Ephrata High School recently honored its top senior students during the annual Senior Awards ceremony held on Monday, May 13th in the main gymnasium. The event, which took place during 3rd period, gathered the entire student body in a show of support for their peers’ remarkable achievements.
The ceremony, hosted by Jay Mills from the counseling department, highlighted the academic excellence and leadership demonstrated by Ephrata’s graduating seniors. Each department bestowed awards upon a Senior Student of the Year, recognizing outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and service within their respective fields.
Furthermore, a special highlight of the event was the presentation of the Senior Grit Awards. These awards commend students who have exhibited exceptional perseverance in the face of adversity, overcoming significant challenges to achieve academic success. The Senior Grit Award recipients embody the school’s values of resilience and determination.
The atmosphere in the gymnasium was filled with pride and excitement as the deserving seniors were recognized for their hard work and dedication throughout their high school careers. The entire school community came together to celebrate the accomplishments of these remarkable students.
Principal Aaron Cummings expressed his admiration for the awardees, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and academic excellence in the face of challenges. “This event created another opportunity for us to recognize students who otherwise may not get recognized,” said Cummings. “The selected students represent the characteristics that we believe are important.”
The Senior Awards ceremony at Ephrata High School serves as a momentous occasion to recognize the exceptional talents and resilience of graduating seniors, leaving an indelible mark on the school community. As these students prepare to embark on new journeys, their achievements will continue to inspire and motivate their peers for years to come.
The awards are just the beginning of multiple events the seniors will participate in during their final weeks at Ephrata High School. The graduation festivities will culminate on May 31st with the commencement ceremony at Kiwanis Field at 7pm.
2024 Senior Award Winners:
Landon Evenson, Outstanding Senior – Administration
Taya Tuetken, Grit Award – Administration
MaKayla Gustin, Outstanding Senior – Agriculture
Braeden Duffner & Dean Turner, Grit Awards – Agriculture
Piper Francisco, Outstanding Senior – Science
Cameron Grout, Grit Award – Science
Ellinor Sonnichsen, Outstanding Senior – Spanish
Sam Armstrong, Grit Award – Spanish
Hayden Roberts, Outstanding Senior – English
McKenzie Paullin, Grit Award – English
Dorismar Ochoa Sanchez, Outstanding Senior – Math
Nathan Helman, Grit Award – Math
Evan Boyd, Outstanding Senior – Welding/Construction
Koltin Tincher, Grit Award – Welding/Construction
Fabiola Vargas Sanchez, Outstanding Senior – Family Consumer Science
Pablo Ferreyra Martinez, Grit Award – Family Consumer Science
Eric O’Neel, Outstanding Senior – Physical Education
Alessa Soto, Grit Award – Physical Education
Benita Ketola, Outstanding Senior – Special Education
Breanna Roth, Outstanding Senior – Performing Arts
Melody Bewick, Grit Award – Performing Arts
Trishelle Lopez, Outstanding Senior – Visual Arts
Noemi Vallejo, Grit Award – Visual Arts
Joselynn Graham, Outstanding Senior – Learning Center
Zann Christensen, Grit Award – Learning Center
Taylor Minnick, Outstanding Senior – Social Studies
Joan Martinez, Grit Award – Social Studies
Kaila Benavente & Brenden St. Mary, Outstanding Seniors – Business & Technology
