Palm View honors local students and athletes, from presidential awardees to NCAA champion

Palm View — The City Council used part of its Tuesday meeting to recognize local volunteers and athletes, honoring two Golden Presidential Award recipients, members of the La Jolla Palm View High School Elite 8 baseball team and coach Manuel “Rick” Garcia, and graduate athlete Brianna Robles for her NCAA achievements.

The council presented the Golden Presidential Award to Unique Villegas (Miss Teen Palm View) and Aliyah Saravia (Duchess of Royal Palms) for volunteer service performed largely while representing Palm View on the 2024‑25 royal court. City remarks credited Regina’s Modeling Academy with certifying the community service hours; Brenda Nandez, representing the academy, said the girls had performed volunteer work in Palm View and other nearby cities and were exemplary young leaders.

La Jolla Palm View High School’s Lobos baseball team and head coach Manuel Rick Garcia were recognized for a historic season and regional playoff run. City staff read the team’s 26‑10 record and noted the team reached the Elite 8 and that Coach Garcia received the 2025 District 35A All‑District Coach of the Year honor and reached a reported career milestone exceeding 300 wins. The council and community members praised the coaches’ emphasis on teamwork and youth development. Several players and coaches were introduced by name at the dais.

Council members also recognized Brianna (Robles) for national championships and All‑America level performances while competing for Adams State University in Colorado in cross country and track. Staff recounted Robles’ NCAA Division II national titles and runner‑up finishes in multiple distance events and noted she is continuing graduate study and pursuing professional running goals. Brianna’s parents and coaches attended and were acknowledged by the council.

These recognitions were ceremonial; no council action was required.