school communities. Your generosity and dedication made this year’s event truly meaningful, and we look forward to continuing this work together for years to come.