Junior High graduates to next level

May 19 saw the graduation of the 2022 Junior High class as they anticipate high school in the fall of the year.

There were 22 recipients of the Top Ten Percent award in the Junior High graduating class of 2022. First place was won by Hayden Tomlinson who reached a GPA of 108. The other 21 winners were Kenlie Mayben, Akira Wilkens, Jackson Lestage, Angelly Fuentes, Andrew Moss, Javan Garcia, Audrey Brown, Zachary Lemarr, Marian Delgado, Raegan Stuard, Kalvin Ham, Sandra Ordonez, Cayden Hooper, Alan Ramirez, Addison Hill, Charles Yantis, Xander Owen, Kason Viramontes, Ana Kellum, Andrew Engel, and Ivan Cornejo.

Delgado, Stuard, and Ham tied for tenth place, while Owen and Viramontes tied for eighteenth place.

Three students were awarded the 500 and Beyond AR Award. This included Kaden Carnes with 534 points; Thomas Valadez with 586.6 points; and Michael Welch with 813 points.

The Positively Outstanding Pirates (POP) Star Award was won by Barron Torres and Era Osornio.

Coach Lawrence Cleveland, retiring after 44 years of coaching generations of kids, spoke to the junior high students, reminding them of the importance of a strong work ethic. He encouraged them to obey their parents, as they have their child’s best interests at heart.

Speaking from the heart as he brought no notes, Coach Cleveland reminded the students that they are preparing for life, and though entering high school will be a change from what they are used to, change happens every day and is to be expected. Nor is it to be feared.

Coach Cleveland told the students that they will have to work for what they want, and that it won’t be given to them without that effort. “The only thing that you have been given is your life, and God gives that to you,” he said. “Respect yourself. And respect others.”

Coach Cleveland thanked the students and their parents for all the hours of effort, and encouraged them both to keep going strong