Schools
Awards Night at Gahr High's PTSA Meeting
Awards and certificates were given to parents, teachers, staff and students from Gahr High School who have shown dedication and involvement in the PTSA this year.
Gahr High School PTSA members were recognized for their service and students were awarded scholarships during their last meeting of the year on June 6 at the school’s library.
The night began with the Artesia Mayor Victor Manolo’s presentation of commendations from the Artesia City Council for their service to the school through the PTSA. The floor was then open for nominations for next year’s PTSA cabinet, and Monica Arrey was nominated for VP and Maria Alvarez for hospitality chair.
One of the highlights of the night was the announcement of the recipients of the PTSA’s annual senior scholarship. The scholarships were awarded to students who have shown dedication to PTSA, service to the community and demonstrated initiative in volunteering.
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The recipients of the scholarships were Evan Machado ($400), Dashonda Willingham ($600), Amanda Manolo ($800) and Symone Brown ($1,000). Awardees were selected based on their application, which included a 500-word essay on what PTSA meant to them and how they have contributed to their school’s PTSA. Honorable mentions included Krisin Jang, Ashley Vara, Amanda Humber and Steven Hoodye.
“It was a really good experience and taught me a lot of life lessons,” said Symone Brown, recipient of the $1000 PTSA scholarship. “I’m happy I was a part of it because it got me really far in life.”
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Brown joined the PSTA as secretary her sophomore year and plans to attend Montana State University this fall on a basketball scholarship.
Brown was also among a group of students recognized for their devotion to service hours. The others honored included Natalie Romero and Amanda Humber.
Toward the end of the night 2010-2011 President Monica Manolo presented gifts to cabinet members and students who have shown exemplary dedication and commitment over the past few years. Manolo, who after three years, is leaving her post as president, expressed tearful gratitude for her dedicated team.
“It’s just amazing to see parents who stay involved and see the rewards of their hard work,” said Manolo. “Can’t move without the people I had on my team.”
Other members of the PTSA also expressed their appreciation for their time of service.
“You get so much joy out of the experience being involved with all these parents who also love these kids and want to serve,” said 2010-2011 PTSA treasurer Rita Machado. “It has been a great experience for me.”
The night wrapped up with the election of the following PTSA cabinet members for the 2011-2012 school year.
President: Kit Gonzalez
VP: Monica Arrey
Treasurer: Rebecca Hernandez
Historian: Renee Allen
Secretary: Alii Salone
Corresponding Secretary: Roscoe Allen
Hospitality Chair: Maria Alvarez
To stay updated on the Gahr High School PTSA, please visit their website.
