The alumni committee of the Springfield Education Foundation is excited and honored to acknowledge the Alumni Award winners of spring 2016, Philip Carrasco, Thurston High School, class of 1996, and Ana Pena, Springfield High School, class of 2011. These awards give us the opportunity to congratulate and recognize graduates who have gone above and beyond in making a difference in their communities.

Outstanding Alumni Award: Philip Carrasco, Thurston High School, class of 1996

Philip Carrasco has created a safe space and network of support for Latino and other families of color in the Eugene and Springfield areas and beyond. Phil, an unwavering advocate for social justice, has done this by working with others to build community relationships. The first in his family to graduate from high school and college, Phil has worked continuously and served various social service organizations in Lane County including his current elected position as a Lane Community College Board Member. Phil, a graduate of Lane Community College, recently earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon. Congratulations on all of your successes, Phil!

Rising Alumni Award: Ana Pera, Springfield High School, class of 2011

As the first person in her family to graduate from college, Ana graduated in the top 35 of the University of Oregon’s Honors Program at the Lundquist College of Business in 2015. Ana received many scholarships and awards in her college career including the Ford Family Scholarship and served as the president of the Woman in Business student club. Ana works for Kroger (Fred Meyer) as an assistant buyer in Portland, continues to volunteer in the community and plans to obtain a master’s of business administration. Congratulations, Ana! Keep up the good work!