HHS English Department Awards 2023-2024

 "Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing."  -Pele

Outstanding AP Senior:  

Rosselin Hernandez-Fuentes

Rosselin might be the most dedicated and hardworking student who's ever crossed the threshold of Heritage High School. Throughout the year, Rosselin has put in not only the time and effort to complete the required coursework, but she actively and consistently sought out additional support to refine her skills. Whether it be conferences during her study hall to talk about her writing progress or extra practice in AP Classroom, Rosselin was persistent in working towards her goals. Her high level of achievement and dedication to growth distinguishes her from her peers. Additionally, Rosselin's quiet leadership in collaborative activities is commendable. While she was never the most talkative student, she always guided conversations (whether it be in seminars or small groups) to productive conversations with insightful comments, strong evidence to support her claims, and compelling questions. Her overarching ability to engage with not just literature but the world/people around her is noteworthy. This award is in recognition of her outstanding abilities both academically and in the classroom as a contributor. ~Ms. Valerie Yi

Outstanding Dual Enrollment: 

Dylan Keyser

Dylan Keyser is among the best students I have had in my career. Taking on Dual Enrollment English is a challenge for busy seniors, but he has handled every task with grace. Every class, I could count on Dylan’s focused attention. He served as a peer leader and a sought-after partner in editing. Each of Dylan’s written assignments displayed his consistent depth of thought. From comparing problem-based learning in Singapore with that of the United States, to exploring the mystery of the Nazca Lines, to taking on the Food and Drug Administration, urging them to impose stricter guidelines in the use of food additives, Dylan approached each assignment with academic curiosity, producing effective and elegant writing. To quote Dylan’s college essay, in which he framed his educational journey with the metaphor of running uphill on a familiar route: “The best views come after the most difficult climbs.” I trust Dylan’s climb will continue to lead to some spectacular vistas. ~Mrs. Kristine Parker

Outstanding 12th Grade Student: 

Kylie Seaman

Kylie consistently goes above and beyond in her learning.  She is a strong writer who works hard to ensure her writing improves each time through teacher conferences and self-reflections.    Her presence while presenting is a model to her peers, providing inspiration to others.  She strives for perfection and sets high expectations for herself.  Kylie is loving and kind to everyone and sets a strong example for others to follow. She is a wonderful living example of "Heritage Pride." ~Ms. Jessica Richardson

Outstanding Senior English Elective Student: 

Erin Essiaw

Erin has been a co-chief editor for the past two years; this is a stressful job, yet a smile rarely leaves her face. She exemplifies a strong, firm, organized, and compassionate leader. She understands the importance of real world deadlines and pushes her staff to complete the necessary tasks on time with a high level of professionalism and creativity.  ~Ms. Jennifer Ford

Outstanding 9th Grade Student: 

Sophie Fella

Sophie is an exemplary student whose work is always well above par. Her ability to analyze texts with clear, descriptive writing and flawless grammar is inspiring. Sophie easily and consistently masters new content and is able to apply that new knowledge directly to any assignment or project. Sophie is a role model for her peers and is well deserving of the English 9 Award. ~Ms. Nikki Korsen

Outstanding 10th Grade Student: 

Julia Ehrmantraut

Julia is an exceptional student. Her writing is sophisticated and reflects insightful perspectives and thoughtful commentary. She is an active member of our English class, and her contributions consistently demonstrate a deep understanding of the content and enrich our class discussions. Whether in Socratic Seminars or small groups, Julia emerges as a natural leader amongst her peers. She is encouraging, kind, and intelligent, yet she always seeks to grow as an individual and as a student. Julia truly appreciates the process of learning, values her education, and seeks to lift those around her. Way to go, Julia! ~Mrs. Lauren DiSalvo

Outstanding 11th Grade Student: 

Audrey Sell

Audrey Sell is an insightful and reflective student who reads voraciously and contemplates ideas deeply. Throughout the year, Audrey has excelled in English, and our conversations over her work demonstrate her desire to understand and her ability to connect new understandings with prior knowledge.  Audrey continues to grow in her writing and has taken initiative to apply for scholarships and has been recognized for her achievements.  ~Ms. Katherine Littell

Outstanding AP Junior:  

Leila Hernandez-Cruz

Leila exhibits a commitment and tenacity that is admirable in a student. She greets everyday with an infectious and gregarious nature. Leila strives to always do her best and to help those around her. Leila has a desire to do her best in every situation and is a positive role model among her peers. ~Ms. Andrea Jordan

Outstanding Underclassman English Elective Student: 

