Thousand Oaks Youth Recognition for Satwiwa High School Interns

Satwiwa’s high school Interns, Daniel Human and Ava Klein have both been recognized at this year’s Thousand Oaks Youth Recognition ceremony for their diligent hard work and dedication volunteering at the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center. Ava received a Certificate of Appreciation and Daniel received a Certificate of Achievement. Only 35 high school students were given awards out of the 150 that were nominated.

They both began volunteering for the National Park Service in the summer of 2014 and have volunteered hundreds of hours with the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Daniel and Ava contribute significantly to the National Park Service and the Thousand Oaks community by providing interpretive, clerical and organizational support to the Culture Center and the Satwiwa rangers.

These two both exceed volunteer expectations by participating in other special events, such as the Recreational Festival, Science Festival, and Star Festivals. We have witnessed these two grow into independent and confident individuals willing to take on lateral park ranger tasks. Their positive attitudes and fun sense of humor are a pleasure to work with.

In addition to assisting with public interpretation and resource preservation at Satwiwa, Ava is a gifted artist who shares her talent with the National Park Service. She is also an astronomy enthusiast who has helped lead night sky activities at the Santa Monica Mountains Summer Star Festival.

In addition to volunteering at Satwiwa, Daniel excels academically while enrolled in rigorous AP courses. He is interested in pursuing a career in medicine. He has been a great support in volunteering in other programs outside of Satwiwa and you may have seen him at this year’s Science Festival escorting the mascot Ranger Rick.

If you happen to see these two out in the field, please congratulate them for all their hard work they have invested at Satwiwa and the parks special events. They truly deserve this community award.

– Satwiwa Ranger Razsa Cruz