Middle and High School students from Noli Indian School at the Soboba Reservation were honored for their hard work for the first semester of the 2019-2020 school year with an Academic Awards Assembly on Jan. 22.
“We are not really here to celebrate the awards but rather what was put into earning the award,” Principal Donovan Post said as he welcomed students and their friends and family members who attended the event held at the Soboba Sports Complex. “Everyone has the opportunity to accomplish this. That’s why we’re here – to celebrate the hustle that’s behind the recognition.”
Teachers voted for students in grades six through 12 for various achievements. Leadership awards were given to one student from each grade level that demonstrated strong qualities in and out of the classroom. Those that acknowledged and exemplified the school’s
3Rs of respect, responsibility and reflection were rewarded for their good citizenship. Students showing significant improvement from their first to second quarter were also applauded.
“A lot of hard work, effort, determination, mindset or whatever changes need to happen on your end took place to make you feel like you could do this and we are here to congratulate you on being recognized for it today,” Post said.
He added that this school year has produced more family involvement than ever before and was appreciative of all the family members that give of their time and help out in many ways. Students are positively impacted by teacher motivation and family interest.
Individual classroom awards were also presented. Certificates were given for having the highest grades in the class, contributing to a positive culture in the classroom and other customized reasons. Several awards created by each teacher were presented during the event.
Those who received certificates and medals for excellent leadership at each grade level were Shawna Rivera (6), Daigan Cyhan (7), Maritza Zaragoza-Castellano (8), Anisa Brane (9), Lanise Luna (10), Vanessa Fernandez (11) and Anthony Chapparosa (12).
Certificates and medals for excellent citizenship through exhibition of the school’s 3Rs of Respect, Responsibility and Reflection were presented to Sadie Pimental and Sophie Resvaloso (6, tie), Jacklyn Ramirez (7), Caleb McKenzie (8), Jacqueleen Mangilinan (9), Isaac Robles and Carmel Valenzuella (10, tie), Canaan Tubby (11) and Bailee Lindsey and Shalea Luna (12, tie).
Students who showed the most improvement from the first quarter to the second quarter were recognized with certificates and medals. They were Ferdencia Morreo (6), Johnny Gutierrez (7), Leandro Silvas (8), Debra Chapparosa (9), Elle Nevarez (10), Raymond Masiel (11) and Melvin Herbert (12).
Middle school students who made the Honor Roll with a GPA of 3.0 to 3.4 were Luisa Rivera, Abel Vallejo and Damien Vega. High schoolers who achieved that same level were Monique Arres, Anisa Brane, Jarred Briones, Jimmy Briones, Vanessa Fernandez, Jesse Garcia, Shania House, Shyla Marcus, Javier Martinez, Ciara Ramos, Jerimiah Ramos, Sica Rivera and Amy Soza.
Those who earned a GPA of 3.5 and above were named to the Distinguished Honor Roll. Middle schoolers were Daigan Cyhan, Sadie Pimentel and Shawna Rivera. Upper grade students who were recognized for this achievement were Leila Arres, Iyana Briones, Tatianna Briones, Anthony Contreras, Melvin Herbert, Tishmal Herrera, Lanise Luna and Shalea Luna.
Bailee Lindsey was presented with a certificate of achievement and medal for attaining the highest level of a 4.0 GPA, enabling her to be on the Principal’s Honor Roll.
Post said some students are not sure how to handle receiving positive accolades and provided some advice to them: “Believe in yourself more than the staff believes in you.”
Photos courtesy of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians