After a long school year of hard work, Grant’s CPDA Magnet spent a day dedicated to our teachers and students with the returning CPDA Magnet Awards Assembly.
During first period on March 30th, all magnet classes gathered in Grant Hall for a morning filled with celebration, games, and laughter. As students took their seats, they were free to enjoy a variety of snacks for breakfast set up in the back of the room.
Our beloved Magnet Coordinator, Mrs. Caruso, first introduced the current Magnet president, Nicole Boyadjian, and vice president, Nensi Hayotsyan, to lead the assembly. The event started off by recognizing students for their hard work throughout the school year with the GPA Awards. Those with a GPA of 3.0-3.4 got awarded Honors, while those with 3.5 and above earned High Honors. Each grade level was announced by a different teacher, starting with Mr. Zuk and Mr. Cecil for the seniors and ending with Ms. Mandracchia and Mrs. Pariser for the freshmen.
Nicole Boyadjian and Nensi Hayotsyan photographed by Isaac Ramirez
Nicole then invited fellow Magnet leadership members to announce the Teacher Superlative Awards, where teachers were recognized for their positive impact on their students. Awards ranged from most school-spirited to the teacher with the best lunch box.
Starting off, students Eran, Sam, and Ripsime were invited to present the first award. Always keeping his students entertained, this teacher never fails to make his class laugh. With his special skill to incorporate jokes with his history lessons, Mr. Mcdermott was given the award for “the teacher with the best sense of humor.”
This next teacher is always reliable for support during stressful times during the school year. She listens to her student's needs and is flexible in order to support her students the best she can. Emily, Natali, and Mary presented Mrs. Pariser with the award for “the teacher most likely to favor the senior students.”
This teacher encourages her ninth-grade students to put in their best effort, ensuring that all students feel supported in her classroom. Receiving the award for being “the most welcoming teacher,” James and Marleny appreciate Ms. Mandracchia’s attention to detail and her uplifting attitude.
As a new member of the CPDA Magnet, this teacher shows up to class prepared to teach students with a smile. For his coordinated outfits and ability to lighten the day, students Mikaella, Leann, and Elena presented Mr. Zuk with the award for “ the teacher with the most suits and ties.”
Next, this teacher makes sure to help students succeed both in and outside of the classroom. He cares deeply about his students and finds creative ways to keep students motivated. Awarded by Anna, Gil, and Hayk, Mr. Vega received the award for “the teacher with the most swag.”
Greeting her students with the most enthusiasm, this teacher finds new ways to keep students engaged and reward them for their accomplishments. Adding excitement to her classroom, she gives students a sticker to recognize their hard work. Suzie, Agam, and Yuli presented Mrs. Strauss as “the teacher most likely to have a lifetime supply of stickers.”
Always patient with his students, this teacher creates a supportive environment and is known for his organized classroom. Matthew and Ruzanna gave Mr. Piao the award for being “the teacher with the best lunch box.”
The following teacher continuously demonstrates her love and support for her students in and outside the classroom. She is widely known for starting off her class by drinking a cup of homemade Armenian coffee. Presented by Erna, Ariana, and Max, Ms. Excel was given the award for the “teacher most likely to be found drinking coffee.”
This teacher finds different ways to keep students engaged, whether it’s fun projects or interactive discussions. She always comes prepared with the spirit, from her positive attitude to her orange Nikes showcasing that Lancer spirit. Mrs. Valles received “the teacher with the most school spirit,” presented by Mariam, Sirine, and Kyle.
This teacher's energy brightens up the classroom by creating a comfortable environment for students to participate in fun labs and activities. Omer, Anahit, and Michaela gave Ms. Ortega the award for “the most youthful teacher.”
The next teacher not only has a fiery personality but also has a closet to express exactly how fun he is. Wearing a different shirt with a different pattern on it every day, he makes the class interactive and enjoyable. Awarded by Lilit and Varduhi, Mr. Cecil was given “the best-dressed teacher.”
This teacher always encourages students to express themselves through art in her classroom. Not only can students rely on her for extra support, but they can also rely on her to learn new dance moves. Ms. Inostroza won “the teacher with the best moonwalk,” presented by Mher and Irsi.
Laughter and applause filled Grant Hall as students honored our beloved teachers with heartfelt speeches and awards. Additionally, Nicole and Nensi awarded our counselors to show appreciation for all the effort they put into helping our students build their future. Ms. Godinez was presented with MVC, also known as “the Most Valuable Counselor” award, for her support in guiding students throughout the school year. Although she may not be a current counselor, Mrs. Leanos was also presented with an award for the help she continues to contribute to the magnet.
When the assembly was nearly over, it was unexpectedly announced that there was still one more special award left. With a speech showing the Magnet students’ love and appreciation, leadership president Nicole announced an award dedicated to the leader responsible for the entire assembly and everything the Magnet has ever accomplished. Caught by surprise, Mrs. Caruso received a lovely arrangement of flowers and the award for being “the Best Coordinator.” With smiles, the exuberant crowd of students gave a standing ovation to celebrate Mrs. Caruso and all she had done to make the Magnet what it is today.
The assembly kept the energy alive and closed the morning with interactive games involving teachers and students of different grade levels. Nicole and Nensi hosted a game of musical chairs where anyone could be invited to participate on stage. Students were entertained throughout the morning, spending the day celebrating the year’s accomplishments.
Editor-in-Chief: Nensi Hayotsyan
