HHS English Department Awards 2025-2026
HHS English Department Awards 2025-2026
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"Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing." -Pele
Outstanding IB Lit, HL Senior:
Anvitha Karnati
Anvitha has been an exceptional classmate to her peers this year. In Socratic seminars, her contributions have been insightful and thought-provoking. In collaborative assignments (like Data Sheets) her contributions have been consistently high-quality analysis. She encourages those around her to strive for excellence and models excellence in her own work and habits. Anvitha is a strong writer who continually strives to improve her craft. She took essay conferences very seriously and often made significant improvements in her work in future assignments because of her dedication to improvement. She tried strategies and techniques, honing her abilities until she found the combination that worked best for her. This year Anvitha demonstrated so many qualities not just important to success in IB Literature, but qualities that will bring success in her future endeavors. She is a person others enjoy working with, a person others benefit from learning from, and a person who is a true joy to teach. ~Ms. Valerie Yi
Anvitha has been an exceptional classmate to her peers this year. In Socratic seminars, her contributions have been insightful and thought-provoking. In collaborative assignments (like Data Sheets) her contributions have been consistently high-quality analysis. She encourages those around her to strive for excellence and models excellence in her own work and habits. Anvitha is a strong writer who continually strives to improve her craft. She took essay conferences very seriously and often made significant improvements in her work in future assignments because of her dedication to improvement. She tried strategies and techniques, honing her abilities until she found the combination that worked best for her. This year Anvitha demonstrated so many qualities not just important to success in IB Literature, but qualities that will bring success in her future endeavors. She is a person others enjoy working with, a person others benefit from learning from, and a person who is a true joy to teach. ~Ms. Valerie Yi
Outstanding IB Lang & Lit, SL Senior:
Zoe Williams
Zoe Williams is one of the most dedicated, serious and dependable students that I have taught. For three years, I have taught Zoe: AP Seminar and IB SL Years 1 and 2. Every year, Zoe surpasses expectations. For Zoe, school is not just about learning. For Zoe, each year is about challenging herself - whether personally or academically. In the classroom, Zoe endeavors similar challenges to her classmates to go beyond the text and to realize issues on a page are evident in society. I applaud Zoe and wish her the best in her journey across the pond! ~Ms. Andrea Jordan
Zoe Williams is one of the most dedicated, serious and dependable students that I have taught. For three years, I have taught Zoe: AP Seminar and IB SL Years 1 and 2. Every year, Zoe surpasses expectations. For Zoe, school is not just about learning. For Zoe, each year is about challenging herself - whether personally or academically. In the classroom, Zoe endeavors similar challenges to her classmates to go beyond the text and to realize issues on a page are evident in society. I applaud Zoe and wish her the best in her journey across the pond! ~Ms. Andrea Jordan
Outstanding Dual Enrollment:
Lily Smith
Lily is the kind of student that always strives for and achieves excellence on her assignments, seeking out and incorporating feedback in a genuine attempt to learn. She is the type of student whose papers and projects are exemplars that can be used for future students. Furthermore, Lily works well in any group setting and does a great job of keeping others on track, even when the assignment may lend itself to some chaos. All in all, it has been an honest pleasure to teach Lily this year, and she is more than deserving of this honor. ~Mrs. Emmilee Throckmorton
Lily is the kind of student that always strives for and achieves excellence on her assignments, seeking out and incorporating feedback in a genuine attempt to learn. She is the type of student whose papers and projects are exemplars that can be used for future students. Furthermore, Lily works well in any group setting and does a great job of keeping others on track, even when the assignment may lend itself to some chaos. All in all, it has been an honest pleasure to teach Lily this year, and she is more than deserving of this honor. ~Mrs. Emmilee Throckmorton
Outstanding 12th Grade Student:
Ayla Rajabi
Ayla is such a joy to have in class. She is an avid reader, and we discuss books regularly; each week, she has a new title to share. Her writing is thoughtful and inquisitive. When asked to write reflections, Ayla explores her thoughts and then supports these ideas with the text, incorporating all the hallmarks of a strong writer. Beyond these staples of the English classroom, Ayla demonstrates her thoughtfulness to others, trying to share her ideas with a quiet class. She presents her findings both formally in front of the room or informally during class discussions. Overall, it has been a pleasure and an honor to have her in my class this year. ~Ms. Katherine Littell
