Altimira Middle School’s Ana de La Cruz and Frederick Anguiano named Students of the Year for 2007-2

In a statement read in both English and Spanish at the board meeting of the Sonoma Valley Unified School District last Wednesday, teachers praised Ana as exemplifying what it takes to be successful in school and in life and honored “Freddie” as an inspiration to all. Both have overcome significant obstacles and achieved success in school and at home.
Ana, having come to America with her family from Mexico, progressed steadily academically, earning B’s and C’s in the sixth grade and being called by her teachers a pleasure to work with, and exhibiting “outstanding work habits.” By the 7th grade, she began earning all A’s and B’s, and her CST scores increased from 295 to 321 in English Language Arts and 256 to 298 in Math. Now that she is in the 8th grade, Ana is still earning all A’s and B’s and loves Math.
Ana has a special way with animals. She volunteers at Pets Lifeline where she gets to play with the animals as well as clean up after them. She has two pets of her own, goldfish “Goldie” and Cutiepie,” and two birds which she has trained, should they venture too far outside, to find their way home on foot.
Frederick Anguiano, son of Federico and Beatriz Anguiano, who was diagnosed with Autism as a young boy and has spent most of his school career in special education classes, has enrolled this year in all regular classes at Altimira.
Since 2005, he has been developing his strength and social skills, participating in regular band and physical education classes at Altimira, and 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.