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Monserrat Santillan Silva is used to letting life run its course. She’s a track star — captain of Century High School’s track & field team and a local celebrity recognized for her athletic performance during last year’s track season. In 2024, Monse… Continue Reading
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Monserrat Santillan Silva is used to letting life run its course.
She’s a track star — captain of Century High School’s track & field team and a local celebrity recognized for her athletic performance during last year’s track season.
In 2024, Monse ranked 53rd at the CIF Southern Section Cross Country Championship. She knew there was room for improvement.
Driven and disciplined, Monse leaned into her favorite aspect of her sport: the opportunity to do better with each run.
Her efforts raced her to the top of the leaderboards her junior year. In 2025, Monse took 1st place at the CIF Southern Section championship.
It was a full circle moment — her proudest accomplishment yet. And it was only the first in her long list of accolades.
Monse competed in the 5000-meter race at the 2025 CIF State Cross Country Championship, ranking her as one of the top 10 runners in California.
Now, in her senior year of high school, Monse has committed to the University of Southern California (USC) on a full-ride athletic scholarship. She’ll join the school’s official track & field roster this upcoming year.
Monse’s life might be fast paced with big changes around the corner, but there’s always someone waiting for her at the finish line.
Parents, siblings, coaches, and her relationship with KidWorks staff at our Bishop Manor spoke center.
For over 12 years, Monse has lived in the Bishop Manor neighborhood. She began attending KBM programming in kindergarten.
From fun activities to field trips to academic support, Monse enjoyed having a safe place to study, play, and get support from mentors in her community.
“KBM helped me build friendships and feel supported growing up. Those experiences helped me become more confident and motivated in school. Having people encourage me academically from a young age made me believe college was something I could achieve.”
Monserrat Santillan Silva
When KBM closed in 2020, Monse felt the loss of her support team at KidWorks.
“It felt strange because KBM had been part of my routine for so many years. I missed seeing my friends and mentors regularly, and it changed the sense of connection and consistency I was used to after school. It was hard realizing something that had been such a big part of my childhood was ending,” she says.
KBM’s initial closure was not the end of Monse’s relationship with KidWorks, however.
She stayed in contact with Eva Ochoa, KidWorks alum and now KBM Site Supervisor. The two have cultivated a special bond throughout the years.
Eva met Monse when she was just a toddler. The two share a lot in common.
They both grew up in the same neighborhood. Their parents are from the same region in Mexico. Their older brothers attended KidWorks programming together. Now, the two share something else in common: Eva and Monse are outstanding KidWorks alumni with strong ties to KBM.
KBM reopened in 2025, and Monse returned to the center along with her three younger brothers.
But a lot has changed for Monse since KBM’s brief closure. Her schedule is a lot different than from when she was a child; there’s less time to jump in the pool or play with her friends on the playground.
What hasn’t changed is her support system at KidWorks. Monse is a busy student-athlete, but Eva’s carved a special place for Monse at KBM.
“Since I’ve known Monse since she was younger, I’ve always wanted KBM to continue feeling like a safe and welcoming place for her, even as life has gotten busier with school and sports. I try to check in with her personally and make sure she knows she always has a community at KBM that supports her,” Eva says.
This April, Monse celebrated her commitment to USC at “Pickleball for a Purpose,” where she was highlighted as the event’s student speaker. The KidWorks Women Committee was honored to send Monse off with praise and prayer for her next journey through college.
Monse will soon be a step closer to her first semester at USC. But even as Monse prepares to transition into college, she knows that there’s a home for her at KidWorks.
“KidWorks continues supporting students even after high school graduation. Knowing there are still people checking in, offering guidance, and helping students succeed in college is really meaningful to me. It makes my transition into a new chapter feel less overwhelming.”
Thank you, Monse, for being a part of the KidWorks story! The KidWorks team wishes you all the best in your new journey. Don’t forget about us when you become an all-star at USC! Here’s a final note from Eva to you!
“Monse, I am so proud of the person you have become. You have worked incredibly hard and balanced so much with determination and grace. As you move into this next chapter, I hope you continue believing in yourself and all that you are capable of achieving.
Never forget where you came from or the community that supports you. Keep challenging yourself, stay open to new experiences, and do not be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. No matter where life takes you, KBM and KidWorks will always be cheering you on. I know you are going to do amazing things” – Eva.
By Bryanna Paz, KidWorks Marketing & Communications Assistant
When you support KidWorks with a financial donation, you are directly helping to provide a path forward to an advanced degree for high school seniors, like Monse. Please click this link for more ways to give.