Creating a Life of Purpose

A version of this story will appear in the Summer 2026 issue of Santa Cruz Vibes Magazine.

Vicente Guillén Martínez knew how dangerous the stretch of Elkhorn Road near his home was. Cars often flipped over, taking the curve too fast, and this was on Vicente's mind the day he crossed the road to wait for the bus. Waiting just feet from the road, risking being hit by a car, he decided it wasn’t worth it and called an Uber to get him to his destination. But he couldn’t stop thinking about other people who can’t afford other options and have to wait for the bus, risking their lives to do so.

That’s who Vicente is — someone who is always thinking about others and what he can do to help. Later, he trekked back to the bus stop, took a photo, and submitted it to a youth photo contest organized by Regeneración/Pajaro Valley Climate Action. The contest asked participants to address a problem they saw in the community and prescribe solutions.

“I wanted people who can make changes to how bus stops or sidewalks are built to listen,” Vicente says. “Because if you go to the downtown area, the sidewalks are nice ... in rural areas, in poorer neighborhoods, you run the risk of being run over.”

Turning to Empathy

Vicente stands out among his Watsonville High School peers and in the community for his leadership and service to others. His path has been marked by its own challenges, and he turns those experiences into empathy and action. He enrolled as a senior at Watsonville High last year, having attended multiple schools due to housing instability. Despite the upheaval of transitions, he fully embraced his new peers and founded the Student Advocacy Club, which raises awareness about mental health and access to services for students.

Mental health is a topic Vicente is passionate about, and before attending Watsonville High, he was already doing meaningful work as a leader with Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance’s Empower Watsonville Youth Leadership program. The program seeks to prevent youth substance abuse and address mental health issues. He considers his introduction to the program a pivotal moment in his advocacy journey.

“I was able to talk to my peers and inform them about substance use,” he explains. “That was my turning point. I realized I could help people, and I liked that.”

He’s honed those skills ever since, and when the opportunity to vie for a position as a 2025-26 Santa Cruz County Office of Education student trustee presented itself, he went for it. He was selected as the at-large student trustee and worked to elevate student voice in board decisions, expand access to resources, and continue his advocacy for mental health support.

New Dreams of Higher Education

Just one year ago, Vicente didn’t even think he could attend college. The constant moving from school to school and challenges at home had taken a toll on his academics. He didn’t think higher education was meant for him.

But energized by his newfound connections and purpose, he started to dream bigger and work harder at it — and it paid off.

“This year was the first time I thought about going to college. I just didn’t think it was possible,” Vicente says. “I locked in with my classes ... and got accepted to a university.”

The future California State University, Monterey Bay freshman will be the first in his family to attend college, and the financial weight of tuition will be eased with the help of a scholarship. He was awarded the John L. Turner Scholarship at the Community Foundation, and the award will help him get through his first year.

The Foundation’s approach to its scholarship granting is tied to its vision: to make Santa Cruz County thrive for all who call it home, now and in the future. By giving students of all backgrounds and circumstances a chance to pursue higher education, that vision moves closer to becoming reality.

Equity in Opportunity

Scholarships are critical to keeping college in reach for first-generation students whose families may be unable to provide financial support. Scholarship awards range from $2,500 to $20,000. This year’s over $440,000 awarded surpassed the foundation’s previous record set in 2025. Of the total awards, 84% were awarded to first-generation college students, nearly all from communities underrepresented on college campuses.

The application process seriously considers those seeking alternative paths or students who demonstrate exceptional qualities beyond a 4.0 GPA.

“The traditional profile of scholarship awardees usually awards a student graduating at the top of their academic class. But there are students like Vicente who are champions of community service and show enormous strength and perseverance in school,” says Kevin Heuer, Community Foundation Director of Engagement and Impact. “These extraordinary students need to be awarded, too.”

The Foundation’s donors understand that our community needs skilled tradespeople and medical professionals and have started scholarship funds to support a broad spectrum of career aspirations.

“Creating more equity in who gets a shot at higher education is the reason why we steward diverse scholarships established by generous community members,” says Susan True, Community Foundation CEO. “The 2026 scholarship awardees represent hope and determination shaped by their own experiences and a desire to give back to Santa Cruz County.”

Community, Connected

On a recent evening in mid-May, almost 200 students and their families came together at the Community Foundation for its first scholarship awards celebration. Beaming smiles, ice cream, tacos, and joyous energy made for an unforgettable occasion. Former scholarship recipients presented awards to a new class, and representatives of local nonprofits and Community Foundation grantees attended with connections to awardees.

Vicente was there, and it was a full-circle moment for him. His first-grade teacher and now mentor, Maria Isabel LeBlanc, presented him with his award on stage.

LeBlanc is an English language instructor at the North Monterey County school where Martínez first enrolled as an 8-year-old from Mexico.

“She’s one of the best teachers that I’ve had … She was very patient, and to this day ... she is there to support me,” Vicente says.

LeBlanc is also an accomplished photographer and recipient of the Rydell Visual Arts Fellowship at the Community Foundation. Her work was on exhibit at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History earlier this year.

Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools Faris Sabbah joined in celebrating Martínez and the other students.

“As a student trustee, Vicente Guillén Martínez distinguished himself as a thoughtful and courageous student leader,” Sabbah says. “Through his service, leadership, and advocacy, Vicente reflects a deep commitment to his peers and his community.”

When asked what he would tell other students who face obstacles and doubts, Vicente's message is simple.

“I try to tell my friends and everyone that I meet: You’re the creator of your own life … It’s important to lead your life and not listen to people who say you can’t ... you should just try."

Header photo: Maria Isabel LeBlanc, a recipient of the Rydell Visual Arts Fellowship at the Community Foundation and Vicente’s first-grade teacher, presented Vicente with the John L. Turner Scholarship at our recent "Moving on Up” celebration.