Mark senior edition 2017

the

MARK Manteca Unified School Board

Senior Edition May 2017

Who made the top 10 list for each high school?

New! Principal Honorable Mentions.

Charlie Zhang Weston Ranch

Komalpreet Badial Sierra

Where are they headed in their college and career life goals?

Lejla Pepic Manteca

Navneet Garcha Lathrop

Making a positive difference to each and every student daily.

#proudtobemusd

Emma Rice East Union

Board Members:

Stephen J. Schluer, President Bob Wallace, Vice President Evelyn Moore, Clerk

Eric Duncan Kathy Howe Michael Seelye Nancy Teicheira

Student Name

“We diligently cultivate graduates who are college and career ready.”

Francine Baird, Principal

Superintendent Jason Messer Deputy Superintendent Dr. Clark Burke Deputy Superintendent Roger Goatcher Senior Director Secondary Ed Clara Schmiedt

What’s Next?

UCLA to major in Computer Science, study Artificial Intelligence UC Davis to major in Computer Science and Engineering University of the Pacific to major in Mathematics UC San Diego to major in Mechanical Engineering UC Davis to major in Neurobiology, Physiology & Behavior Community College and then transfer to a CSU for Nursing

Charlie Zhang Mary Vang Aaron Aguilar Tyler Compo Deepa Singh Teresa Novoa

Rachel Mays UC Davis to major in Biology, Pre-Med Ricardo Barron Cal Poly Pomona to major in Aerospace Engineering Sawsan Muthana University of the Pacific to major in Biology, Pre-Med Jasdeep Hothi UC Davis to major in Political Science and Psychology, Pre-Law Principal’s Honorable Mention Awards for Academic Achievement Jenny Lam Enlist in the United States Navy Janelle Palanca UC Davis to major in English, eventually a Pediatric PA

“Humanity has many flaws, but also many great accomplishments. Recognize your flaws and seek improvement so you can live up to your potential.”

Charlie Zhang

“Do not take for granted the educational opportunities given in America. Learn to take full advantage of them.”

Mary Vang

“Don’t compare yourself to anyone; there is no one exactly like you.”

Aaron Aguilar

2

“Robotics taught me to keep an open mind and think in new and creative ways.”

Tyler Compo

T

his special Senior Edition of the Mark celebrates our academic top students from each of our high schools. This year, we also celebrate two honorable mention students of the principal’s choice. The diversity of these students’ future career and college goals speaks very highly of them.

S S

chools selected their top students, who were then invited to share their thoughts and images via internet survey.

Schools have been listed in reverse alphabetical order. ee “Making Their Mark” by Clara Schmiedt on page 12 and “By the Numbers” on page 9 to learn more.

“The people I met and the tasks asked of me in JROTC have changed me into the confident young woman I am today.”

“Both HOSA and leadership have played a huge role in shaping my aspirations.”

Deepah Singh

Teresa Novoa

“You get what you put into your work.

So if you put in your best, then you’ll be the best!.”

“It is human nature to want to explore, progress, and challenge the absolute limits.”

Ricardo Barron

Rachel Mays

“Use what you have been given to give back even more.”

Sawsan Muthana

“Life doesn’t require that we be the best. Only that we try our best.”

Jasdeep Hothi

“Do not let your passions go to waste, for they are what make life worth living. ”

Janelle Palanca

“Go U.S. Navy!”

Jenny Lam

3

Student Name

“Dynamic and creative, we prepare students for the world in which they will live and work.”

Steve Clark, Principal

What’s Next?

Komalpreet Badial Gillian Montross Katherine Ray Angela Wee Jesse Babauta Andrea Anaya

UC Davis to major in Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior UC Berkeley to major in Integrative Biology, Pre-Med UCLA to major in Life Sciences UC Davis to major in Biology, Pre-Med San Diego State to major in Civil Engineering UC Davis to major in Electrical Engineering

Stephanie Monarrez UC Davis to major in Spanish Language and Culture Alejandrina Saavedra UC Davis to major in Biology Miranda Becerra UC Santa Cruz to pursue honors, masters, and doctorate Tori Vasquez San Diego State to major in Political Science, Pre-Law Principal’s Honorable Mention Awards for leadership and work ethic Carly Cunial Cal Poly SLO to major in Experience Industry Management Sophia Gunzon UC Santa Cruz to major in Biology, Pre-Med

“Always keep fighting to reach the bright light in the darkness, tailoring the path, but never giving up the dream.”

