The Boardwalk employs nearly 2,000 team members each spring and summer season to support the rides, games, food, and fun that make the Boardwalk a beloved Santa Cruz tradition. Many of these team members are local high school students taking their first steps into the workforce—gaining real-world experience, learning to balance school and extracurriculars, and developing confidence in their early careers. We know that this growth is possible in large part because of the dedicated teachers and school faculty who guide, mentor, and invest in these young people every day.
To honor the educators who play such a vital role in shaping our community’s youth, the Boardwalk’s Recruitment team hosts an annual celebration each February. The event brings together teachers and high school staff from across Santa Cruz County for an evening of great food, fun raffle prizes, and time to simply connect and recharge. On February 12th, 250 educators from about 20 local schools gathered in The Grove: Santa Cruz Event Center, filling the room with energy, joy, and appreciation. The event featured remarks from Santa Cruz Seaside Company President & CEO, Karl Rice, who expressed gratitude for the strong partnership with local schools. He was followed by Max Rubio, Recruitment Assistant Manager, who shared additional thanks and highlighted the importance of continued collaboration. A fun & lively raffle kept the energy high, offering Boardwalk swag & All-Day Unlimited Ride Wristband vouchers for prizes. The evening concluded with two hours of free play in the Casino Arcade, giving attendees a chance to relax & enjoy the Boardwalk experience firsthand.
Rishelle Sturgeon-Gasparotti, a Harbor High School educator shared her enthusiasm for the annual event, “Events like this at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk give us a chance to recharge, whether we’re enjoying the rides, playing in the arcade, or sharing a great meal together. Being recognized by the Boardwalk reminds us that the work we do at the school truly matters.”
For decades, the Boardwalk has partnered closely with Santa Cruz County high schools to help students prepare for and step confidently into the workforce. Through resume workshops, mock interviews, job fairs, mentoring, and classroom support, our Recruitment team strives to meet students where they are—helping them build the skills and self-assurance needed to navigate their early career journeys. Max Rubio dedicates time regularly to visiting local high schools and mentoring students as they prepare to apply and interview for jobs, many for the first time.
“I really enjoy connecting with the educators that impact our team member’s lives. Having been a teacher myself, I really understand the hard work that goes into education and I am so thankful to be able to collaborate with the schools in our area,” shared Rubio.
Teachers are some of our most impactful ambassadors, encouraging their students to apply, sharing job opportunities in their classrooms, and cheering them on as they find success in their first roles. Their partnership not only strengthens our hiring efforts but also deepens our shared commitment to supporting youth across Santa Cruz County.
“As the largest employer of local youth, the Santa Cruz Seaside Company plays an important role in our student’s lives, and this partnership highlights the meaningful collaboration that strengthens our entire community,” Sturgeon-Gasparotti shared.
We truly appreciate the impact Santa Cruz County teachers, staff, and faculty have on the lives of their students. We admire the dedication they have to building up the next generation of leaders and are proud to partner with them to support the youth in our community!
