Laurels for Leaders is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1957 as a way of honoring and recognizing the achievements of Associated Student Body (ASB) presidents of all San Diego County high schools.  The program culminates in an annual event at which the student leaders are offered a workshop focused on financial and leadership skills, followed by a luncheon where they are presented certificates of recognition. A distinguished speaker brings these ASB presidents a message about leadership, and in 2023, over one hundred students were given a cash gift of $300 for their service.  

The organization is governed by a board of directors consisting of members of the Kiwanis Club of San Diego, school officials, public and private leaders of the community.

Laurels founder Dr. Frank Lowe, then-president of the San Diego Unified School District board of directors, believed that such recognition would encourage a lifelong commitment to service among the student leaders.  We are proud of the thousands of leaders recognized at this event over the last 66 years. Here is a short list of local Laurels for Leaders alum: 

Todd Gloria, Mayor of San Diego

Chuck Day, President & CEO Ronald McDonald House Charities San Diego

Nhu Tran, Project Manager at SDG&E

Natalie Cesmat, CFP^® at Creative Planning

Bob Morris at the San Diego Symphony

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