Meet the Winners of the 2023 Camarillo Top 10 Awards

The 56th annual Camarillo Top 10 Awards ceremony was held Friday, November 3 at Serra Center. Nearly 200 people gathered to celebrate 12 honorees who are making a difference in Camarillo through their businesses, organizations, and selfless dedication to the community. The evening was emceed by Boys and Girls Club of Camarillo CEO Roberto Martinez and Food Share of Ventura County Chief Development Officer Jennifer Caldwell.  who were phenomenal, entertaining hosts. 

Congratulations to the 2023 honorees!

All of the winners' headshots were taken by Toki Lee Photography.

Youth of the Year – Carlos Valencia
Carlos Valencia is a senior at Adolfo Camarillo High School. He is president of five clubs and on the soccer team. He does this all while maintaining a 4.83 Grade Point Average with a challenging curriculum of AP and Junior College-level courses. Carlos has volunteered at numerous events, most notably at Food Share during the height of the pandemic. In 2022, he received the Bronze Volunteer Award from the American Red Cross for his significant contributions. Last year, Carlos performed a TEDx talk at Rancho Campana High School titled "Avocado's Rot" about the importance of education and how it should be accessible to everyone. In it, he says, “Education gives you power – the power to make decisions, the power to be in charge of your life.” Among the universities Carlos is considering are Stanford, MIT, UCLA, USC, and Berkeley, where he’s planning to study engineering with a focus on aerospace, mechanical, and mechatronics.

Educator of the Year – Kelly Borchard
Kelly Borchard is an educator who fosters a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that empowers students to excel at school and in life. He is a talented instructional leader with an unparalleled work ethic. His far-reaching influence inspires and compels everyone around him to work harder, including students, staff, and colleagues. On a typical day, Kelly welcomes each student with genuine excitement and radiates pride in being an educator. He can be found in classrooms joyfully engaging with students and staff. On special days, you will see him in a fancy or festive suit to bring enthusiasm and excitement to learning. Kelly’s excellence has been recognized with California PTA’s “Very Special Person” Award and “Teacher of the Year” by the Camarillo Noon-time Optimist Club. He cares deeply for students and inspires them as they find their way in the world. He is dedicated, innovative and always finding ways to provide next-level learning experiences for his students.

Senior of the Year – Jerry Clifford
Retired, life-long academic Jerry Clifford believes in education. So much so that he continues teaching at CSUCI’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute where there are no tests or grades – just the joy of learning and students ages 50+ sharpening their minds. Furthering his commitment to education and CSUCI, Jerry and his spouse BJ established a legacy gift to provide scholarship opportunities for future generations. As immediate past chair of the Boys & Girls Club of Camarillo and a Board member since 2017, Jerry was instrumental in the completion of the Bill and Joanne Miller Wing. This past summer, he brought his Summer Science program to the new expansion. Every week, kids were excited to learn with “Dr. C” through fun activities like making balloon-powered cars or a DIY catapult competition. Thanks to Jerry, at-risk youth and older adults in our community are receiving educational support from someone who truly loves to teach in unique, hands-on ways.

Volunteer of the Year – Chris Valenzuela
Born and raised in Camarillo and, now, raising his own family here, Chris Valenzuela is committed to making this community a wonderful place to live. He is proudly serving in his third year as Board President of the Camarillo Ranch Foundation. There, he works alongside board members and volunteers to produce free community events, such as the Throwback Thursday Food Truck Festival and Christmas at the Ranch with Santa. All proceeds go toward historical preservation of the ranch and educational programs about the legacy of Adolfo Camarillo and his family. Chris also serves as vice president of the Camarillo Wings Association, which promotes aviation and its heritage, and produces the annual Camarillo Air Show. This annual event attracts 20,000 people and is a major boost to our local economy. With his professional success at Luscombe Engineering and community involvement, it’s no wonder Chris was recently honored as a 40 Under 40 by Pacific Coast Business Times.

Public Servant of the Year – Jackie Rose
Animal lovers in Camarillo are grateful for our local animal shelter led by director Jackie Rose. She began her animal welfare career in 2007, when she combined her passion for animals with her background in social service and law. Since joining Ventura County Animal Services in 2019, Jackie has made a difference to hundreds of volunteers and staff, and thousands of animals at the Camarillo and Simi Valley shelters. 94 percent of dogs are adopted out, making VCAS is one of the highest live release shelters in California. Under her leadership, VCAS created a “pet retention program” that provides assistance to low-income families and pet owners facing financial hardship. Life for animals at VCAS is a positive, enriching experience while innovative training programs for staff and an emphasis on self-care show her commitment to her team. Jackie's role is not an easy one, however she is grace under pressure and a true professional dedicated to helping both people and animals.

​Nonprofit of the Year – Camarillo Academic Olympics
Founded in 1984, Camarillo Academic Olympics has been a youth-friendly competition for nearly 40 years. Although the organization has gone through major changes since its inception, the same ideals hold strong: To honor the academic achievements of youth in our community. Over the years, thousands of students have participated in CAO and the newer event SuperQuiz, which rotate every other year. Many former competitors now volunteer or have their own children competing. In fact, CAO Chairwoman Mandy McCarthy competed in 1990 as a student at St. Mary Magdalen. In order to provide the events to no cost to schools and students, CAO teams up with Pleasant Valley School District, City of Camarillo, the Boys and Girls Club of Camarillo, and sponsoring businesses. It also takes a village of dedicated volunteers to execute two biannual events. A core team of 10 volunteers make up the Organizing Committee that spends months preparing every detail that goes into making each year a success.

