Isbell Middle School promotes 8th graders to high school

Skies were gray and dreary but that didn’t dampen the enthusiasm as the Isbell Middle School eighth grade class held its promotion ceremony last Thursday evening.

By Brian D. WilsonSanta Paula TimesSkies were gray and dreary but that didn’t dampen the enthusiasm as the Isbell Middle School eighth grade class held its promotion ceremony last Thursday evening.The celebration started with music from the Isbell band under the direction of Lou Lingo. Following the processional, the crowd was entertained by the 8th Grade Ensemble and the Isbell Chorus, directed by Donna Nelson. Finally, the Isbell Flag Twirlers, coached by Jeanette Fairbanks, demonstrated their skill.Principal Fernando Rivera quoted Winston Churchill in his remarks to the gathering, “At times when there is political confusion and economic uncertainty, people’s faith in education as the key to financial and social success may be in doubt by some. Let me reassure you that the survival of democracy depends on our strong commitment to education. Without an education we will perish.”Rivera said there are greater demands for more qualified workers, especially in the area of computer technology. “As teachers and educators we continue to ask ourselves the following questions in preparing our students for their future: 1. How can we maximize the development of the individual so that each individual may experience self-actualization? 2. How can we provide our students with the vision, knowledge and competencies needed to cope with the social realities that threaten survival and foster the quality of life for mankind both now and in the foreseeable future? 3. How can we provide students with a curriculum that stimulates and takes into account social realities, humane values, the needs of individual learners and bodies of knowledge derived from disciplinary and inter-disciplinary courses? 4. How can we gather and make good use of the various instructional resources and processes so that they will create learning experiences for all students? We ask ourselves these questions with the purpose of providing solutions to best serve the needs of our students.”Erin O’Brien, Associated Student Body President, thanked teachers, family and friends for their encouragement and support. She added that she was proud to graduate with her fellow students. “I know it wasn’t our greatest year, but being here today, spending the last three years working for this makes me proud to be an Isbell student,” she said.Christian Oseguera, winner of the Doug Stewart Award for outstanding 8th grade student, congratulated his classmates. “We have the responsibility to continue our education with the goal of becoming teachers, doctors, engineers and business leaders of tomorrow,” he said.Elizabeth Ramsey Award recipient Kristin Morgan said that the question they need to as themselves is, “What do we really want out of life?” “Now is when we need to think about what our future will bring us. With hard work and sacrifice we can have and do anything we want.”This years’ Salutatorian, John Anthony Nava told his class that those who might have made mistakes in the past need to keep in mind that today is the beginning of their future. “I know that not all of us will be going to Santa Paula High School and I wish you all the best of luck in your journey through life,” he said.Valedictorian Erica Lugo talked about the new chapter in their lives. “All of us have been waiting for this day to come and now that it’s here we don’t want it to end, but I’m sure that all of us are ready to go on and start a new year with new classes and new teachers,” Lugo told the gathering.District Superintendent, Dr. Luis Villegas addressed the crowd just prior to the certificates being handed out. He urged the students to pay attention to their studies in high school. “And, from the beginning of the 9th grade get to know your new school and participate in scholastic activities as much as possible, Villegas said.2003 Isbell School Award WinnersIsbell Service AwardErin O’BrienFinalists - Dulce Franco, Sarah SaldinoJohn Divine AwardJoe BolanosFinalists - Jose Alvarez-Perez, Jeanette SandovalMost Improved AcademicallyAna LiraFinalist - Erika MoraReina Silberman AwardVanessa ZuritaFinalists - Kimberly Ashby, Kristin MorganDoug Stewart AwardChristian OsegueraFinalists - Travis Marella, Alberto RosasElizabeth Ramsey AwardKristin MorganFinalists - Magda Luna, Sabrina MartinezValedictorian - Erica LugoSalutatorian - John Anthony NavaDepartmental WinnersInstrumental Music - Sarah SaldinoHome Economics - Cynthia EspinozaWoodshop - Stephanie CuevasPhysical Education - Laurel Greathouse,