Komalpreet Badial

“The MUSD Bee Program was an incredibly unique experience. Although the beekeeping suits heated up like ovens in the summer, it was worth it!”

Gillian Montross

“Track and Cross Country taught me mental toughness, which I can apply to all other areas of my life.”

Katherine Ray

4

“Give up, give in, or give it all you’ve got.”

Angela Wee

“Football has transformed my attitude towards selfimprovement, work ethic and commitment.”

Jesse Babauta

“Be kind, be thoughtful, be honest and, most importantly, always make someone smile.”

Andrea Anaya

“Success isn’t just about what you accomplish, it’s also about what you INSPIRE others to do.”

Stephanie Monarrez

“The club MECHA /HYLC helped me make friends, become a leader, and stay in touch with my culture.”

“The HYLC club has swelled my cultural pride and desire for a higher education.”

Miranda Becerra

Alejandrina Saavedra

“I hope every student takes advantage of what their school has to offer.”

Tori Vasquez

“Don’t let fear of failure prevent you from going after what you want.”

Carly Cunial

“Swimming teaches that although you may seem alone in the race, there are always people cheering you on.”

Sophia Gunzon

Adapted from: Tips for Graduates

Ted Spiker

Time Magazine

Your brain is not your day planner.

Prioritization develops when you can see what’s coming next.

To get plugged in, unplug.

Put down the phone. Raise your hand. Speak. Ask. Listen.

Your most valuable currency: ideas.

Time spent developing an original idea is as crucial as time spent executing it.

Syllabus = law.

Read the contract with the professor.

Handwritten thank you notes > emails > likes.

Old-school communication shows that you care enough to do a little extra.

Relationships > GPAs. Grades should feel secondary to the process of working with your peers and professors. Do not use this to excuse your absence from class.

Think of college as seven years.

Build relationships with professors, alums, students ahead and behind you for 7-years worth of networking.

Learn a world language.

Learn computer programming or effective writing in addition to Spanish or Chinese.

Create a digital hub.

Put all of your best work and your social accounts in one place. Employers want to see your personal brand in a sort of digital elevator pitch.

Find a workout pal.

Part of stress management is having enough energy to do quality work. You need good food, regular exercise, and lots of sleep.

Success = style + substance.

Skills are your substance. Your unique voice and creativity is your style.

5

“We strive for relevant learning as we use effective modern curriculum and technology.”

Frank Gonzales, Principal

Student Name What’s Next?

Lejla Pepic Si Hao Tang Jordan Hensley Joseph Poncini Gladis Sandoval Dhillon Patel

“We celebrate our diverse population, providing equal access for individual success.”

Stanford University to major in Neuroscience, Pre-Med UCLA to major in Neuroscience, Pre-Med CSU Stanislaus to major in Biology, Teaching Credential Cal Poly SLO to major in Aerospace Engineering CSU Stanislaus to major in Nursing UCLA to major in Chemical Engineering

Richard Ellks UC San Diego to major in Aerospace Engineering Joshua Kong UC San Diego to major in Physics and Seismology Rubel Dehal UC Berkeley to major in Political Science, Pre-Law Andrew Brunn CSU Monterey Bay to major in Environmental Studies, Pre-Law Principal’s Honorable Mention Awards for Athletic Achievements Loretta Kakala University of Louisville, KY - Basketball Tydus Verhoeven Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA - Basketball

“Challenging curriculum like AP Chemistry and Calculus BC helped me develop a more profound thought process.”

Lejla Pepic

Sonya Arellano, New Vision Principal

Student Name Karan Chundgund Mayra Munoz Steve Arancibia Evion Cotton Dustin Buckley Luis Rosas Kaitlyn Clavejo Jose Villalobos Romero Sandoval Cheyenne Spano Principal’s Honorable Mention Awards Yaleyah Fairbanks 6Priscilla Ramirez

“Academic Decathlon allowed me to learn more, compete, and meet new people.”

