Niko Candelaria - 9th Grade Recipient  

Niko Candelaria, a respectful and kind 9th grader, finds great interest and enjoyment in math, appreciating its unique challenges. While he doesn't have a definitive favorite teacher, he affectionately remembers his 6th-grade teacher. His passions extend to swimming, music, and video games, reflecting his chill and goofy nature. Looking ahead, Niko dreams of becoming a therapist or social worker, ambitious to make a positive impact on other peoples lives. A proud moment for him was achieving 2nd place in music for Decathlon in 8th grade, showcasing his smart and talented side.

Emily Parsons - 10th grade Recipient

Emily describes herself as eager, reliable, persistent, and hardworking, qualities that shine through in her academic and personal pursuits. Her proudest moment this year is her increased stability in school, marking significant personal growth from 9th to 10th grade. Emily's passion for learning is evident in her favorite class, AP World History, where she appreciates Mrs. Bruhnke's exceptional teaching and the manageable, understandable workload. Mrs. Bruhnke and Mr. Patchell are her favorite teachers, as she loves both English and History. Outside the classroom, Emily runs cross country, and she dreams of traveling the world and becoming a journalist photographer, combining her love for exploration and storytelling. 

Leona Aiba - 11th grade recipient

Leona Aiba's enthusiasm shines through in her love for AP Pre-calculus, where she finds immense satisfaction in solving complex problems. As a dedicated member of the Drill team, she pours her full potential energy into dance but not just in school. Ms. Bruhnke, her favorite teacher, stands out for her detailed explanations and her comprehensive support, nurturing both her academic and emotional growth. Leona dreams of sharing a stage with renowned music artists as a backup dancer. She describes herself as jolly, social, positive, and restrained. Her proudest achievement is pushing herself to take multiple advanced and AP classes.