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Friday's Internet Edition, November 21, 2008.
‘Unmask the Future’
Arcohe promotees ready to face
the future
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The Arcohe School class of 2008 celebrates their achievement and looks forward to facing the challenges ahead. Principal Lori Salfen said that the 2008 class is “very enthusiastic. You give them a challenge, and they will step up to it.”
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By Kymm Griffin
Staff Writer
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At the Arcohe Union Elementary School promotion, students enthusiastically took the stage in preparation to unmask their futures, according to the night’s theme, but first they paused to consider the people and experiences that made them who they are and Arcohe School what it is today.
The night was ceremoniously opened as Mark Combs led in the posting of colors and Amy Lapp sang the national anthem.
The first speaker of the evening was student body president Taylor Steele. Steele took the opportunity to reflect on her “memories, all unique and special” and to thank the many teachers and administrators who were “willing and able to do everything to help” her and other students succeed.
“I love Arcohe, and I don’t know how else to put it,” said Steele.
Steele was one of more than 25 students who attended Arcohe from kindergarten to the eighth grade. Christina Lopez and Joshua Miller reflected upon the tight bond between the students as they recounted some of the highlights they shared during the years.
For the graduating class of 2008, Lopez and Miller reminded them of the many field trips they had shared together, which included everything from a simple trip to a skating rink to an overnight trip to Sly Park.
They recounted the many firsts that they shared together as a class, including their first standardized tests in second grade and their first school dance in fifth grade.
Another common experience that the students joked about was all of the pregnant teachers they encountered along the way. But, in the end, they recognized that it was the teachers who helped make growing up a special time.
“You have all helped us grow, and we couldn’t have asked for anything more,” said Lopez.
The students had also prepared a special recognition for an obvious favorite teacher, Mr. Vandenburg. A chorus line of graduating girls lip synced to the bebop song, “Oh Mr. V,” much to Vandenburg’s surprise.
The night also included reading the graduating awards.
Students receiving the perfect attendance award were Livier Medina, Allison Finkes, Kelly Newsom and Jesse Padilla.
The students who made honor roll were Livier Medina, Alicia Carter, Domingo DaRosa, Tabitha Daniel, Katelyn Dobbs-Helms, Jordan Lauchland, Jessieca Law, Alexia Macias, Christopher Martin, Brandon McNealy, John Montoya, Trevor Morgan, Danielle Neider, Jeremy Nottnagel, Joanna Ochoa, Cooper Payne, Tad Rehmke, Rebecca Tamantini, Lindsey Villa and Carlos Villalpando.
Students who made the principal’s honor roll included Eric Ayala, Ashlyn Coleal-Bergum, Allison Finkes, Samuel Meyers, Joshua Miller, Marcos Nunez, Jacqueline Torres and Efrain Valadez.
The Club Live award, which encourages being drug-free and living a positive lifestyle, went to Efrain Valadez.
Jesse Padilla earned the sportsmanship award.
Raquel Harris earned the Arcohe School yearbook award for her hard work and always meeting deadlines.
The most improved award went to Falisitee Vidro.
Taylor Steele received the perseverance award.
Herald Store academic awards went to top students Allison Finkes and Marcos Nunez.
Danielle Neider and Ashlyn Coleal-Bergum were awarded the Excellence in Language Arts award.
The Excellence in American History award went to Karson Kauffroath.
Jacqueline Torres and Allison Finkes earned the Excellence in Mathematics award.
Samuel Meyers took home the Excellence in Science award.
Herald Community Club recognized Alicia Carter as the “Best All Around Girl” and Samuel Meyers as the “Best All Around Boy.”
The Arcohe School Teachers Association awards went to Joshua Miller and Cynthia Gutierrez.
The 4-H awards went to Taylor Steele, Allison Finkes, Cooper Payne, Jeremy Nottnagel, Brandon McNealy, Brandon Claunch, Amy Lapp, Cynthia Gutierrez and Dustin Sturdivant.
Administration awards went to Christina Lopez and Brandon McNealy.
Alejandro Contreras was named Herald Day king, and Taylor Steele was named Herald Day queen. Other court members included Marcos Nunez, Ashlyn Coleal-Bergum and Christina Lopez.
Soon it was time for Principal Lori Salfen to encourage the students to do their best and to “step up to the plate” and face the challenges that lay before them.
“You give them a challenge, and they will step up to it,” said Salfen about the graduating class of 2008.
Finally it was time for the students to say goodbye to Arcohe School. With smiles both of excitement and sadness, students hurried to accept their diplomas and to walk into their future.
For complete coverage of Arcohe awards for the Class of 2008 see page B5 in this edition.
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