Jordan Hensley

“Tennis taught me to work hard, and made me realize that there is always someone in the world that is better than me at whatever I do. ”

Si Hao Tang

“Let your dreams and explorations take you outside of the box of daily convention.”

Joseph Poncini

“Playing tennis all four years enabled me to meet new people and make many amazing memories, like winning sections.”

Gladis Sandoval “Music allowed me to express myself in ways words never could.”

“Do not strive to become solely people of success, but strive to be people of value.”

Richard Ellks

Dhillon Patel “Be yourself, because that’s the only thing that kept me going. ”

Joshua Kong

“There is nothing more beautiful than finding your course as you believe you bob aimlessly in the current.”

Rubel Dehal

“Do or do not, there is no try.”

Andrew Brunn

“I can’t wait to see what I can do for Louisville. ”

Loretta Kakala

“You can break the norm and still be successful being yourself.”

Tydus Verhoeven 7

Student Name Navneet Garcha Natasha Prasad Farhat Khairzadah Justin Barber Deanica Viacrusis Nataly Solorzano

“We know that it all starts with an educated, well-informed population.”

Michael Horwood, Principal

What’s Next?

UCLA to major in Biology, Pre-Med UC Berkeley or UC San Diego to major in Biochemistry Stanislaus State, undecided major University of the Pacific to major in Astronomy and Physics UC San Diego to major in Molecular Biology, Pre-Med UC Davis to major in Biomedical Engineering

Ayzher Ocsona San Diego State to major in Aerospace Engineering Noel Lava UC Davis, major undecided Esmeralda Chavez UC Irvine to major in Political Science, Pre-Law Ian Steffes San Diego State to major in Business and Entrepreneurship Principal’s Honorable Mention Awards for Community Service Rendered Chase Hayes UC Santa Cruz to double major in Poli-Sci and Psychology Sunanda Ralmilay Study Biology and Neuroscience, Pre-Med

“On the Lathrop Youth Advisory Commission, I gave back to my community and had the opportunity to create more events for my peers.”

Navneet Garcha

“French club / class led me to the best friends I have today and opened me to many new experiences.”

Natasha Prasad

“We are never put on a path that is too difficult to handle. What defines our character is how well we rise up after facing adversity.”

Farhat Khairzadah

8

“Academic Decathlon was fun, challenging, and taught me to be confident and express who I really am.”

Justin Barber

“In Varsity Volleyball, I became the first LHS player to receive the VOL All League Award, First Team.”

“Crowns are inherited, kingdoms are earned.”

Deanica Viacrusis

Ayzher Ocsona

“Take chances, for hearts are often broken by words left unspoken.”

“The soccer team became as close as family.”

Esmeralda Chavez

Noel Lava

“If it’s not your dream, it’s not worth it.”

“In leadership I have learned many life skills and lessons, which I will never forget.”

Ian Steffes

“I loved astronomy because it helped me learn more about myself. Because of Baldwin, I found a new passion.”

Sunanda Ralmilay

By the Numbers

Chase Hayes

“My parents’ hard work and struggles motivate me to become something in life.”

Nataly Solorzano

School Graduates Sierra 350 Manteca 347 East Union 326 Lathrop 288 9 Weston Ranch 268

Student Name

“We support all students in achieving their academic and career goals.”

Raul Mora, Principal

Emma Rice Kyle Niendorf Jordan Barajas Connor McKee Kaori West Lindsay Dorrett

What’s Next?

USC to major in Biology & Neurology, Pre-Med Brigham Young University to major in Mathematics Stanford University to major in Mathematics Cal Poly SLO to major in Computer Engineering Yale University to major in International Finance and Technology Brigham Young University to major in Psychology

Patricia Tajii Dominican University on Softball Scholarship Phoebe Roberts UC Davis, major undecided Alvin Vang Fresno State University to major in Mechanical Engineering Citlalli Moreno UC Santa Barbara to major in Social Science or History, Pre-law Principal’s Honorable Mention Awards for vision, leadership and work ethic.

