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Jr. Achievement: Top SPHS Juniors were lauded by the Santa Paula Rotary Club at a recent meeting where the top flight students received certificates and gift cards. Among those celebrating was Jr. Achievement Chair and Rotarian Elias Valdes, Rotary President Chris Wilson and Alfonso Gamino, Superintendent of the Santa Paula Unified School District.
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Jr. Achievement a prelude to senior success with Rotary awards
May 13, 2015
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
Jr. Achievement is a likely prelude to senior success Santa Paula High School students heard when Santa Paula Rotary celebrated them at the club’s recent awards.
Rotary President Chris Wilson and Rotarians Maria Bombara and Elias Valdes—both Past Presidents—presented the annual Jr. Achievement awards created by the late Carl Barringer.
Barringer was a Past President of the club and a city mayor who established the program in 1959.
All Jr. Achievement students honored were nominated by a teacher or school administrator and received a certificate and a Garman’s gift certificate.
Students from each field of study were recognized not only for academic excellence but also for grade improvement, strength of character, influence on peers and personal achievement among other benchmarks.
Said Wilson, “We want to recognize that these kids are working hard,” in and out of the classroom.
Valdes said he always admired Barringer and is a proponent of the program which he said “Reminds me of my dear friend,” and his always helpful attitude.
Parents and teachers must also share credit for accomplishment and Valdes said education is important as, “It opens your eyes, makes the world brighter and even makes food taste better” through a willingness to learn new things.
Bombara urged the honorees not to forget that next year as graduating seniors they will be eligible to apply for Rotary Scholarships.
Santa Paula Unified School District Superintendent Alfonso Gamino congratulated the students as they were called up.
Teacher Nicola Lamb wrote English student Giovanni Flores “is an excellent reader, writer and speaker,” with collegiate writing abilities. The “humble” Gio is also “admired by students and teachers alike…”
Cory Putnam, wrote Band Director Doug Kadansky, has worked on musicals, drum line and in AP Music Theory and “embodies the traits and characteristics that reflect the honor of being named” a Jr. Achiever.
Teacher Amber McPherson wrote Aileen Orozco is “extremely” impressive in her College Preparation US History Class. Although shy, “Aileen’s ability to grasp historical concepts and significance” has earned her an A.
Patty Ramirez has done “remarkably well” in SPED, overcoming obstacles “to become a SPHS Cardinal who represents what SPHS is all about.” She is a Cheer Team member and “excellent” Varsity team basketball player.
Ag Academy-FFA Advisor Alex Flores wrote Alondra Valle’s “grades, work experience, personal growth, leadership and hard work exemplify the ideals of Rotary,” who “exceeds not only in school but in life.”
Valle was a double-honoree: Teacher Dan Sillars of the CTE Department wrote Alondra has an A+ in her Computer Class and also excels in her classes including AP English, Pre-Calculus and Chemistry.
Liceth Mejia was nominated by the Science Department due to her “focus and dedication in pursuit of her career choice, biological sciences.” She has demonstrated “sheer innate ability” in her advanced science studies.
Sofia Ajiri nominated top student Esmeralda Herrera for Math as she “participates fully in class,” contributes to “conceptual discussions in a very mature and creative way” and will “make her community proud…”
Veronica Landeros “shaped her life into a success story” wrote Migrant Education’s Rocio Bravo. Veronica learned English to ace a variety of AP classes, and will “achieve her goals regardless of any obstacles.”
ASB President-Elect Nicole Mayes, nominated by the Guidance Counselor’s Office, has straight As and the highest score among juniors on the Preliminary SAT test. Her boosters expect a Rotary Scholarship next year for her.
Rosa Perez “is a remarkable young woman” noted Sarah Page of the AVID program. Devoted to music and other studies — including two AP and two Honors classes “topped off with AVID 3” Rosa is a top student and leader.
“We want to congratulate you all,” Valdes told the students. “And we do want to see you next year when we give out the Rotary Scholarships!”
