From left, Superintendent Peter Livingston, board members Tom Courtney and Jessica Risler, Students of the Month Iris Guzman and Leonardo Gutierrez, board member Chelsea LaGrange, board president Jason Hansen and board member Jim Harvey. Photo by Olga Fisher
By Peter Day
LVUSD SOCIAL MEDIA
Middle High School Assistant Principal Chris Watkins introduced the school’s Students of the Month at the Thursday, February 12th meeting of the Lucerne Valley USD’s Board of Trustees. This month’s awardees are Iris Guzman, Middle School Student of the Month, and Leonardo Gutierrez, the High School Student of the Month.
Iris Guzman, 8th grade
Mr. Watkins spoke in both English and Spanish for Iris’s presentation.
“Iris is in 8th grad, and there was a dissertation written about her from all her teachers. They had a lot to say: ‘Iris is a natural leader and sets a great example for other students,’ ‘She is diligent and respectful.’ And from one of her teachers: ‘She is my favorite student.’ Iris is a hardworking and thoughtful student who consistently does her best in class. She stays focused, participates in learning, takes pride in her work. Iris is also kind and respectful to the people around her, which helps make our classroom a positive place to learn. Her effort, responsibility, and positive attitude make her very deserving of Student of the Month.”
Iris Guzman and Mr. Watkins earlier at the Middle High School.
Leonardo Gutierrez, 11th grade
“Once in a while there’s somebody on campus that has a presence,” Mr. Watkins said, “and this student is Leonardo Gutierrez. It's been about a full year since you've been here. It's not easy to switch high schools, to switch any school, but when you're in your teen years, when your friends, and everything, it's your world.
“And so Leonardo came to us around January last year, and we started to see this young man walk around. And you can just see his presence right here. And your coach and I were talking the other day. We were kind of coming up with, you know, trying to describe him, and the words that we used were ‘quiet confidence.’
“Leon comes onto campus each morning with a positive attitude, ready to learn and engage in everything that day has to offer and consistently stays on task and remains on top of his work. He takes responsibility for his learning, sets a wonderful example for his peers for his focus, organization, and dedication. His work ethic and commitment to doing his best makes him enjoy the happy class.
“Remember we said Leonardo is the very definition of quiet confidence? He doesn't need to seek attention to stand out. His presence and actions speak for itself. He carries himself with integrity beyond his years, demonstrating respect, honesty, and character in all that he does. In addition to his academic strengths, Leonardo is a wonderful singer. He embraces learning with curiosity and an open mind, always eager to grow in a group. Maybe he's going to sing, ‘My Funny Valentine.’
“Leo represents the best of our school community, his positive attitude, integrity, and steady confidence and he’s truly deserving of this recognition.”
Following Mr. Watkins’ presentations, the students were congratulated by the school board members.
Leonardo Gutierrez and Mr. Watkins earlier at the Middle High School.