Vicky is a Junior at Pasadena High School whose love for nature grew from her school's sustainable agriculture class. She is now in Green club where she helps collect recycling from classrooms, and continues her interest in nature. “Since I can remember my mom had a huge green thumb that transferred on to me, when at eight years old I decided to show people how to take care of their house plants. I forgot about my interest during COVID until I joined my school's Sustainable Agriculture class my Sophomore year. It took the right teacher to help me realize that I had forgotten the love and care I had for the garden, and the peace that nature gave me.”

Hello! My name is Aaris Castro, I am currently a Junior at Marshall Fundamental. Growing up in Altadena/Pasadena I have always had a soft spot for its nature and wildlife. I've always believed that this land belongs to the animals who were here 1st. So I am excited to share that way with others and spread awareness for our natural environment.

Hi, I’m Erin and I’m currently a senior at La Cañada High School. I’ve lived in Altadena my entire life and grew up hiking every Saturday with my Dad–and sometimes my dogs–in Millard Canyon. We’d venture there from thirty minutes to three hours, taking pictures, talking, or just walking in silence so we could take it all in. I’ve learned a fondness for nature, and especially after the fires, I’ve felt the urge to help my community in any way that I can.

Angelina is a senior at Aveson Global Leadership Academy and concurrently enrolled in PCC. They have lived in Altadena their entire life and have always been very passionate about nature and the environment. They grew up hiking the Altadena foothills with family and friends. After the Eaton fire they felt very compelled to give back to their community and their hometown in any way that they could. They love geology, rock-climbing, cryptids, watching movies, and spending time with their friends.

Hi, I’m Lyla! I’m a senior at Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, where I study Visual Arts and Fashion. I grew up in Altadena, and the trails and mountains here have always felt like home. Altadena has inspired so much of my art, so I’m excited for the chance to give back. As an ambassador for Altadena Wild, I can’t wait to share why Altadena is so special to me.

My name is Ashley Hernandez, and I am currently a junior at Aveson Global Leadership Academy. I have had a deep love for nature since I was very young, and spending time outdoors has always been an important part of my life. I enjoy hiking, climbing, camping, and just about any outdoor activity. Growing up, I often hiked in Eaton Canyon, and when it burned down, it felt as though a piece of my childhood had been lost.

Since January, I’ve become especially passionate about protecting the environment. I’ve started recycling more consistently and picking up trash along the trails during my hikes. I am truly excited to join the AltadenaWILD Student Ambassadors program—not only to contribute to preserving our environment but also to build meaningful friendships along the way.

Hi my name is Jacob Klune and im a senior at La Cañada High School. The mountains are truly my happy place and I've been blessed with being able to have the san gabriels as my backyard. Some of my fondest memories have been of me exploring the arroyo seco. Me and my friends would spend dawn til dusk going up the canyons and climbing up hills. For all the mountains have done for me I want to be a part of the reason they're still here for generations to enjoy. To think that I might have a positive impact on our wilderness areas and community fulfills me like nothing else can.

Excited to meet all of you!!!

Hi, My name is Jessica! I am a senior at Pasadena High School. I used to live up in Altadena right up near the mountains and many hiking trails and just recently relocated due to the Eaton Canyon Fire. I loved the nature that surrounded me, it was my home just as much as where I slept. It is one of the most beautiful natural areas around us and I do what I can to protect it. The entire ecosystem surrounding our city is home to so much more than is imaginable and is threatened by human activity which is something I believe it needs to be shielded from.

Katelyn is a junior at Flintridge Preparatory School. She grew up hiking with her family in Eaton Canyon and Millard Canyon, and her time in Scouts deepened her love for the outdoors. A backpacker and runner, she also enjoys observing and recording wildlife on iNaturalist. Katelyn volunteers with the Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy, where she has spent time in the Sunshine Preserve and Rubio Canyon, and she co-leads her school’s wildlife club. She researches jellyfish and lichen and loves both milkweed and frogs. She deeply cares about contributing to local conservation and advocacy efforts and encouraging others to do the same!