Benson Lindsey

Benson's passion for mythology, although heavily centered in Norse mythology, shone through in every unit. He found a way, every class, to be actively engaged while also finding moments to share his knowledge with the class (and at times me). For all these reasons (and the fact that he was the only one able to pronounce most of the Norse names), I believe Benson to be an outstanding elective student.  ~Ms. Emmilee Throckmorton

Outstanding Sophomore RWC Student: 

Muhammad Jamal 

Muhammad Jamal has been in the RWC all year, and he’s an exemplary student. While working on i-Ready lessons, he always logged in before I ever had to ask, and he brought his score up to where he no longer needed to complete them. Each day, he has a solid plan, he uses his time efficiently, and he turns in his phone before I ask students to. He’s just a great kid and a hard worker, and I’d love to see him recognized for that. ~Mrs. Lauren DiSalvo

Outstanding Junior RWC Student: 

Brian Parada-Rodriguez 

Over the past year, I have been able to get to know Brian other than seeing him in the hallway. Brian is respectful, responsible, and determined. Brain has come to realize how important his education is in his future planning. Brian has been graciously accepting of any assistance offered to him this year. He is an exemplar of what an EL student can accomplish with grit and tenacity. ~Ms. Andrea Jordan

 Along with the exceptional students honored for English awards during 2023-2024, we would like to cheer these extraordinary finalists. 


English 9 Finalists


Chloe Abbiss

Ammara Ahmad

Faiz Al Alousi

Layan Alhadi

Parmeet Bagri

Chyler Bergey

Cate Boucher 

Maddie Bower

Mia Briscoe

Sheyla-Luz Carrasquillo

Luca Cavallo

Hannah Combs 

Alex Cox

Brennan deButts

Danielle Deluca

Chantal Duplan

Kayla Fajans

Andrew Fanning


Laynie Fanous 

Sophie Fella

Ivan Fiel

Iliana Fuentes Mendoza

Wyatt George

Lily Goewert

Isabella Griffin

Jacynthe Herrera

Deepen Jha

Elysse Juleau

Zara Khan

Eliza Korff

Tyler Ledford

Christy Lin

Jay Lugo

Waiz Mahmood

Rola Mansour

Brayden Murphy

Vivian Nguyen


Luke Olszewski

Aikam Pannu

Avaree Peterson

James Powell

Sophia Price

Lucas Ramsey

Aroosh Rana

Keysi Rivera Argueta

Laurence Rosendale

Adarsh Rupakheti

Rowley (RJ) Shofner

Hareet Sidhu

Logan Spinelli

Keira Stanford

Willa Tansey

Myra Verma

Logan Whiteley

 

English 10 Finalists

Ethan Agustin-Calloway

Thomas Anderson

Kate Bell

Andy Cao

Eilys Cheng

Ellie Christensen

Ashnil Dasan

Tabina Doaa

Sylvienne Garcia

Jonathan Gibson

Sophia Goewert

Clare Johnson

Kana Lacasse

Joey Livsey

RJ Nosegbe

Fareeha Tahir

Supraj Velaga

Zoe Williams

Savannah Wysocki

English 11 Finalists

Raj Foti

Gabe Gibson

Alvin Green

Olivia Harney

Rosalyn Hontos

Andi Leath

Anisha Mooney

Mateo Navarro

Obi Nwanneka

Kamrynn Shakespeare

Danielle Williams

Faith Anderson 

Kaneez Malik


English 12 Finalists

Maya Alvarez

Cooper Holman

Jasmine Johnson

Joe Johnson

D/E English Finalists

Darren Bergey

Christian Bittenbender

Arianna Blankenhorn

Emma Fajans

Marissa Incatasciato

Camille Mitchell

Alaina Nilsen

Ellie O'Dell

Grace O'Dell

Hope VanTuyle

Tyler Whitely

Luke Wingfield

Betty Yemane

Skylar Zelman

AP English Finalists

AP LANGUAGE AP LITERATURE

Shahar Bano Nischal Jhan

Aidan Chang Zoey Korff

Kasey Holland Katie Phomsopha

Mengyi Lee Riya Sharma

Ava Levin

Benson Lindsey

Cole Luba

Hannah Mix

Liam Murphy

Genny O'Neill

Amulya Rupakheti

Amna Shahzad

Tyler Sihavong

Nick Tapia

  English Elective FINALISTS

Kayla Douglas (Journalism)

Andy Cao (Journalism)

Oliver Stoltz (Journalism)

Luke Broyhill (Journalism)




Clare Johnson (Mythology)

Ayla Rajabi (Mythology)

(Photojournalism)

A special thanks to English teachers for sharing their positive words about these literary wonders!