Golden Bear Awards 09

The Downey Theatre was the place to be for Warren's Golden Bear Awards on March 27, where students who excelled in different areas of study were recognized for their achievements.The Grand Golden Bear Winner for the 2008-2009 school year was Charlene Ramos. Not only was Ramos recognized as Grand Golden Bear, but was also recognized for her outstanding achievements and performance in both English and Social Science. The plaque winners of the night were Patrick Labib in the Associated Student Body (ASB) category, Mario Castillo for boys athletics, Leslie Poole for girls athletics, Daniel Mason for Business/ Computers, Cristhiam Santos for English Language Development, Nathalie Ramirez for Family and Consumer Science, Dana Kendall for Foreign Language, Erin Johnson for Industrial Arts, Timothy Long for Instructional Support, Michelle M?ºller for Journalism, Kevin Ninomiya for Mathematics, Herman Tu for Musical Instrumental, Zaneta Kim for Musical Vocal, Molly Worthy for Pep Squad, Destinee Bernal for Physical Education, Emily Gregorio for the Regional Occupational Programs/Career and Technical Education (ROP) category, Anna Wood for School Service, Richard Lee for Science, Kelly Weir for Theatre Arts, and Nadia Kim for Visual Arts. The event consisted of appearances made by the Downey Unified School Districts, Board of Education members which included President Mr. D. Mark Morris, member of the District Administration, Dr. Wendy L. Doty, who is the superintendent, and of course Warren's Administrative Team. The categories for the awards varied between the many activities that students can partake in on campus other than the usual curriculum, whether it is band, choir or ROP. These might just be seen as extra curricular courses or activities a student can take part in at school, but as seen it is something in which you can be recognized if hard work is exemplified. "The event was really entertaining," said Warren High School student Nilda Alecio. "It was interesting to see what students were recognized for what categories." Overall, there were nearly 200 students recognized for their outstanding performances throughout the school year, but only 22 were selected as recipients for a Golden Bear Award. "I wasn't surprised to see a lot those people who won the plaques win, because those that I know were always hard workers." The Golden Bear Awards were first created back in 1989, to recognize and honor students on campus, who are "the best of the best". The potential receivers of these awards are selected by teachers who feel that the student has shown a consistent determination to do excellent academically. Every nominated person for a Golden Bear award received a pin and certificate to recognize them for their hard work. Those students that showed exemplery determination and devotion, were awarded with the Golden Bear award, which is the highest honor that can be received in the 22 categories. The night concluded with a gathering at the patio located outside of the Downey Theatre, were families, friends and teachers gatherd discussing the results of the night after students were recognized with the awards.

********** Published: May 15, 2009 - Volume 8 - Issue 4