Anticipation filled the air as students began arriving and taking their seats on either side of the red carpet which had been set up in the center of the gym.  Behind the rows of students sat the teachers clutching folders, each waiting to be called up to honor their exceptional students.

The Academy Awards took place Thursday, May 21, where students from all four grades were selected by the various school departments to receive awards based off of their hard work, dedication, and willingness to go above and beyond the listed expectations.  Awards for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors took place at 5:30 p.m. and awards and scholarships for seniors took place at 7 p.m.

Principal Tim Hornig began the evening, welcoming parents, students, and teachers to the event and thanking them for coming.  The counselors then began with the Book Awards for the juniors, recognizing them for their great academic achievements.

Afterwards the different departments took the stage which included math, world languages, English, social sciences, science, and Mustang Courses. A few teachers from each took a couple minutes to present their chosen students with a certificate and kind words.

“It was good to see other people’s accomplishments and how well they do in their classes.  I got an award for ASL; I was surprised and happy,” said sophomore Taylor King.

During the senior awards, students were awarded scholarships in addition to the staff awards.  Scholarships included the Thomas Saake Scholarship for Robotics, the Hanson’s Surfboard scholarship for writing a 500-word essay on their love for surfing, as well as many more.

“It was pretty exciting.  Everyone was clapping.  I loved seeing my friends being recognized,” said sophomore Sonia Rathee.