2016 Grad Salute
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
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MEET THE SALUTATORIANS OF CENTRAL VALLEY HIGH Gabriella Germann Kasandra Arceo Jennifer Torres Diaz Since Kasandra Arceo first started school, education was a top priority. As a child she was seemingly obvious to her surroundings, but knows now that where she grew up played a significant role in her future. Her family, friends and teachers have not only helped her reach her goals but have set her to new horizons. At Central Valley High School she was most active in AP Spanish and various clubs and sports like National Honors Society, California Scholarship Federation and Varsity Cheerleading. Outside of school Kasandra has been working at the Affection Clothing Store in Ceres since the summer of her freshman year and still continues on until this day and now carries the title of management at the age of seventeen. Kasandra is excited to graduate and see what’s next for her. She will most likely be attending U.C. Davis or U.C. Berkeley this fall as a biology major to pursue her goals in nursing. As she says, “Yes, keeping up with my proficiency was difficult, but I never once stopped or gave up on my education because I knew it would all be worth it at the end.” Kasandra’s advice to other students is to make sure once you get where you’re going, not to forget to turn back around and always help the next one in line. Kasandra Arceo
Jennifer Torres Diaz was born in the Bay area and raised in Ceres since 3. She and two older sisters were raised by parents who came from Mexico seeking a better future for them and their children. From a young age, Jennifer acknowledged and appreciated her family and her education. Jennifer has always loved going to school. She always had good Jennifer Torres Diaz relationships with her teachers because she was respectful and responsible. At CVHS, Jennifer was part of the Impulse dance team, a member of National Honor Society, California Scholarship Federation, and the president for AP Spanish Club. “Being involved has allowed me to grow as an individual because of all the students I have met,” said Jennifer. “I learned to balance my family, academics, and activities well which I know will make my college transition easier.” Jennifer will be the first in her family to go to college. She will be attending the U.C. Davis this fall as a biology major. Jennifer aspires to become a doctor.
Jose Gonzalez Birrueta Jose was born in Mexico and raised by parents who moved here in 2002. He understands now that “their journey to the United States for better opportunities, especially for their children, has always inspired me to pursue what I wanted to accomplish and I thank them for that.” Since Jose first started school, education was a top priority. At CVHS he enrolled in various AP classes including: AP Psychology, AP Spanish Lit, AP Spanish Language, AP government, and AP Statistics. He currently passed the Psychology, and two Spanish AP tests with 4’s. Outside of school he works at Little Caesa’rs. The first in his family to go to college, Jose will be attending CSU Stanislaus this fall as a Business Administration major. He will be staying at his current home, with his family. The reason he choose to go to this college is to stay close to his home. His motivation to graduate from college is to motivate his siblings that by giving it their all at everything including high school anything is possible. He is excited to graduate from high school and is anxious to start his college experience. Jose Gonzalez
Gabriella has remained involved both on campus and off, while allowing education and family to remain a priority. She is active on campus through participation with Central Valley FFA, where she has served as the chapter vice president, attended the National FFA Convention in Louisville, Ky., served on the State FFA Convention Nominating Com- Gabriella Germann mittee, and won first place in the Regional Job Interview contest. Gabriella is also involved in National Honor Society, California Scholarship Federation, S Club, and Wind Ensemble. Outside of school, Gabriella participates in 4-H, where she is the president of Westport 4-H and has attended the National 4-H Conference in Washington, DC. She also is a member of All Saints Catholic Church youth group and is a volunteer for Holy Rosary Catholic Church’s Vacation Bible School program. Gabriella plans to major in Communications Studies at California State University, Stanislaus. Her ultimate goal is to work for the Dynamic Catholic Institute as an event planner.
Chelsea Flores
Erika Lopez
Chelsea Flores was born and raised in Modesto. While attending Central Valley High School, she was a member of the Varsity Girls Tennis Team for three years and received the Hawk Award for outstanding performance her senior year. She was involved in various clubs such as CSF, Interact, and PHAST. She has gained valuable real-life experience mentoring students at Summit Charter Academy and volunteering in her community. Chelsea will be attending the California State University Stanislaus this fall to pursue her interests in business and forensic science. She is eager to see what the world has to offer her and looks forward to traveling to gain new insights on life. Chelsea Flores
Ceres raised, Erika Lopez began to wholeheartedly focus on her education at a young age. Neither her parents nor her siblings had attended college, but they constantly motivated her to strive for success and pursue her dreams. She is now the first in her family to attend a college. Erika has picked U.C. Davis where she plans to major in neurobiology, physiology, and behavior on her way to becoming a physician’s assistant. Erika’s goal as a freshman was to earn at least a 4.0 GPA at the end of high school and she took classes such as Advanced Placement biology, statistics and psychology. She looks back at her goal and smiles knowing that she was successful. She not only focused on school but involved herself in several community service such as feeding the homeless and taking care of children at her local church. Erika was a member of the National Honors Society and the California Scholarship Federation. Erika Lopez