Alanna Ramirez and Nayeli Cuin named SYV Elks Lodge Students of the Month
By Staff Report · Fri Aug 07 2026
Santa Ynez High students round out excellent year for school honorees
Staff Report
Less than two weeks before the end of the 2026-27 school year, the Santa Ynez Valley Elks Lodge has named its final two Students of the Month: Alanna Ramirez for April and Nayeli Cuin for May.
Alanna Ramirez is a dedicated and creative student whose leadership, work ethic, and passion for the arts make her an outstanding representative of Santa Ynez Valley Union High School. She has challenged herself academically with a rigorous schedule that includes 10 semesters of honors courses, 6 semesters of AP classes, and 5 semesters of Concurrent enrollment courses with Allan Hancock, earning a 3.5 GPA and the Golden State Seal Merit Diploma.
A natural leader, Alanna has taken on key roles in theater, including running productions and organizing the school talent show, where she brings students together and helps create a sense of collaboration and belonging. She takes pride in the behind-the-scenes work that makes performances successful, understanding that leadership often means ensuring everything comes together smoothly for others to shine.
Outside of school, Alanna demonstrates responsibility and initiative through her work at Saarloos & Sons, where she helps market their cupcakes ( and they are delicious), as well as through babysitting and mentoring younger children. These experiences have strengthened her leadership skills and reinforced the importance of accountability and follow-through.
Academically, Alanna enjoys both English and math, appreciating the balance between creativity and logic. She loves writing while also recognizing her strength in analytical thinking. She credits influential figures such as her mother and teacher Amy Curti for pushing her to challenge herself and recognize her full potential, including encouraging her to pursue honors-level coursework.
After high school, Alanna plans to attend Allan Hancock College to study biology, zoology, or wildlife conservation. She is especially excited about pursuing opportunities to volunteer in Africa, and working in a safari or big cat sanctuary, inspired by her admiration for Jane Goodall, whose work has deeply influenced her career goals.
Alanna encourages younger students to stay true to themselves, not worry about others’ opinions, and pursue what makes them happy, while also stepping into leadership roles when possible.
A fun fact about Alanna is that she is highly creative and crafty; she can make almost anything she sees on Pinterest and even sews. She also fondly remembers her favorite childhood book, "Honey," about a service animal in a retirement home.
Nayeli Cuin, the May Student of the Month, is a hardworking, compassionate, and well-rounded student who has embraced every opportunity available to her at Santa Ynez High,especially in the Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways. A lifelong resident of the Santa Ynez Valley, Nayeli has built strong connections within the school community through her positive attitude, dedication to learning, and involvement in both academics and extracurricular activities.
Nayeli has excelled academically while pursuing a wide range of interests, earning a strong 3.8 GPA and the distinguished Golden State Seal Merit Diploma. She has fully taken advantage of the school’s diverse CTE pathways, participating in programs including art, restaurant careers, veterinary science, kinesiology, and agriculture. These hands-on experiences have allowed her to explore multiple career interests while developing valuable practical and leadership skills.
Outside of the classroom, Nayeli enjoys drawing, dancing, and baking cookies. She is actively involved in the OLA club, folklórico dancing, and even participated in track her sophomore year, all of which have helped shape her high school experience by building confidence, discipline, and community connections. Through Club OLA, she especially appreciated the opportunity to visit colleges and strengthen her connection to her culture and future aspirations.
Her church also plays a very important role in her life, helping guide her values and commitment to serving others. Nayeli strives to live with kindness, perseverance, and integrity, and she encourages younger students to never give up and always do their best, even when faced with challenges.
After graduation, Nayeli plans to attend Allan Hancock College with the goal of becoming a medical assistant. She is excited to pursue a career where she can care for and support others through health care and service.
A fun fact about Nayeli is her love for dancing, which has become an important creative outlet and source of joy in her life. One of her favorite movies is "High School Musical," which she enjoys for its positivity, energy, and themes of friendship and self-expression.