By Terra Avilla
This week let’s focus on the good. Lets focus on the great, and let’s focus on the future. With that in mind, I cannot find anything that is a better representation of those things to come than the senior class of 2020.
I have had numerous people approach me and ask me about doing a feature for the class of 2020. One of the most resilient and lovable groups of young adults I have seen pass through. Luckily for me, my good friend, and LHS teacher, Shelley Bennett shared this sentiment and blessed us this week with a special feature, which I couldn’t agree with more.
By Shelley Bennett
Yes, the Lassen High School Class of 2020 is resilient, capable, and has shown great perseverance through distance learning, shelter in place, and effective handwashing techniques, but did you know they were super cool before March 19th? They are! And the Class of 2020 is what I love about this place.
They entered Lassen High School in the Fall of 2016 (with assistant principal Josh Blackburn), eager to assimilate into our high school culture. That wasn’t always the easiest, so they decided to change the culture to fit them. Neil Growdon led the way by shaping and implementing the We Are Lassen program during his sophomore year. Recognizing simple character traits such as respectful, engaged, and noble, this program has changed the way our students treat each other and celebrated them for their actions and intrinsic values.
This class shines when it comes to special events, especially Homecoming. Remember when class officer Landon Bennett smashed the opponent’s guitar on the Junior Class float? And who can forget the hilarity of Jack Mallery during their Titanic spoof? Not to be outdone, Jayden Johnson was entertaining as Stitch on this year’s Disney tribute. In four years of high school, this group of class officers won the prize for best skit three times, beating two senior classes.
The school closure has reminded all of us why we are here at LHS. The students make our job fulfilling. They bring us joy. They teach us. Their energy is infectious and it’s really no fun without them on campus. Some of the senior teachers took some time to point out the bright spots in their year.
From Mrs. Christy Rose: Ayrianna Brazzanovich balances work and college classes and is graduating a year early. Ryan DelCarlo is a great student who always completes his work, never makes excuses, and is polite. Grace Gatie is super sweet and has overcome some tough obstacles, but never gives up. Keegan Kirack always volunteers in class, is kind, and gives his best effort on every assignment. Nathan Mortell is a quiet student who always gives his best effort and is most appreciated. Angel Mullen is a quiet, strong student who is polite and has a strong work ethic. Tyler Schwagerl is going into the Marines and demonstrates strength of character as a student. Cinthia Tiffany always tries hard and is so kind to others. Chelsea Williams is a strong student who completes all her work and is polite and respectful.
Mrs. Becky Reger: Maddison Green has worked hard all year, she completed all the online learning, and even let me publish her mini graduation speech. Wyatt Gould is always willing to work for his grade and is polite. Kasey Wilder is kind, always asks clarification questions and then does 100% of her work while encouraging others. Dani Walford balanced a job and still completed all of her work. She has great communication skills.
Mrs. Shelley Bennett: Charity Richards has a big heart and is kind to everyone, she is always ready to help and encourage others. Elijah Morales always brings a smile to my face with his “good mornings” and positivity, he has a lot of school spirit and is friendly. Nathaniel Turek is a hard worker and has jumped in many times when I have needed help. Willow Jensen has a gentle soul, she is so creative and sweet. Josh Harlow is consistent, I counted on him every morning to sit in the front row with his materials and attitude ready to go. Bekah Snell is a gem, she is kind, motivated, and a joy to be around. Madi Acosta is another constant, she is always ready to learn and share in class. E.J. Lopez has overcome some challenges this year, ultimately coming on strong through distance learning and his love for 80s pop culture. Hannah Crow is another kind and gentle student who helps others and completes all her work with a smile. Austin Heffley was new to LHS, but he quickly fit in with his big personality and even bigger laugh. Ernesto Madrigal, with his daily application of stress relief lotion and his latest bull-riding adventure story, always made my morning.
Mrs. Jenn LePage recognizes Alexis Pickens for being genuine and well-rounded, someone who always looks for the bright side and likes to discuss music and books. Grace Romesberg is very conscientious and caring, her altruistic nature will be an attribute in her career as a teacher.
According to Ms. Audrey Vaughn Steven VanWinkle has a kind soul. He is always friendly to his peers and respectful to teachers. Steven has had to overcome a lot of obstacles and his perseverance is admirable.
Mrs. Rachel Vincent says that Brentan Meadows is an innate leader and teacher, is committed to his ideals, and always has something positive to say. Colten Dittman is funny, kind, dedicated to Cadet Corps, and genuinely cares about others. Sofia Guzman makes everyone smile. She is kind, generous, humorous, and makes her teachers want to come to work just to see her. Riley Behm is a quiet hero. He goes above and beyond to make sure cadets get promoted and earn their award. Riley is sarcastic and silly, but is the oil that keeps our engine going. Dylan Boyer is a man of few words but many smiles. He will do anything to help out, doesn’t sweat the small stuff, and is a genuinely wonderful human being.
This class has made a lasting impression on the teachers and staff at Lassen High School. They have changed the school culture and had fun while doing it. They have cheered each other on in celebration and held each other up in times of trouble.
They were ready to begin the fourth quarter and leave Lassen High with a bang when Covid-19 struck. Despite their losses of milestones and special events, the Class of 2020 has shown us some amazing attributes. I have learned so much from them and I am humbled to be their class advisor.
They have not been defined by Covid-19, but have defined it with their maturity, character, and integrity. They will take these traits and display them in their adulthood, becoming doctors, nurses, law enforcement officers, and teachers; artists, musicians, parents, and soldiers. They will be the ones who come up with a cure. We are in good hands.