Ayla is such a joy to have in class. She is an avid reader, and we discuss books regularly; each week, she has a new title to share. Her writing is thoughtful and inquisitive. When asked to write reflections, Ayla explores her thoughts and then supports these ideas with the text, incorporating all the hallmarks of a strong writer. Beyond these staples of the English classroom, Ayla demonstrates her thoughtfulness to others, trying to share her ideas with a quiet class. She presents her findings both formally in front of the room or informally during class discussions. Overall, it has been a pleasure and an honor to have her in my class this year. ~Ms. Katherine Littell
Outstanding Senior English Elective Student:
Reese Cortez
Reese has been a cornerstone of the Heritage High Yearbook for the past four years, the past three of which she has been an editor, and I can say with much conviction, she has had a tremendous impact. When completing a yearbook, the student staff need a great amount of direction from their student editors to have cohesion of theme, creativity, accuracy, and task-management skills, and Reese was one amazing leader. She was a quiet, patient leader with a loud presence.She will be missed, but her legacy of hard-work, artistry, and responsibility will live on. Thank you Reese for everything; I know you will do great things in the world! ~Ms. Jennifer Ford
Reese has been a cornerstone of the Heritage High Yearbook for the past four years, the past three of which she has been an editor, and I can say with much conviction, she has had a tremendous impact. When completing a yearbook, the student staff need a great amount of direction from their student editors to have cohesion of theme, creativity, accuracy, and task-management skills, and Reese was one amazing leader. She was a quiet, patient leader with a loud presence.She will be missed, but her legacy of hard-work, artistry, and responsibility will live on. Thank you Reese for everything; I know you will do great things in the world! ~Ms. Jennifer Ford
Outstanding 9th Grade Student:
Cid MacLean
Cid is an exceptional English student. He possesses a true love of the English language, and his creativity is unmatched. Cid is consistent in his preparation for class, and all work is completed to a high standard. He was the classroom winner for Poetry Out Loud this year and competed in the school-wide competition. Cid is focused during class discussions and follows up for clarification when looking to improve. Cid’s writing is advanced and shows a strong grasp of literary analysis and technical skills. Cid is a natural in English class, and he is a role model for his peers. Great job to Cid - I’m very proud of his effort and performance in English 9H this year! ~Mrs. Colleen Dobbs
Cid is an exceptional English student. He possesses a true love of the English language, and his creativity is unmatched. Cid is consistent in his preparation for class, and all work is completed to a high standard. He was the classroom winner for Poetry Out Loud this year and competed in the school-wide competition. Cid is focused during class discussions and follows up for clarification when looking to improve. Cid’s writing is advanced and shows a strong grasp of literary analysis and technical skills. Cid is a natural in English class, and he is a role model for his peers. Great job to Cid - I’m very proud of his effort and performance in English 9H this year! ~Mrs. Colleen Dobbs
Outstanding 10th Grade Student:
Irene Kriakes
Irene has proven over and over again that she is a top performing student in English class this year. She shows up consistently ready to work and actively participate in class. She works well with her peers, and is friendly to everyone. Irene received the highest grade across all three of my classes on the Honors Project Rhetorical Analysis Essay. She wrote a great research paper and presented it to her classmates in an organized and articulate presentation. Irene is kind, inquisitive, and a hard worker. She puts in time both in the classroom and at home to be successful and prepared for all elements of our class. Having her in class has been a pleasure and I appreciate all the work she put into English 10 Honors this year. ~Mrs. Stephanie Moi
Irene has proven over and over again that she is a top performing student in English class this year. She shows up consistently ready to work and actively participate in class. She works well with her peers, and is friendly to everyone. Irene received the highest grade across all three of my classes on the Honors Project Rhetorical Analysis Essay. She wrote a great research paper and presented it to her classmates in an organized and articulate presentation. Irene is kind, inquisitive, and a hard worker. She puts in time both in the classroom and at home to be successful and prepared for all elements of our class. Having her in class has been a pleasure and I appreciate all the work she put into English 10 Honors this year. ~Mrs. Stephanie Moi