Entrepreneur of the Year – Jeanne Sikoff
After losing her sister and father to cancer within an 18-month period, Jeanne Sikoff decided it was time for a career change. She wanted to create a new business that would allow her to be more engaged in the community and spend more time with her family. As owner of Zander’s Game House, Jeanne not only has a business but a community. The business has over 20 scheduled weekly gaming meet-ups, community gatherings, and birthday parties. Jeanne has built relationships with youth-oriented nonprofits and church groups that all find value in gaming at Zander's. Like many scrappy business owners, she weathered the pandemic shutdowns and grew back stronger. You can nearly always find her behind the desk at Zander’s, a friendly, helpful face ready to set you up to have some fun. We all need more play in our lives, and Jeanne has established a comfortable, pleasant and safe place to have fun.

Business of the Year – Camarillo Hotel and Tourism Association
The Camarillo Hotel and Tourism Association, branded as Visit Camarillo, is the city's official destination marketing organization. Tasked with creating marketing programs, advertising campaigns, and out-of-the-box initiatives, Visit Camarillo goes beyond hotel profits and improved tax revenues. At its core, it is built to empower and uplift the community through the power of tourism. Remaining true to the city’s heritage of warm hospitality, the Visit Camarillo team aims to share the stories about Camarillo to those who are open to exploring new destinations and interested in discovering new places to visit, all free of charge to the community. Over the years, Visit Camarillo’s efforts have led to increased brand awareness and sales generation. Its commitment to the community is evident through its sponsorships and in-kind support of many local events. Visit Camarillo aims to connect businesses and the community to strengthen the local economy and overall quality of life.

Man of the Year – Roosevelt Bolden
Roosevelt Bolden’s passion for inspiring young minds began when he was a teen working as a basketball counselor at Ventura College. After getting his Bachelor’s and playing professional basketball overseas, in 2012, he became a para-educator at Camarillo High School. Through his daily work, “Uncle Roo,” as he is called, has broken down barriers for youth with autism and developmental disabilities. He helped create its Unified Sports Program that pairs general students with special students to compete against other schools. He also coordinated the first Ventura Unified Schools Special Olympics where more than 70 youth participated. His work continues through his nonprofit Rich At Heart, which provides safe, interactive learning opportunities for youth and young adults with any disability. Through field trips, sports, and other events, participants gain daily life skills, job training, and so much more. Roosevelt’s unwavering dedication to youth with disabilities serves as powerful inspiration for us all. His tireless effort is a testament to his commitment to promoting inclusivity, understanding, and support within our community. 

Woman of the Year – Kristie Akl
“Why do I have to drive an hour and a half for a children’s museum?” Kristie Akl asked herself that simple question in 2013 and has changed lives in the decade since. A mother of three girls, it became Kristie’s mission to bring a high-quality children’s museum to Ventura County. She founded kidSTREAM and provided the spark to bring her vision to reality. Over the next few years, the board secured the site of the former Camarillo Public Library, incorporated as a nonprofit, and raised over a million dollars.  As work and fundraising continue for this 30,000 square foot hands-on museum, kidSTREAM has served over 50,000 children at community events, pop-ups and onsite programs. Backed by a dedicated board, staff, volunteers, and generous supporters, Kristie stepped down as president this year and is now a director emeritus. She knows the museum is in excellent shape to open to the public in 2024. 

​Philanthropists of the Year – Dave & Dawn Gross
Dave and Dawn Gross have been investing in youth, education, and entrepreneurship in our community for many years. Their commitment to startup education and investment led them to create the nonprofit NewCo Foundation, which is changing the lives of students in high school and college, budding entrepreneurs, the blind and visually impaired, and more.  With their leadership and generosity, they have inspired careers through RC Makes, a student-led enterprise at Rancho Campana High School, the STEM lab at the Boys & Girls Club of Camarillo, and California Lutheran University’s Center for Entrepreneurship. They have impacted lives with their support of The Miracle League 805, National Braille Press, Camarillo Public Library, and eyeshine.org, among others. Last year, NewCo Foundation launched Foundry 805, a nonprofit committed to creating a supportive and enriching environment for entrepreneurs to learn, grow, and thrive right here in Ventura County. Its 22,000 square foot facility in Camarillo is set to open in 2024-25.

​Stan Daily Lifetime Achievement Award – The Hiji Family
The Hiji Family has given so much, for so long to the community of Camarillo and the surrounding areas of Ventura County. Tsugio, Frank, and Robert Hiji laid the foundation for an indelible family legacy that began with humble roots as farmers in the 1950s to the Hiji name today being synonymous with generosity and philanthropy. Near and dear to their hearts is the Camarillo Family YMCA – Hiji Center, for which the family donated the property where the 14,000 square foot facility now sits. And the Hiji Family Healing Garden at St. John's Regional Medical Center is a two-acre, three-tiered oasis that provides beauty, comfort, and peace to patients, families, doctors, and staff who need a quiet moment. The Hijis are active supporters of Casa Pacifica, Camarillo Public Library, and the Oxnard Buddhist Temple, and they’ve been instrumental in ensuring Camarillo's tradition of Fourth of July fireworks has continued since 2021. 

Thank You To Our Sponsors!

The Camarillo Top 10 Awards is hosted annually by the WVCBA and made possible in 2023 by Presenting Sponsors Camarillo Hotel & Tourism Association, Collab District, Dignity Health St. John's Hospitals, Devoted Care Services, Grand Canyon University, LightGabler, Sonesta Select Camarillo, Southern California Edison, and Ventura Investment Co.; and Supporting Sponsors Century 21 Everest - Ken Wallis, County of Ventura, Dancing with Our Future Stars, KidSTREAM, Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics at California State University Channel Islands, Premier America Credit Union, Toki Lee Photography, SMI Audio Visual, and Ventura County Credit Union.