Hello, my name is Yenifer, but most people call me Yenni. I chose to become an AltadenaWILD Student Ambassador because I enjoy contributing to the community, creating meaningful experiences, and meeting new people along the way. I am 16 years old and currently a junior at John Muir High School. I care about both our community and the environment, and I see this role as an opportunity to not only give back, but also to encourage others to value and protect the nature around us. Through this experience, I hope to strengthen my social and leadership skills, work collaboratively with fellow students, and make a positive impact.

Hello, my name is Mayanichol, but everyone calls me Maya. I am currently a junior at Marshall Fundamental. I consider myself a curious and outgoing person who enjoys making friendships and giving back to the community through volunteering. I also love the nature in Pasadena and would be proud to contribute to preserving and protecting it. I chose to become an AltadenaWILD Student Ambassador because I love helping the community in any way I can and also when I can. I’m ready to contribute by using the skills I’ve developed through community service.

My name is Maria Teresa McDonald. I'm 16 years old and I am a junior in high school at Thurgood Marshall Secondary School. I have loved nature since I was young. My mom and I have shared a love of starting a garden, and so far we have bell peppers, tomatoes, green onions, rosemary, and a lavender bush. As well as, a lot of succulents. I joined the cross country team in my school freshman year and throughout the years we would do long runs to Eaton Canyon and the peace nature would bring me is indescribable. Even going outside to feel the sun or sitting outside for lunch makes me so much happier. I love painting, trying different foods, doing my nails, cooking, running, hanging out with friends, and of course gardening.

Annelise is a senior at Blair High School. Though she lives in LA, she’s grown up around the Altadena foothills all her life and wants to give back to the community. They love drawing, reading, and biking.

My name is Noa Skiles, and I’m a 9th grader at Thurgood Marshall High School. I’m fourteen years old. I’ve lived in Altadena and Pasadena all my life. I love being out in nature, doing activities like skiing, hiking, and running, or just enjoying its beauty. I’ve been passionate about wildlife conservation since I was in elementary school, and I want to tie that passion to my career. As I was deeply affected by the fires, I am eager to help in restoration and protection of our mountains and foothills.

Valentina is a freshman at Marshall Fundamental High School. From a young age, Valentina’s family and she would go on hikes throughout the San Gabriel Mountains. Valentina, her dad, and her brother would ride bikes along the trails. Finding frogs, newts, and other creatures in the cold streams. They would name each and watch them return to their journey onto the damp rocks. Now, with the aftermath of the fires, the need for aiding wildlife has become urgent on behalf of countless vibrant plants and creatures who've lost their homes. Valentina believes in sustaining a beautiful environment. She believes that the gorgeous San Gabriel Mountains should have the opportunity to serve as a shining example, demonstrating just how much nature can flourish with support.

Hello! I’m Chelsea, I have always loved nature and taking hikes in the mountains. I think the different perspective it gives on the world you think you know so well is very beautiful. I’ve always felt very drawn to the green around me and am very appreciative of it. Seeing all that humans have done to harm it and how the future may look for a lot of wildlife really worries me. I love the idea of building and having a strong community centered around protecting the natural beauty around us.

Hello! My name is Preethi, but I go by P. I have experienced the beauty and significance of the Altadena area firsthand, and I believe in the importance of maintaining the integrity of these wilderness areas, which are not only vital to our ecosystem but also serve as a sanctuary for wildlife and a source of tranquility for countless visitors. The Angeles Crest and San Gabriel Mountains are already compromised in many ways due to climate change, human activity, and various environmental threats. I’d like to participate in ways I can to protect our irreplaceable natural resources and to advocate for environmental stewardship in Altadena. I’m from Blair High School.

Hi! I’m Ishbel and I am currently a junior at Marshall Secondary School in Pasadena. I grew up in Altadena but had to relocate due to the Eaton Fire. I have always loved nature and wildlife and I am part of the Animal Conservation club at my school. As a kid I often hiked the many trails located in Altadena. I hope that as a student ambassador I will be able to protect and spread awareness of the beautiful outdoors that Altadena has to offer.