Effort, Achievement and Character

The Sonoma Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees on Tuesday acknowledged Ana Selena De La Cruz and Frederick Anguiano as the Altimira Middle School Students of the Year. Statements read both in English and in Spanish described the students’ achievements and the particular obstacles each had overcome.
According to her teachers’ reports, Ana, daughter of Salvador and Nazaria De La Cruz, exemplifies what it takes to be successful in school and in life. Having come to Sonoma with her family from Mexico at the age of five, she managed to learn the new language, adjust to the new country and by the 6th grade earned B’s and C’s. In the 7th grade, by continuing to apply what her teachers called her “outstanding work habits,” Ana earned all A’s and B’s and her standardized test scores increased dramatically. Now that she is in the 8th grade, Ana is still earning all A’s and B’s and loves Math. She also loves to work with animals. She volunteers at Pets Lifeline and has two goldfish of her own, “Goldie” and Cutiepie,” and two birds, which she says she has trained, should they venture too far away when they are outside, to find their way home on foot.
Frederick Anguiano, son of Federico and Beatriz Anguiano, has enrolled this year in all regular classes at Altimira, a distinction that might not seem remarkable except that, because he suffers from autism, he has spent almost his entire school career in the Sonoma County Office of Education Special Education Program. Since 2005, however, he has participated in regular band and physical education classes at Altimira, and through that experience he has been able to build his strength and learn to cooperate and make friends. Last year, he entered and, with the help of his sister, succeeded in completing a regular science class. He says he loved the challenge and stimulation of the more difficult curriculum. This year, as a student in all regular classes, he is progressing socially and academically, making all A’s and proving that he can excel. He is also active in community service, helping in the recycling program. Freddie’s teachers say he is an inspiration to everyone at Altimira Middle School.