Celebrating Student Excellence

RIVERSIDE >> The Riverside Unified School District held a Student Recognition Ceremony to honor students for their excellent achievements throughout the year on May 16. The ceremony was held in the Ramona High School theater and lasted from 6-8:30 p.m. Awards went out to students from elementary school level to high school. The ceremony was hosted by Josh Beverly of John W. North High School and Jessica Norris of Martin Luther King High School, the Master and Mistress of Ceremony. The night began with entertainment from the Ramona High School Band, Freemont Elementary School Choir, Arlington High School Choir, and the three-time National Sharp Grand Champions, the Martin Luther King High School Pep Squad. The presentation of colors was presented by the Ramona High School ROTC and the national anthem was sung by Alex Stetkevich, a student at Poly High School. Recognition and awards that were given include •National Sound of Spirit Marching Band Award •International Baccalaureate •Avid graduates •Sharp Grand National Champions •Armed Forces Appointments •Puente Project Graduates •Top Academic Seniors •Every Student Succeeding Award •Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizens Award •High School Speech and Debate CSUF •REEF Maxine Frost & Lew Vanderzyl Scholars •Scholarship Recipients •International Honor Thespian Presidential Scholars •California Thespian Festival All State •Envirothon State Finalist •Mayor’s Entrepreneurship Challenge •DECA, Riverside’s Most Remarkable Teens •American Choral Directors All-State Honor Choir •Seattle Heritage Festival •Millard Sheets Art Reach 2016 •Middle School Art Show •Congressional Arts Contest •PTA Awards of Excellence Reflections Winners •California History Day, Cyber Patriot Competition •Sea Perch Robotics Champions •Science Olympiad •California Science Fair •All-Academic Athletic Team •Mock Trial Champions •National High School Scholar Athlete Award •CIF Champions Mia Marshall of the Ramona High School Dynasty Marching Band, winner of the National Sound of Spirit award, said “the friendship that we have is more like family. The best part of being in the marching band is the fact that you never feel like you’re alone. You get to travel to new places and meet new people.” Mia also recognized that programs within schools can help kids develop social skills and a better sense of self confidence and self-identity. “This event gave us an opportunity to recognize and celebrate all of the accomplishments of these excellent students. We want to honor these students for their effort and hard work,” said Jorge Perez, Instructional Service Specialist for the Riverside Unified School District. Perez specializes in program implementation within schools and motivates students to pursue a college education. He feels that when kids are involved in programs on campus it will motivate them to always aim for success. The Riverside Unified School District gave a special thanks to Tami Krueger, King High School teacher, King High School ASB, and Ramona High School USB for the production of the event. The district also thanked parents, students, and teachers of the district. The night ended with a melody from the Poly High Jazz Ensemble.