Each presentation of medals was accompanied by a creative arts performance by Longview High School students.
Receiving medals in the Academics category was the Class of 2017's Top 2 percent graduates (in alphabetical order): Sunita Brimmer, Lucy Castillo, Mary Kate Darby, Naomi Darbell, Daniele Farren, Christopher Guck, Rutvi Patel, Abigail Pauley, Arjun Peddireddy, and Neal Rangu.
Sevastian Jimenez and Margaret Ward were honored in the Art category by instructors Jeff Hull and Meleah Hall, with samples of their work displayed throughout the venue.
Daniele Farren and Lady Trejo received medals in Band from Director Louis Robinett, also performing a special arrangement for flute, oboe, and clarinet, Trio (Opus 87) composed by Ludwig Beethoven..
Jarrett Orange Dixon and Christion Taylor were honored in the Choir category by instructor Kenton Walker, and Daniel Bally, Abby Jester, and Ashlyn Shobert recognized for their publishing work in the Communications category by Yearbook/Journalism adviser Sasha Cantu.
Madeline Duvall, Michael Hanson, Abby Jester, Alex Lammers, and Sid Montano rounded out the evening's honors by receiving medals in Theatre from instructor Pam Mercer McWilliams, lending their talents to a performance of selections from 'Les Miserables.'
Established in 1976, the event honors the most outstanding senior students in the arts and academics. At that first banquet, then-superintendent Dr. Henry Wheeler said the purpose is to 'pay tribute to our best, our most talented, and to impress upon them that they each have a story to tell.”
Current LISD Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox praised the students, staff, and families in attendance 'for giving so generously of your time, your energy, and your talent.'
'Those of us in the administration can just stand back and say 'wow' when we see what these young people are able to accomplish,' he said. 'It's very personally rewarding for me to play just a small part in helping all of our students pursue and achieve such excellence.'