Outstanding 11th Grade Student:
Isabella Quiroga
Isabella is an outstanding student. She is very inquisitive and interested in what is going on in class. She is one of the hardest workers that we have ever had the pleasure of teaching. When she does not understand something, she asks questions, and she works hard to excel at everything that she does. It has been a pleasure having her in class! ~Ms. Renee Haynes
Isabella is an outstanding student. She is very inquisitive and interested in what is going on in class. She is one of the hardest workers that we have ever had the pleasure of teaching. When she does not understand something, she asks questions, and she works hard to excel at everything that she does. It has been a pleasure having her in class! ~Ms. Renee Haynes
Outstanding IB Language & Literature Student:
Maddie Bower
Maddie Bower has always had an impeccable talent for asking the right questions and expanding analysis in her writing. In addition to her academic success in the class, she also has always shown kindness and respect to her peers and staff around her. She reflects the spirit we want students to embrace in education: to be curious, embrace the love of learning, and broaden perspectives about the world around themselves. Her ideas are something that I look forward to hearing more about both within and outside English class. ~Ms. Jessika Proctor
Maddie Bower has always had an impeccable talent for asking the right questions and expanding analysis in her writing. In addition to her academic success in the class, she also has always shown kindness and respect to her peers and staff around her. She reflects the spirit we want students to embrace in education: to be curious, embrace the love of learning, and broaden perspectives about the world around themselves. Her ideas are something that I look forward to hearing more about both within and outside English class. ~Ms. Jessika Proctor
Outstanding IB Literature Student
Annabelle Kim
Annabelle has truly exhibited all of the attributes of the IB Learner profile this year. Her open-minded engagement and eagerness to learn more about any topic or text has helped guide our entire class into deeper thinking and learning. She has been an asset to groups, and she works just as well individually, putting her best effort into every task and assignment. She is constantly pushing herself further, inquiring more deeply, and adapting her thinking to incorporate new ideas and evidence. Additionally, her writing and communication skills are stellar. Annabelle, is a true leader in IB Literature, and a model IB student. ~Mrs. Danielle Davis
Annabelle has truly exhibited all of the attributes of the IB Learner profile this year. Her open-minded engagement and eagerness to learn more about any topic or text has helped guide our entire class into deeper thinking and learning. She has been an asset to groups, and she works just as well individually, putting her best effort into every task and assignment. She is constantly pushing herself further, inquiring more deeply, and adapting her thinking to incorporate new ideas and evidence. Additionally, her writing and communication skills are stellar. Annabelle, is a true leader in IB Literature, and a model IB student. ~Mrs. Danielle Davis
Outstanding Underclass English Elective Student:
Abeera Bhullar
Abeera is perhaps the best surprise I’ve ever received at Heritage. When I took over the journalism classes at Heritage two years ago, I had four editors. This last year though, all those roles were combined into one super-editor: Abeera. She edits every news article, Toilet Times, and now even Podcasts, advising all the journalism students throughout their writing and creative processes with a maturity beyond her years. She is basically an English teaching assistant, and I trust her explicitly with all things both instructionally for the students and physically with the equipment. Thank you Abeera for being amazing! ~Ms. Jennifer Ford
Abeera is perhaps the best surprise I’ve ever received at Heritage. When I took over the journalism classes at Heritage two years ago, I had four editors. This last year though, all those roles were combined into one super-editor: Abeera. She edits every news article, Toilet Times, and now even Podcasts, advising all the journalism students throughout their writing and creative processes with a maturity beyond her years. She is basically an English teaching assistant, and I trust her explicitly with all things both instructionally for the students and physically with the equipment. Thank you Abeera for being amazing! ~Ms. Jennifer Ford
Along with the exceptional students honored for English awards during 2025-2026, we would like to cheer these extraordinary finalists.
