F5RC Names Anti-Bullying Advocates as its Youngest Champion for Children

The Riverside County Children and Families Commission has named Solange Signoret, a 17-year-old high school student as its 2022 Champion for Children. The award is given annually by First 5 Riverside County (F5RC) and the Commission based on recommendations by the Advisory Committee.

Ms. Signoret, a senior at Palm Springs High School, is the youngest Champion award winner to date, but her advocacy already spans a decade of a service. She was presented the award at the most recent F5RC Commission meeting surrounded by her family, brothers Luca and Jordan and parents Silvia and Tony Signoret, of Palm Springs.

Ms. Signoret is a Youth Ambassador for the non-profit Boo2Bullying based in Palm Springs, where she promotes inclusivity, tolerance, and kindness through anti-bullying campaigns in Riverside County school districts. She has travelled nationally to speak to school children and leaders about issues relating to social justice. Her earliest speaking engagement took place when she was just seven years old and addressed members of Congress in Washington D.C. She also celebrated her sixteenth birthday by conducting a fundraising appeal that raised $1,600 in support of Boo2Bullying’s program for students in grades K-3. She has also served children ages 4 and 5 as a summer camp counselor and is a karate instructor.

Ms. Signoret thanked the Commission, saying, “I’m extremely honored to receive this award. I feel very passionate about being able to get our message out about eradicating bullying and preventing suicide, and that no hardships or bumps in the road are permanent but temporary. We strive to work with kids as early as possible because the younger we start the better the opportunity.”

Riverside County Fourth District Supervisor and F5RC Commissioner V. Manuel Perez highlighted Ms. Signoret’s work both in the district he represents and elsewhere. He congratulated her and said, “Folks like you are second to none, and very hard to find especially at your age. Social justice is about creating opportunities, listening to people, and providing a helping hand. Social justice looks like the information and education you’re providing in our schools.”

As this year’s Champion for Children, $1,000 will be awarded in Ms. Signoret’s name to sponsor a community event held through Boo2Bullying.