Ten students named All-americans in Classic in Lindsay
Ten students were recognized as All-americans at the recently held Allamerican Student Classic at the Mcdermont X Center in Lindsay.
Students honored as All-americans were: Brian Mendoza, fourth grade, Alpaugh; Isaiah Gray, fourth grade, Wilson in Tulare; Noah Pavone, fifth grade, Strathmore; Sara Ramos, fifth grade, Alpine Vista of Tulare; Max Oliveira, sixth grade, Alpine Vista; Aurora Sotelo, sixth grade, Alpine Vista; Isaiah Santos, seventh grade, Alpine Vista; Rebekah Beasley, seventh grade, Alpine Vista; Angel Navarro, eighth grade, Strathmore; and Hannah Thompson, eight grade, Alpine Vista.
Schools represented were Alpaugh, Alpine Vista, Alta Vista, Wilson, Strathmore, West Putnam, Woodville and Redwood Christian in Castro Valley.
The top 10 students, five girls, five boys, from each school participated in the competition in which they had to compete in six events, three academic and three athletic.
The academic events were math, science and reading. The athletic events were rock wall climbing, The Challenge and obstacle course.
Twenty-five volunteers including 10 missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints assisted in the
competition.
“My favorite event was the special obstacle course while the most challenging activity was the rock climb,” Soledad Sanchez, an Alta Vista seventh grader, said. “This was my first year of participation and I found the overall classic challenging and fun. At times I was very nervous competing.
Madalyn Caso, an Alpine Vista eighth grader, was a participant in the classic and was one of the students playing the national anthem at the awards ceremony.
“The All-american Classic was super fun,” she said. “The Missionary Elders and Sisters were so supportive and energetic. My favorite par of the classic was the three academic tests. I finished the three tests in about 10 minutes. My favorite athletic contest was the obstacle course, though I hated the balloon part at the end. I would definitely do the classic again!”
“I have been a supporter of the All-america Student Classic since my son, Al Hearne won the event at Bartlett Junior High School in 1991,” said Al Hearne Sr., a retired educator. “The program provides life lessons and memories for a lifetime! I hope AASC continues to grow.”
“This is an outstanding experience for our kids to participate in,” said Rose Hernandez, mother of Uriel Perez, a fifth grader at Alpaugh.
“Great extra-curricular event showcasing students' academic and athletic achievements,” said Luke Smith, father of Kathryn Smith, an Alpine Vista student.
“I thought this event really exemplified what education is about: academic, athletic and social growth,” said Porter David Royre, South Jordan, Utah, missionary volunteer. “I hope to see this expand as it reaches even farther.”
“What a fun day!” missionary volunteer Terra Hansen said. “It was such an exhilarating event! It was a time to test and push yourself. It also gives us a chance to work together in support of the event.
Devin Dillner, a Redwood Christian sixth grader said, “The rock climb and math test were the most challenging for me. The whole event was exciting, nervous, but very rewarding.”
Other features at the awards ceremony included:
The presentation of Colors by the Porterville Military Academy; playing of the National Anthem by students from Alpine Vista under the directions of Eric Farrenkopf; and Pledge of Allegiance led by Mia Rolen, a seventh grader at Woodville.
Hearne, the 1991 winner, was the keynote spaker. AASC president Bob Pugh was the master of ceremonies. Closing comments were provided by AASC CEO Dick Schlagel and Mcdermitt X CEO Clint Ashcraft.
“We want to express our gratitude and deep appreciation to our very generous sponsors, participating schools and the wonderful staff and students,” Schlagel said. “The remarkable and dedicated volunteers, supporting parents and our leadership team members also played vital roles in making this 2nd annual classic invitational a very successful event for the ‘Best of the Best' middle grade students.”