Along with the exceptional students honored for English awards during 2025-2026, we would like to cheer these extraordinary finalists.
English 9 Finalists
English 9 Finalists
Bukola Adeleke
Chelsy Amoakoh
Alexis Argueta Quiroga
Zora Aslamee
Anthony Ayala Orellana
Ashlyn Barde
Jett Black
Elena Cacciatori
Ezra Casey
Isabella Clipse
Mark Concepcion
Jackson Coy
Colt Cross
Mackenzie Delaney
Charlotte Dettmer
Sebastian Dettmer
Earline Duplan
Melanie Flores
Theo Georgel
Nico Haas
Kristyn Heinrich
Rayaan Humayun
Micah Ikitofon
Allegra Johnston
Marshall Juleau
Norah Koenig
Kylie Kroos
Sayona Lamba
Henry Laukhuf
Maliyah LaValle
Adam Levine
Areli Lewis
Tatyana Lewis
Ellie Luxford
Jack Loughlin
Vick Madera Arciniega
Keyonnell Marfo
Marie McKee
Cooper Mouw
Bamlak Negash
Lara Parmer
Ethan Pasaylo
Cadence Paxton
Luke Puzenski
Fernando Rodriguez Vivas
Vincent Sandridge
Andrew Schwarting
Ilina Sinha
Prynce Smith
Reilly Smith
Kaylee Stephens
Giovanni Tapia
Kenny Tewksbury
Geneva Tirella
Cristian Vasquez
Paige Weilmuenster
Becca Williams
Isabella Zubroski
English 10 Finalists
English 10 Finalists
Drew Agbenyo
Stephanie Amaya Argueta
Amnbar Arif
Grayson Barr
Maeve Donovan
Elizabeth Fazekas
Sammie Gill
Bianca Griffin
Katherine Hamilton
Chase Homan
Trella Johnson- El
Liliana Lopez
Perla Martinez
Nayla Medic
Balquis Omerzoi
Raphaella Owusu
Leanne Pasaylo
Marko Luna Perdomo
Ryan Posid
Mehria Rahimi
Farhad Ramazani
Gurjot Saini
Anjila Sangroula
Sophia Shi
Veronica Tistoj Ben
Nhu Uyen Truong
Christian Wilson
Abby Yemane
Sophie Zaldumbide
English 11 Finalists
English 11 Finalists
Kaia Anthony
Chris Neou
James Powell
Melissa Vantine
English 12 Finalists
English 12 Finalists
AJ Bergey
Jameila Burgin
Mateo Argueta Canales
Irvin Carabantes Guillen
Suraya Omerzoi
Melana Shiring
Randall Small
Fabricio Tamayo
Olivia Teape
Elias Zaman
D/E English Finalists
D/E English Finalists
Umar Ahmad
Thomas Anderson
Kate Bell
Julia Ehrmantraut
Sophia Zangos
IB English Finalists
IB English Finalists
IB LITERATURE
Evie Nyilasi
Ashnil Dasan
Alexander Feenor
Evan Garcia
Sophie Fella
Lily Goewert
Keira Stanford
Annabelle Tjahya
IB LANGUAGE & LITERATURE
Lucy Adair
Ellie Christiansen
Sophia Dadgar
Elijah Woods
Ammara Ahmad
Claire Burns
Miles Cohrs
Hannah Combs
Mikaela Ligon
English Elective FINALISTS
English Elective FINALISTS
Hadley Davis
Taylor Jankord
Nadia Rifai
A special thanks to English teachers for sharing their positive words about these literary wonders!
A special thanks to English teachers for sharing their positive words about these literary wonders!
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