K-12 Foundation Recognizes Educators And Students At Annual Banquet

By Janet Cruz

The K-12 Foundation celebrated students and educators at the “Annual Stars of the Knight (night)” Recognition Banquet at Shugrue’s Bridgeview Room Friday night.

Thirty-three students who have maintained a GPA of 3.9 or higher, which qualifies them as the highest academic rank known as Summa Cum Laude, were recognized.

In it’s 17th year, the K-12 Foundation celebrates and recognizes students for their academic achievements in this particular banquet. Educators who have provided support and encouragement necessary to students are also recognized. Recognition of students and educators was led by K-12 Foundation members Dr. Jaime Festa-Daigle and Christie Olsen.

LHUSD teachers pose for a photo during the K-12 Foundation dinner Friday night. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Educators Jason Fallis, who also served as keynote speaker at the event, and Kim Lehman were among those honored.

“It’s nice to just be recognized by the school as being someone who is out there working hard. I appreciate that,” said Kim Lehman, Band and Choir Instructor at Thunderbolt Middle School.

LHHS theater teacher Jason Fallis speaks to the audience at the K-12 Foundation Dinner Friday evening. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“I hope that I can find the right words to describe how honored I truly am. I was absolutely shocked,” said Jason Fallis, English and Theatre Instructor at Lake Havasu High School as he addressed the crowd during his keynote address.

Those in attendance were treated to dinner and dessert provided by Shugrues. Family and friends of students recognized celebrated with them as well.

“I am very proud of our daughter. I feel that all the sacrifices we have done are paying off by seeing her do well in school,” said Yvonne Florentino, Parent of recognized student Kimberly Florentino.

Each student received gift bags filled with gift cards and a chance to win more raffle prizes which included air pods and other items.

A salute to sponsors was led by Past K-12 Chairman Monica Hall, and introduction was led by Brooke Hope on behalf of current Chairman Jana Stump.

Monica Hall speaks to teachers, students and their families at the K-12 dinner Friday night. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“We historically used to honor the top 20 at the school, and over the years we then decided to change that and honor all students who have reached the highest academic achievement which is Summa Cum Laude,” said Monica Hall K-12 Past Chairman and member. Not only do we recognize the kids, but it is so great for the teachers as well,” adds Hall.

For more information on the K-12 Foundation, visit www.k12foundation.org. The K-12 Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports faculty, staff, students and also enriches programs that will benefit the community.

A list of recognized students, teachers and sponsors are listed below.

Honored Students

Frank Adona, Savanah Dollarhide, Keira Scott,Cameron Andrews, Kimberly Florentino, Karsyn Stepp, Katie Bell, Cheyenne Geary, Xanthia Still, William Buckman, Jamie Henson, Celeste Switzer, Sage Burdette, Camaro Iseminger, Cristal Torres, Damari Campos, Kayla Rae Maserang, Erica Torres, Havanna Carnahan, Nathan Merrill, Laci Towner, Kailey Castle, Jessie Pelayo Garcia, Tin Vu, Levi Cook, Cadence, Porter,Clarie Wagner, Caylee Crook, Sydnee Reed , Molly Wiese, Tryonne Davidson, Nicholas Roman, Josue Zamudio Aguilar.

Recognized Educators

Lindsay Bitterman,Julie Johnson, Larry Olsen, Greg Brueckner, Kaymee Kelly, Nereyda Robertson, Michelle Burke, Rebekah King, Nancy Schweigert, Apryl Cooley, Kim Lehman, Andrew Strom, Jason Fallis, Jessica Love, Amy Sullins, Chessa Frei, Tiffany McClintock, Lee White, Bridget Hagest, Tim Murphy, Jeff Young, Marie Hendry, Carol Nowakowski, Brian Zemojtel.

1 Comment » Comments:

One Response to “K-12 Foundation Recognizes Educators And Students At Annual Banquet”

Patricia Kilbreath says:

May 7, 2023 at 3:26 pm

The pride we feel as grandparents of Molly Wiese is truly phenomenal. Thank you for providing an environment of positivity and learning.