Fairfield PAL Members Earn Valley Strong Scholarships in Summer Business Etiquette Challenge

Fairfield Police Department Lt. Rowland recognized Fairfield PAL members Alex and Alahna during the August 4 Fairfield City Council meeting for their outstanding performance in Fairfield PAL’s 2026 Summer Business Etiquette Challenge.

Starting last spring, Alex, Alahna and other PAL members attended workshops where they practiced professional communication, workplace etiquette, interviewing, problem-solving, time management and other executive functioning skills that can help them succeed in school, employment and future careers.

That preparation showed when participants entered the final gauntlet challenge, sponsored by Valley Strong Credit Union.

Students completed nine interactive stations covering skills including professional introductions, customer service, first impressions, table manners, teamwork, conflict resolution, time management and following directions. Community judges evaluated how well each student understood the task, communicated, listened, solved problems, maintained composure and followed through.

Judges repeatedly described the participants as prepared, calm, respectful, confident and professional.

Alex earned first place and a $1,500 Valley Strong scholarship. Judges praised his confident handshake, strong eye contact, comfortable conversation and professional presence.

Alahna earned second place and a $1,000 Valley Strong scholarship. Judges noted that she introduced herself confidently, clearly discussed her interests and approached each station with professionalism.

Celebrating Every Gauntlet Participant

The challenge also provided each participant with specific, encouraging feedback they can carry into future interviews, workplaces and leadership opportunities:

• Oscar C. was praised for speaking professionally, remaining calm and handling a difficult customer-service situation with confidence.
• Sebastian M. clearly explained the issue he was given and demonstrated a proactive approach to solving it.
• Jocelyn R. arrived prepared and impressed judges with her patience and calm demeanor.
• Dylan M. asked clarifying questions, stayed calm and demonstrated a professional presence and appearance.
• Josiah C. understood the problem immediately and remained calm while working toward a solution (even when working with a “planted” teammate who was intentionally misleading him!)
• Isaiah J. was recognized for being well prepared, communicating clearly and approaching the challenge respectfully.
• Chyna H. remained calm and respectful while working through her assigned scenario.

Community Judges

Fairfield PAL thanks the community professionals who volunteered their time, shared thoughtful feedback and helped make the challenge a meaningful learning experience:

• Andy Ramirez — Matt Garcia Foundation
• Michelle Prenez — Valley Strong Credit Union
• Ryan Court — Valley Strong Credit Union
• Ilea Martin — Fairfield Police Department
• Chris Matthews — NorthBay Health/Fairfield-Suisun Rotary Club
• Vince Webster — Fairfield Fire Department/Matt Garcia Foundation
• Lieutenant Reed — Fairfield Police Department
• Fabe Pariera — Fairfield Police Department
• Dan Mitchell — Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District
• Bonita Knuckles — Fairfield-Suisun Rotary Club

Fairfield PAL also extends its appreciation to Valley Strong Credit Union for investing in local teens and helping participants turn weeks of practice into real educational opportunities.

About Fairfield PAL

Fairfield PAL is open to all Fairfield, Suisun, and Travis teens ages 13–18 who are currently enrolled in school. Membership is free with a student ID and parent/guardian signature. Interested teens can apply at the Fairfield Community Center or contact PAL at 707-330-8757 for more information.