By Ashly Riches
True to tradition, the counseling department hosted senior awards night on May 20 at 6 p.m.
As parents headed to the bleachers, and students to their alphabetical seats, the orchestra played classical music. Once everyone was seated, choir student Kevin Dort sang the national anthem to the fanfare of the crowd.
The first awards were given by military officials for exemplary work in either academics or sports. Jackson Cofer, Gabrielle Smith, Sara Dort, Dallin Bryan, Anthony Guttman, Robert Blair, Nicholas Moorehead, Morgan Mavroudis, Hannah Keena, Rafat Khalaf, and Shefali Patel received various military accolades.
Mr. Tondryk and Mr. Talich awarded best athlete recognition to Sara Dort and Jackson Cofer for successes in their respective sports.
Finally, counselors took over the mic and began reading aloud each senior’s scholarships and special recognitions. Many students received acknowledgement for taking honors classes, earning advanced diplomas, being a valedictorian candidate, and garnering scholarships from universities.
“I think it’s a good idea to recognize people, but I was a little embarrassed,” Ashley Farre said.
Department awards were granted by teachers who were given the responsibility to represent their colleagues. Special attention was given to students who excelled in certain areas of study. Zoey Marchiney and Kelli Wightman received recognition by the art department; the automotive technology department gave their award to Tristan Yates; band recognized Rachel Fleischer; Mr. Fleischer of the choir department awarded Kevin Dort; the culinary arts award was given to Sabreea Mason; the dance department identified Danielle Zagby; the English department gave awards to Chris Roys and Siwapan Tanthmanatham; the foreign language accolade was given to Marylin Longley; Mr. Nishimoto gave an award to Clark Cressman; Mrs. Thompson awarded her yearbook student Sidney Iannucci; Emily Messina received an award from the math department; Mr. Watson recognized Brandon Kawaguchi for his commitment; Mr. Cooper awarded both Sydney Hauck and Jacob Treas; the science accolade was given to valedictorian Nicholas Manasewitch; Mathew Thomas was given the social studies award; technician Kimberly Kinan was given the theatre honor; and the vocational award was given to Charles Murray.
“I was very surprised to receive the English department award, but very happy. I cried a little,” Chris Roys said.
