Masons honor sixth-graders for their achievements

One sixth-grader from each of eight area elementary schools were recognized as outstanding students during the Masonic Lodge’s Public Schools Awareness Night, April 22.

At the Santa Maria Lodge No. 580 of Free and Accepted Masons, the students, their families, principals and teachers were served a spaghetti dinner, followed by a ceremony in which each student received a certificate of achievement and a $100 bill.

“It’s really all about the students. These kids get recognized by all the work they do,” said Morgan Scott, public schools recognition committee chairman for the Santa Maria Lodge.

Each elementary school was asked to select one sixth-grader who has good grades, good school spirit and sets a worthy example for his or her peers.

Sixth-grade students honored for their achievements are:

Barnett Elementary - Noelya Heredia

Ramona Community Montessori School - Brendan McGuinness

Mount Woodson Elementary - Cody Purvis

Hanson Elementary - Tiffany Hubbard

Ramona Elementary - Stephanie Bautista

James Dukes Elementary - Anthony McManus

Mountain Valley Academy - Amarissa Kunavich

Julian Elementary - Natalie Romano.

“I was very honored that I was going to be able to be here,” student Brendan McGuinness said before the ceremony.

Lauding his characteristics, Brendan’s teacher, Lauren Worthen, said: “Brendan’s definitely well-rounded, very balanced.”

Barnett Principal Linda Marthis introduced student Noelya Heredia to those attending, saying, “She’s respectful, she’s responsible. She shows perseverance in the most challenging of tasks.”

Robin Arend, Mt. Woodson principal, described Cody Purvis as a stellar scholar who genuinely cares how others are doing.

“You made Mt. Woodson a better place,” Arend said to Cody.

Hanson Principal Chris Gunnett talked about student Tiffany Hubbard’s bright smile.

“It is on all the time. You have empathy. You care deeply about our students,” Gunnett said.

Hanson teacher Darren Smith added, “The smile — it comes from within.”

Debbie Long, a teacher from Ramona Elementary, said Stephanie Bautista is “one of the wonderful all-around students. She is one of those students who is very committed to learning.”

James Dukes Principal Joy Harris described Anthony McManus as a star who is involved in nearly everything at his school.

“He is an amazing athlete. He is a stellar scholar,” said Anthony’s teacher, Kendall Gibbs.

Mountain Valley Academy Principal Kathryn Gunderson said Amarissa Kunavich is a role model for her peers.

“Everything Amy does is above and beyond,” said her teacher, Stacey Gill.

“We want to see you shoot for the stars and hit the stars,” Scott told the students. “I would urge you to keep exploring life.”

Attending the event was Robert Graeff, Ed.D., superintendent for Ramona Unified School District.

“It’s efforts like yours...that makes these kids have the successes that they have,” he told the Masons.

According to Scott, Masons have been supporting public schools since the 1920s.

Worshipful Master Don Martin said one of Santa Maria Lodge’s basic goals is to help the community. The lodge raises approximately $6,000 a year for schools and youth organizations, he said.

The evening started with a dinner of spaghetti, garlic cheese bread and salad. Beverly Smith said she has been making the meal, with help from others, for seven years, but never knows how many will attend.

“I’ve always made it a policy, nobody goes away from this hungry,” said her husband and Mason Bruce Smith.