Well done, Class of 2011

As C-FB ISD superintendent, I have the opportunity to participate in many activities during the school year. Some of the most enjoyable events are those involving the senior classes of our high schools.

Newman Smith Valedictorian
Kathy Chan,
Dr. Burns

Newman Smith Salutatorian
Fabiola Davila

Each high school hosts a Senior Honors Breakfast to announce the Valedictorian and Salutatorian. Later in the spring, we have Senior Walks where scholarships, special awards and other tributes are announced. And finally, the big day arrives: Graduation.




 

I along with the Board of Trustees watch with parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, and educators as our high school seniors walk across the stage and receive their high school diplomas. What an exciting day! There are many stories of dedication and effort in the Class of 2011.

Dr. Burns,

Turner Valedictorian Arafel Bruce,

Principal Georgeanne Warnock

Turner Salutatorian Ann Lee

Although our 1,732 seniors have just finished their public education, their learning is just beginning. It doesn't matter whether they are off to college, to work or to serve their country, they will always be learning. Research tells us that this generation will not just change jobs but will change careers as many as five to six times during their lifetimes.

As our district goal indicates "high achievement for all students," we need to celebrate the work of this year's class. This class has earned just over $27.1 million in scholarships. We also want to thank the local community for giving more than $800,000 in scholarships. We value the support of our local stakeholders in our school district.

Ranchview Salutatorian Jenny Lee

Ranchview principal David Hicks,

Valedictorian Jessica Chun,

Dr. Burns

We also want to recognize the 39 graduates who are entering the armed services, and the nine who have received appointments to one of the military academies. We appreciate the thousands and thousands of men and women who are inspired to serve our country. We wish these C-FB ISD graduates well as they join the others who protect and serve our country.

Dr. Burns,
Creekview Valedictorian Elizabeth Campbell,
Principal Joe LaPuma

Creekview Salutatorian Jerry So

While we salute all of our 2011 graduates, we recognize the valedictorians and salutatorians of our five high schools. They have "risen to the top." What is so amazing about these 10 scholars is they just don't hit the books 24/7. They are involved in their schools and their communities. They live the quote of Mahatma Gandhi, "The future depends upon what we do in the    present."

ECHS Salutatorian Eric Stecker

Dr. Burns,
ECHS Valedictorian Janice Altamirano,
Principal Rosie Oliveira

You may not realize this, but we have a fifth high school, Early College High School (ECHS). ECHS is part of the Brookhaven College campus. ECHS opened in 2006 and is an educational choice open to C-FB ISD students who are entering the ninth grade. Part of the Texas High School Project, ECHS helps students earn two years of college credit tuition-free while earning a high school diploma. This year, 29 ECHS students graduated from Brookhaven College the same year they received their high school diploma from C-FB ISD. We also had ECHS students earn college credits but not completing an associate degree.

Tony Wagner, the Harvard-based education expert, often says that we are living in knowledge economy. We in C-FB ISD have only goal: “high achievement for all students.” And, we hope that we have instilled in our graduates a passion for learning, and the importance of continuous improvement. If we have done that, the graduates of 2011 will never cease to grow and learn.