About The Sequoia Awards

A small group of civic leaders led by Pete and Paula Uccelli established The Sequoia Awards in 1990 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring volunteerism in Redwood City.

What began as a $500 scholarship has grown into a lasting community tradition. With the support of local businesses, nonprofits, and individuals committed to civic engagement, The Sequoia Awards has now distributed more than $3.9 million in over 700 scholarships.

Scholarships are awarded solely based on volunteer service. Academic achievement and participation in school athletics or activities are not considered, ensuring that recognition remains centered on community impact and service to others.

In 2026, The Sequoia Awards will distribute $192,500 to 26 students representing eight local high schools. This year, we are especially proud to recognize two top Sequoia Award honorees, each receiving a $25,000 scholarship.

Our first honoree, Maria Fernanda Mellado Pena, embodies the spirit of service through both intellect and heart. A dedicated advocate for STEM education and the arts, Maria has devoted her time to mentoring younger students in under-resourced communities, sparking curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning wherever she serves. Through science outreach, community programs, and music, she brings together leadership, compassion, and purpose in a way that leaves a lasting impact. Inspired in part by her family’s journey, Maria is guided by a deep belief in education as a pathway to opportunity and transformation.

Our second honoree, Daniela Cuadros, brings empathy, presence, and a strong sense of connection to every act of service. Inspired to volunteer at a young age, she has spent years building meaningful relationships throughout her community—supporting families at local events, mentoring children through arts and education programs, and contributing her time to school and theater initiatives. At the core of Daniela’s service is a simple belief: that real impact comes from listening, showing up, and creating moments of dignity and joy for others. Her quiet consistency has made her a powerful force for connection in the community she serves.

In addition to honoring outstanding students, we are proud to recognize an individual whose impact has profoundly shaped Redwood City. Some stories are measured in wins and losses—but Franklin Herrera’s is measured in lives changed. For decades, his quiet leadership and unwavering belief in access over accolades have helped reshape youth soccer in Redwood City, opening doors for hundreds of young players who might otherwise have been left on the sidelines. What began as a simple moment of compassion on a local field grew into a lasting movement rooted in inclusion, community, and the belief that every child deserves a place to belong.

This year, we were also proud to recognize an outstanding local business whose commitment to community runs just as deep. Dehoff’s Key Market has been a cornerstone of Redwood City for more than 50 years. This family-owned grocery store is known not only for its quality offerings, but for its enduring commitment to serving its neighbors. Generations of the Dehoff family have carried forward a tradition of services supporting local schools, sports teams, nonprofits, and food drives, often quietly and without fanfare. Through both everyday generosity and long-standing community partnerships, their impact is deeply woven into the fabric of Redwood City. More than a market, it is a place where people are known, supported, and welcomed.

Click Here to View our 2026 event program and read more about each honoree.

Click Here to Watch a short video of our 2026 Scholarship Awards Celebration.