It would be hard to say whose smiles were bigger Tuesday night at Palm Middle School—the students accepting achievement awards, or the proud parents cheering them on.
Before trustees went to work on governing board business, they took time to honor students from the district's six elementary schools and one middle school in the areas of academic growth and citizenship.
One by one, the 56 children in Kindergarten through eighth grades eagerly made their way up to the front of the auditorium where board members Tim Shaw, Jay Bass and Larry Loschen presented each of them with a medal and an award certificate. District administrators introduced each award-winner to the standing-room-only crowd, and the child's image was projected onto a screen on stage.
After handshakes and pats on the back, parents got a photo opportunity with their star pupil.
The Lemon Grove School District celebrates student success at the end of each school year with awards for academic growth and citizenship.
According to the program, academic growth recognizes students who may not necessarily score the highest in the class or meet all grade level standards, but demonstrate “exemplary commitment to learning and excellent study habits resulting in improved personal academic performance.”
Students selected for the citizenship award show “caring behavior toward others, tolerance for diversity, fair play, and responsible citizenry.” They help others resolved conflicts, strengthen self-esteem, foster community service and volunteerism, and promote an appreciation of individual rights and responsibilities.
A reception was held following the ceremony, with cookies, refreshments and lots of hugs all around.
Awards were presented to the following students:
Kindergarten and First Grade
Academic Growth Citizenship Golden Avenue Leslie Macias David Covarrubias Monterey Heights Adam Luu Levi Aguirre Mt. Vernon Marissa Cornejo Blossom Bess San Altos Jaden Villchay Kendal Ramirez San Miguel Michelle Rivera Jordan Lindsey Vista La Mesa Fathia Mohamed Kamilla Cruz-AguilarSecond and Third Grade
Academic Growth Citizenship Golden Avenue Ysabel Sigala Adrian Ocampo Monterey Heights Kayla White Marshall Rottier-Johnson Mt. Vernon Jiyan Salih Sydnie McClish San Altos Kaylee Moreno Delaney Leavitt San Miguel Miguel Acosta Shehnaz Adde Vista La Mesa Melody Torres Jasper MartinezFourth and Fifth Grade
Academic Growth Citizenship Golden Avenue Andrea Galdean James Bradle Monterey Heights Lauren Camarro Sara Brandt-Guerra Mt. Vernon Keyona Leonard Mariella Benitez San Altos Paulina Alvarez Nadia Inzunza San Miguel Celvin Orr Riley Powers Vista La Mesa Jorge Cruz Xitaly SandovalSixth Grade
Academic Growth Citizenship Golden Avenue Monique Gutierrez Jordan Maxey Monterey Heights Melody Rodriguez Daniel Garate Mt. Vernon Steven Rorabaugh Esteban Castanon San Altos Victor Hernandez Luis Fine San Miguel Faith Mendoza Sammy Duong Vista La Mesa Max Mesias Olivia ReedSeventh Grade
Academic Growth Citizenship Vista La Mesa Sianni McCoy Johanna Carter Palm Middle Hamza Mohamed Raquel BriggsEighth Grade
Academic Growth Citizenship Vista La Mesa Destiny Perez Zoila Gonzalez Palm Middle Bracken Cribbs Diondraya Taylor