Jaime Raigoza ’86

Alumnus of the Year 2023

Jaime Raigoza’s roots lie in a migrant family, growing up in Orland and securing the Valedictorian recognition at Orland High School, Class of 1986.  Even during his formative years, he dedicated summers to teaching as an aide for migrant education, emerging as a beacon of inspiration for others. Throughout his college years at California State University, Chico, Jaime tutored STEM courses, and continued his involvement in migrant education within local schools.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering and a Master of Science degree in Computer Science from California State University, Chico, laying the groundwork for a rewarding career. With over 20 years in the technology industry, including a significant tenure at Hewlett Packard in Palo Alto, CA, Jaime not only honed his expertise in system/database administration and software development but also actively engaged with students from his alma mater as a lecturer.

Currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science, Jaime's focus remains on data privacy and quantum information science, reflecting his rich industry experience and academic acumen. Jaime is married to Monica, also a graduate from Orland High School, for 30 years. They are the proud parents of 7 children with the oldest three having graduated from Santa Clara University, Boston University and Cornell University. Their fourth child is currently attending Cornell University and the youngest 3 children are attending Notre Dame School in Chico.

Jody Halsey Meza ’96

Alumnus of the Year 2023

Jody Halsey Meza graduated from Orland High School with the Class of 1996.  In 2000 she married Ulises Meza and they have two daughters.

Jody received her Masters Degree in Library Science from CSU San Jose and went right to work for the City of Orland as the Children’s Librarian at the Orland Library. She was later promoted to Library Director, a position she continues to hold.

Jody has received many recognitions and commendations including:

• Woman of the Year from Congressman John Garamendi’s office in 2016.

• In 2020, she received the “Librarian of the Month” award in recognition of hard work and its positive impact on the community from Bywater Solutions.

• Jody joined the Willows Rotary Club in 2017 and in 2023, was awarded the “Service Star” for hard work and dedication to the betterment of Glenn County and success in keeping its library system thriving.

• Jody is currently the Librarian for Orland, Willows, Elk Creek, Bayliss and Hamilton City libraries.

Ed ’62 & Jeanette Simons Lacque ’65

Alumnus of the Year 2022

Ed and Jeanette took over the reins of Orland Livestock Commission Yard in 1972.  Ed’s father purchased the business (Orland Livestock Commission Yard) in 1952, and it has been a major part of the local ag community.  Ed and Jeanette have been active in the Orland community through their involvement in St. Dominic’s Catholic Church, Orland High School Board of Education, Glenn County Fair Board, Knights of Columbus, Children’s Home Society, Just for Children, and Orland Sober Grad.

The Lacque children, Rachelle (1986), Wade (1988), and Tara (1991), have joined their parents, making Orland Livestock Commission Yard a true family affair.

Jack Bucke (1960)

Alumnus of the Year 2022

Bucke’s Feed and Grain has been an Orland business for more than 100 years, begun by Jack’s grandparents, passing to his parents and on to Jack and his wife Marsha.  Jack has been very involved in the Orland Volunteer Fire Department for many years, and Jack and Marsha were honored in July 2022 as Orland’s Citizens of the Year.

The Bucke children, Tyler (1990) and Trisha (1993), are also proud members of the Bucke family team.

Christina Gomez Redes (1971) and Oscar Redes (Honorary Grad)

Alumnus of the Year 2019

Christina Gomez graduated June 7, 1971 and traveled to Los Angeles a few days later where she met Oscar Redes.

Oscar was born in Mexico near the Texas border. He came to the U.S. and began school in the Los Angeles area graduating from Nogales High School in La Puente in 1966.  He entered the U.S. Air force serving 4 years. He was discharged in 1971 with the rank of Sergeant. Oscar received his U.S. citizenship in 1976.

The two were married in February 1972.  Oscar was hired by Travel Accessories in Orland. Son Tony was born late 1972. Oscar then worked for the City of Orland Public Works for 5 years.  In 1975, daughter Angie was born.  Tony graduated from OHS class of 1990, and Angie is a graduate of the class of 1993.

While attending Butte College studying Commercial art, Oscar and Chris started their sign and retail business in May 1978.  They joined the Orland Chamber of Commerce where Oscar later served as president, and they are both members of the Orland Historical and Cultural Society.

Chris was a charter member of the Soroptimist International of Orland where she served 2 terms as president, and is currently a member of the Orland Women's Improvement Club.

Oscar is a past president of the Orland Eagles, served 4 terms as president of Orland Kiwanis, and is a past Grand Knight of the Orland Knights of Columbus. He has spent over 35 years as the time keeper in the press box for the OHS football games. Oscar is also a charter member of the Loyal Order of Moose.

Orland was very proud to honor Oscar and Chris as Citizens of the Year for our community in July 2019.

They have 6 grandchildren: Letty and Lorenzo who attend Butte College, Lexi graduating OHS, Lucas graduating Lake School, Oscar and Ava attending Jackson Heights School in Red Bluff, and one great grandson Johnnie in kindergarten. 

Chris and Oscar have just surpassed 48 years of marriage, and their daughter Angie and her husband Marcos recently celebrated their 25th anniversary.

They love our town and are happy to serve our community!

Janine Arano Castro (1986)

Alumnus of the Year 2019

Janine Arano Castro is a 1986 OHS graduate.  She was born in Renton, Washington.  Her family then moved to California where she attended all Orland schools.  Janine is a CSF lifetime member.

After graduation, she attended Chico State from 1987-1993 where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Geology and Geography, and a Master of Geosciences degree.

Janine then attended Oregon State University from 1993-1997 where she graduated with a PhD in Geosciences, and served on the OSU Geosciences board.  In addition, Janine recently became an affiliate professor at University of Victoria in Wellington, New Zealand.

Janine was married in 2018 to Dr. Colin Thorne, Chair of Physical Geography at University of Nottingham in England.  She has one son, Keston Keuchel, a senior at Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA. 

Janine also volunteers for the “River Restoration Northwest” and “Science Talk” organizations.  Both promote improving science communication.  Her hobbies are travel, home improvement, and New York Times crossword puzzles.

More about Janine (from her LinkedIn profile):

Janine Castro is the Project Leader for the Columbia River Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office (CRFWCO) in Vancouver, Washington. It is the mission of the CRFWCO to assist in determining the status of imperiled natural fish stocks, to evaluate management measures for recovery and assist in the recovery of these stocks, and to prevent future ESA listings. As the Project Leader, Janine provides leadership to a highly diverse technical staff that address a wide variety of fisheries issues, including: (1) fish passage and aquatic habitat restoration, (2) bull trout recovery and lamprey conservation, (3) marking and tagging of nearly 40 million hatchery fish annually to support tribal, recreational, and commercial mark-selective fisheries, (4) mark-recapture studies of wild fish to determine occupancy, distribution, abundance, trends, and population growth rates, and (5) providing analytical support to project design, evaluation, and information management.

Janine provides national and international training on stream restoration, river science, and public speaking for scientists. She has worked for the Fish and Wildlife Service for 20 years and spent the preceding 10 years working for the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Janine is co-founder of Science Talk, one of the five founding members of River Restoration Northwest, a member of the Expert Regional Technical Group for the Columbia Estuary Ecosystem Restoration Program, an Affiliate Professor at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, adjunct faculty at Portland State University, and the Technical Director for the PSU River Restoration Professional Certificate Program.

Specialties: Aquatic Habitat Restoration, Geomorphology, Science Communication