Angel Light Academy Honors 8 Community Members Who Demonstrate Excellence in Leadership and Service 18th Annual Above & Beyond Awards November 8
The Californer/10331037

COSTA MESA, Calif. - Californer -- Above & Beyond honorees, who are nominated by former Above and Beyond Honorees,  have been recognized for their proven excellence in community leadership and service by Angel Light Academy (ALA) for the last 18 years.  This prestigious event will be held on November 8 at the Avenue of the Arts Hotel, 3350 Avenue of the Arts, in Costa Mesa. Welcome reception begins at 5 p.m. followed by the Awards Ceremony Gala at 6p.m.

Every year, the Above & Beyond Gala honors the many "Angels on Earth" who give to the Coastal Communities and celebrates the service, leadership, and charitable works they cultivate every day.  This year's honorees come from diverse service backgrounds, including business and entrepreneurship, youth advocacy, philanthropy, health, education, non-profits and more.

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"We hope to inspire coastal residents by showcasing the incredible works of these 8 distinguished Honorees, who exemplify the very best servant leaders.  They consistently go 'Above & Beyond' in their dedication to strengthening our community." According to Abigail Grace, Volunteer Event Coordinator.

Angel Light Academy (ALA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, proudly celebrated its 30th anniversary in June of this year. This significant milestone marks three decades of dedicated service in leadership development and community engagement. Since its founding, ALA's Annual Youth Leadership Conference and year-round Junior Leader Training Program has impacted the lives of thousands by teaching essential leadership skills and fostering a spirit of service. Through its youth programs and Above & Beyond events, ALA has enriched the lives of both those they lead and those they serve.

2025 Above and Beyond Distinguished Honorees & "Angels on Earth"

A.J. Trujillo,

Armando Yearwood, Why'd You Stop Me

Erika Barrantes, Angel Light Academy Board Member & Owner of Pure Life Acupuncture

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Harbor Community Health Centers

Kathy Boyd, Executive Director of Workforce Development, Orange County Department of Education

Mark Dershem, Retired Entrepreneur & Philanthropist

RJ De Rama, Executive Director of Makapo Aquatics Project


Event Fact Sheet

Event:          18th Annual Above & Beyond Awards benefitting Angel Light Academy (ALA), a 50l c 3 non-profit

ALA teaches leadership, team building, problem solving, conflict resolution, drug and gang resistance life skills and communication to youth ages 5-18.

Charity:          www.angellightacademy.org

For more information, call (888) 311-7388 or visit the events page at angellightacademy.org