Seniors and their families gathered in the Buena High School auditorium for the annual Senior Awards Night, where the class of 2018 is recognized for what they have accomplished in their four years at Foothill Technology High School. The Oscar-themed event had stars on the walls surrounding the stage that created a constellation of seniors’ names and colleges.
Teachers Justin Frazier and Melanie Lindsey started off the night by welcoming students, parents and administration. In stunning attire, the Masters of Ceremonies used playful banter to guide the audience through the night.
Many of the scholarships that were granted to the students came from anywhere from private donors to the district. This included the VUEA scholarship and the George Thompson “Diamonds in the Rough” award. The senior class earned over 1 million dollars total in scholarship money.
The Foothill faculty recognized the involvement of students in different academies on campus and other endeavors students had invested in for the last few years. The seniors who participated in the programs walked onto the stage and received a special tassel, cord and pin for their accomplishments.
Presented by teacher Cherie Eulau, the Dragon Wall of Fame Awards awards were given to the top student in particular academic fields, such as in social science or mathematics. Honorary mentions were first called up and given a certificate.
After long speeches about their brilliance and what qualified these two students to be the most academically and socially strong, most humble and gifted leaders of their class, the Best All Around Male and Female for the class of 2018 were announced. Nathaniel Russell ’18 was awarded the Best All Around Male and Emily van Deinse ’18 won for Best All Around Female.
van Deinse was ecstatic about receiving the award. She is excited to leave a plaque with her name on it in Spirito Hall, and more importantly, her legacy.
“I want to leave a legacy of campus and community culture,” she said. “I want people to remember the community and remember to support each other as a whole.”
Then, through tears, Eulau presented the Chris Prewitt Award. She remembered her dear friend as she gave the award for the student who showed “an infectious enthusiasm for life.” Eulau watched Prewitt live a honorable, selfless life, and has watched this student do the same for the past four years. The award was granted to Maizie Anders, who, according to Eulau, was the “most deserving person this year to win the Chris Prewitt Award.”
As the ceremony came to an end, many graduating students were teary, while others were excited upon the realization that graduation is rapidly approaching.
