Students at Sonoma Valley High School enjoyed a number of accolades for the 2008/2009 school year. From athletics, to public service to art and culture, graduating seniors were recognized by a number of outside organizations for their accomplishments. Below are a few of the highlights from the 2008-2009 year.
Brains and Brawn
Dragon football player Michael Mulas was named a National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete. The Scholar-Athletes were selected by committees of educators, high school sports officials and sportswriters in 12 Northern California counties on behalf of the Northern California Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. Mulas, one of only two player representing Sonoma County, was honored at the 49th NFF Awards Dinner and received a $1,000 scholarship grant.
Melba Beals Inspires Students and Staff
She was one of the Little Rock Nine – the nine teenagers who defied segregationists and the Governor of Arkansas to become the first black students to enter Central High School. Melba Beals, who finished high school in Santa Rosa before becoming a successful journalist, author and dynamic motivational speaker, came to Sonoma Valley High School to share her struggles and triumphs. Her message of courage and self-sacrifice was an inspiration to both students and staff.
A Legacy of Green
Alexandra and Melissa Carlson won the County’s highest honor for public service, a 2009 Jefferson Award, for inspiring youth to be more involved in environmental issues. Their senior project, developing definitive “green school” guidelines, is being adopted by the school district, which saluted the twins with its own award in April. Thanks to the Carlson sisters, Sonoma Valley High School is the first green school in the Valley. “They are dynamic duo, and they represent the next generation,” County Supervisor Robert Kelley.
Move Over, Bruce Willis
For the first time, a student film was screened as part of the main Sonoma International Film Festival. Sonoma Valley High School senior Michael Lee created, produced and directed the 17-minute film entitled, “D.D.” The movie debuted at the high school’s drunk driving prevention event, then hit the festival’s “big screen” on April 4. “The movie was a great learning experience from start to finish, “Lee said. “It’s an honor for it to be included in the festival.” Since 2000, students have been showing their films and videos as part of the Student Works portion of the film festival. “At this event, the students are treated like the serious filmmakers they are,” said Peter Hansen, teacher of the high school’s broadcast television and film program.
Senior Photographers ‘In the Zone’
Photographs by 13 students were chosen for a prestigious photo exhibition, the 10th annual Zone of Focus, sponsored by Santa Rosa ArtQuest. Open to high school students from across the country, the show received 400 entries. The finalists are on display now through June 20 at Sonoma State University. “The first semester they’re learning the process,” said Photography Instructor Andy Mitchell. “The second semester, everything starts clicking.” In the Zone were: Lacey Cirimele (first place, landscape category); Layne Ergas (second place, still life); Alejandro Tinajero (second place, abstract); Aria Watson (third place, still life); Keith Thompson (honorable mention, landscape); Kelsey Knego; Brooke Dagner; James Fanucchi; Shirley Morovich; Sean Hammett; Emily Hawing; Nonie Cobb; and Jenni Marioni.
Notable Senior Projects
Lee Jasperse measured the impact of climate change at sea level.
Emily Hawkins/Veronica Rand directed “Annie” with Broadway Bound students.
Aria Watson worked at Betty’s Girly Boutique remaking vintage clothes.
Thomas Conners/Jenna Freeman-Hinson provided dinner for Senior Project volunteers.
Tyler Woods put on a benefit, which included a silent auction, dinner and entertainment, for the SVHS Music Department that raised more than $4,000.
