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This year’s top ten students at San Manuel High School were treated to a dinner at the Oracle Inn last week. (John Hernandez photo)
By John Hernandez
The top ten academic students of the San Manuel High School 2013 senior class were honored at a banquet at the Oracle Inn on Wednesday, May 8. The students posed for pictures with their parents and enjoyed a fine dinner. Superintendent John Ryan recognized the students for their hard work and accomplishments and each was presented with a personalized Airflyte pen.
There were three Valedictorians selected this year: Max Duffy, Wyatt Fessenden and Wayne Newman. The other top students were Leticia Reidhead, Rosa Reyes, Kiana Estrada, Angel Esquivel, Aubrianne Estrada, Sarah Robles and Alexis Garibay. Most Inspirational Teacher award was presented to Ms. Linda Brooks.
Each student got to select the teacher that most inspired them. Each teacher received a trophy with “Most Inspirational Teacher” and the name of the student that selected them engraved on it. Each student wrote how they were inspired by the teacher they selected.
The teacher chosen by Max Duffy was Mr. Miles. Max said of Mr. Miles: “Mr. Miles inspired me because not only is he passionate about teaching, but also about learning. He has such vast stores of knowledge because as every good scientist is, he is incredibly curious about the world of science and loves satisfying his curiosity. I wish that one day I will learn as much as him and then be able to share the knowledge with everyone as he has.”
Julie Dale-Scott was chosen by Wyatt Fessenden: “Mrs. Scott is not just a teacher, but a person I admire. She has taught me countless lessons in the classroom as well as out. I am truly grateful that I have such a wonderful teacher and friend in life!”
Mr. Smith was chosen by Wayne Newman: “I selected him because with all he has been through, he still does all he can to teach his students. He is always looking to cheer people up and helps anyone with any type of problems. He has also helped me with hurdles. He also challenges my classmates and I to better ourselves in every area of life.”
Mrs. DeCastro was chosen by Leticia Reidhead: “She was my first grade teacher and taught me how to have fun and still learn. I loved going to her class, she is one of the reasons I am in the top ten. Thank you, Mrs. DeCastro, for being a great teacher.”
Mrs. Lopez was chosen by Rosa Reyes: “I chose her because she has seen me grow up. She has been my coach since seventh grade year. Mrs. Lopez has seen me grow as an athlete and person throughout these six years.”
Linda Brooks was chosen by Kiana Estrada: “Ms. Brooks has been my motivation to push myself beyond what I think is my limit, to knowing thre’s only limits I make for myself. This year, I got the pleasure of being part of Ms. Brooks AP English class. I’ll never forget how much she’s taught me and opened my eyes to.”
Mrs. Miles was chosen by Angel Esquivel: “I chose Mrs. Miles because she is an awesome teacher and just an awesome person in general.”
Mrs. Watson was chosen by Aubrianne Estrada: “Mrs. Jenny Watson was my kindergarten teacher. Mrs. Watson greeted you every day with a smile and a day filled with adventures. The one thing I remember most from her class was a wall, which she posted with life skills on green papers. To this day I still remember those life skills, and they have developed the person I am today. Wherever I end up in my future I will always remember those green life skills, and how important they are to being a good person.”
Mrs. Robles was chosen by Sarah Robles: “I consider Mrs. Robles my Most Inspirational Teacher because she helped me realize that if I want to succeed, I have to work for it. She helped me realize that I am capable of doing anything I set my mind to. Mrs. Robles believes in every single one of her students and challenges them to do their absolute best.”
Ms. Smith was chosen by Alexis Garibay: “She is a fantastic teacher and inspirational coach. Ms. Smith has taught me to keep pushing through all the obstacles that could block my way to success. I am honored to have her attend the banquet with me.”
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