Raegan Wright Brigham Young University to major in Communications Orlando Reyes Southern Oregon University to major in Theatre

“AP Psychology made me realize how interesting the brain is and inspired me to pursue a career in neurology.”

Emma Rice

“In varsity basketball I learned how to adapt to new players each year.”

Jordan Barajas

“Push yourself to do more in high school!

Difficult courses will shape you in more ways than you think.”

Connor McKee

10

“Never hesitate to be authentically you. Create the legacy you want to leave behind and inspire others to do the same.”

Kaori West

“Choir with Mrs. Austin my junior year opened my eyes to a world of beautiful music and new skills.”

Lindsay Dorrett

“Writing provided a creative outlet outside of my classes.”

“You are a strong, determined, and beautiful human being. Never let anyone tell you otherwise.”

Phoebe Roberts

Patricia Tajii “In the FFA Mechanics Team I learned practical engineering skills.”

Student Name

Alvin Vang “We are: strength, creativity, friendship, diversity, and courage.”

“Find noble purposes by simply looking up to notice those around you that need help.”

Citlalli Moreno

“Every day is a new opportunity to be successful. Never take a day for granted, you can always make a difference.”

Raegan Wright

“Theatre taught me to express myself and just be happy being who I am.”

Orlando Reyes

Ariana Gutierrez Corey Massa Manual Martinez Andria Bradshaw Brittany Azbill Harley Hellberg Celicia Ramirez Brian Dillon Brandon Kendrick Grace Shaw Principal’s Honorable Mention Awards David Cabrera Marcus Howell

Kathy Crouse, Calla Principal

“Without Ms. Suzuki’s help, I wouldn’t have graduated.”

Andria Bradshaw

“Even on my worst days, music can get me through anything.”

Grace Shaw

11

Student Name

What’s Next?

“Ideas are worthless, execution of those ideas is worth billions.”

Akshat Giri Software Engineer Mitchell Nida College Susanne Lumidao Nursing Kellsie George Ceres EMT School Donavin Arellano MJC for Welding Sean Blake Military Fire Science Shikina Tapawan Animation Justin Jenkins College Oscar Mendoza Game Design Melanie Nishimoto College Honorable mention for work and leadership Lauren Ullrich Delta to study Business Dayle Anthony Join the Navy

“In First Responders academy I met life long friends.”

Mitchell Nida

“The ability to design a project in my head and build it with my hands in the shop.”

Donavin Arellano

Akshat Giri

“be.Next gave me a place to fit in.”

Justin Jenkins

“No matter what challenges you face, you can always overcome them.”

Kellsie George

“Leaders become great because of their ability to empower others.”

Susanne Lumidao

“Life is a great big canvas, throw all the paint you can at it.’”

Shikina Tapawan

“Entrepreneurship taught me the soft skills I am very proud to claim.”

Making Their Mark

Clara Schmiedt,

Lauren Ullrich

Senior Director of Secondary Education

The 2016-17 school year was very exciting. I am always humbled to see the impact our high school students can make on all our lives. They make their mark by gathering donations for worthy causes and as they excel in academics, music, the arts, and sports they continue to surpass expectations. MantecaUSD continues to make strides in providing a learning environment that meets the needs of this innovative generation.

Our students have taken many different paths towards their educational goals. Some have chosen a path

that leads directly to a skilled career choice as they take advantage of our career technical education and hands-on classes. They make their mark through organizations such as FFA, HOSA, and Skills USA. We know these students are leaving us ready for the work force as they choose course work with relevance and rigor in their field.

Some students focused on a path ready directly for furthering their educational paths, they proved their academic dominance by aggressively challenging themselves with advanced placement courses while

seeking acceptance in prestigious schools across the nation.

In athletics, many students have grown over the past four years and in triumph or defeat have learned lifelong lessons of working as a team, giving of one’s self, and sacrificing for the good of the team.

It is an honor to be part of the educational family that made our students who they are and we are proud of them.