Maanasa Lanka and Vyshnavi Pottepalli from Ranchview High School were published in the March 2019 edition of Albricias, a national magazine published twice a year for the Spanish Honor Society. Each wrote a poem observing this edition’s theme, ‘La flora y fauna’ (Plants and Animals); Vyshnavi’s poem is entitled “Sonrisas del sol” (Smiles from the Sun) and Maanasa’s poem is “El mundo auténtico” (The Authentic World). Both girls are in Mrs. Paredes’ Spanish 5 class as part of the IB program.
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Freeman 4th Graders Tour Texas Capitol
On Apr. 26, 4th graders from Freeman Elementary traveled to Waco and Austin to experience what they are learning in Texas History. Students visited the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum and the Texas State Capitol, taking part in “The Legends of Texas: The Experience.” The trip was funded by Discover Texas Field Trips, a non-profit organization.
Students discussed why Texans are so proud of their unique heritage. At the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, students learned the history of the Texas Rangers. They explored exhibits about Texas’s earliest inhabitants and its many unique geographical regions. They then traveled to the Texas State Capitol where their legislators, have their office. Students saw first-hand where Texas laws are made as they toured the State Capitol. The visit included visiting the Senate and House of Representatives chambers.
Texas History Comes Alive
The students then stepped back in time to life in the 1800s in Texas at historic Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms Living History Museum. Students experienced life on actual homesteads from the 1820s-1860s, a musket-firing demonstration, an engaging Texas Revolution skit, and an interactive and up close look at rare Texas Revolution artifacts. In addition, students met a Texas settler and heard his stories and perspective about the Texas Revolution.
RHS Artist Medal at VASE
Five Ranchview High School artists made it to the state level of competition with their art. Four of these students earned medals at VASE for 2019. VASE (Visual Arts Scholastic Event) is the State of Texas competition for visual arts. Art teacher Katie Carelock stated, “this is a huge honor and these girls have worked very hard.
Artists Who Earned Medals at VASE
Chinmayi Bodapati
Esther Kang
Ashley Mitchell
Glory Romine
View more photos of these artists’ work in our Flickr Gallery.
Davis Hosts 2019 Code Academy Open House
Davis Elementary hosted their 2019 Code Academy Open House on Apr. 26. Parents were invited to tour the campus as students engaged in coding activities with portable devices and computers. Students coded in Minecraft, Scratch, and other platforms to solve problems and to augment existing digital environments.
RLT Hosts 2019 Senior Honors Breakfast
On Apr. 24, Turner High School hosted its 2019 Senior Honors Breakfast. The top 10% of the 2019 graduating class were honored for their academic achievements. The seniors’s families were invited to take part in the celebration. The event began with performances by members of the RLT orchestra and choir. The Salutatorian for the graduating class is Akihiro Yoshimoto, who has a cumulative GPA of 103.6552. Yoshimoto’s English teacher, Ms. Mueggenborg, stated that he is, “a careful and keen reader, often picking up on subtle details and making shrewd inferences,” and that he is “the embodiment of grace under pressure.”
Valedictorian
The Valedictorian for the class of 2019 is Graham Viegut, who has a cumulative GPA of 103.9273. RLT teacher Ms. Vowles said that Viegut “operates on another level,” and that he “is steadfast in his quest to better himself and those around him every day.”
Newman Smith Hosts 2019 Senior Honors Breakfast
On Apr. 25, Newman Smith High School hosted its 2019 Senior Honors Breakfast. The top 10% of the 2019 graduating class were honored for their academic achievements. The seniors’s families were invited to take part in the celebration. The event began with a breakfast and performances by members of the NSHS orchestra. The Salutatorian for the graduating class is Jeffrey Salgado. Counselor Lauretta Johnson spoke about Salgado, stating, “He values how seriously his family takes the concept of living under a strong moral code, deeply rooted on religious beliefs that teach the importance of being loving and respectful. These strong beliefs have significantly affected his academic life teaching him respect and to love humanity by serving others.”
Valedictorian
The Valedictorian for the class of 2019 is Libby Helm. Counselor Katina Boutte said of Helm, “what makes her a true truly stand out is that along with all of her academic accomplishments, she has become a humble and well-balanced person. Amongst her peers she is often described as having an extreme amount of concern for others.”
Creekview Hosts 2019 Senior Honors Breakfast
On Apr. 24, Creekview High School hosted its 2019 Senior Honors Breakfast. The top 10% of the 2019 graduating class were honored for their academic achievements. The seniors’s families were invited to take part in the celebration. The event began with a breakfast and performances by members of the CHS orchestra and choir. The Salutatorian for the graduating class is Yujin Kim, who has a cumulative GPA of 103.7. Principal Joe LaPuma spoke about Kim, stating, “This young lady loves Art, Science, and Math, but what may most impressive is her priority in the development of her character and her talents.”
Valedictorian
The Valedictorian for the class of 2019 is Javier Kenneth “Kenny” Chirino-Ampudia, who has a cumulative GPA of 104.0208. Mr. LaPuma said of Chirino-Ampudia, “His commitment to integrity, character, and honesty serves as a guiding light to the students of Creekview.”
Blalack Singers Selected for All-State Choir
Three students from Blalack Middle School have been selected to be a part of the Texas Choral Directors Association Middle School All-State Choir. Graeme McRae, Emma Saleh, and Hanson Hays were selected from hundreds of auditioners across the state of Texas. The trio will travel to San Antonio in July to work renowned Choral director, Tom T. Shelton, Jr. They will present a concert for thousands of music teachers at the TCDA Convention.
Blalack Choir Director, Sarah Bayles stated, “This is a huge honor and we are so proud of these three incredible students!”
Ranchview Wolves Compete at Regional Tennis Tournament
The Ranchview Wolves Tennis Team competed in Longview and Texarkana on April 17th and 18th at the Regional Tennis Tournament. 13 players attended the tournament. This is the second most players Ranchview has sent to the Spring tournament.
Tennis Tournament Individual Results
Players winning their first round matches:
Girls Doubles: Swati Bhamidipati & Samantha Cruz
Mixed Doubles: Rhea Aemireddy & Aaron Kim
Boys Singles: Ishan Mistry
Countdown to Graduation at the UNT Coliseum
Graduation ceremonies at the UNT Coliseum are a CFB tradition and a time for life-long memories. As you make your drive to Denton and enjoy visits from out-of-town relatives on this momentous occasion, we want you to be prepared for your arrival. The University of North Texas has implemented new rules this year regarding activities inside and what can be brought into the venue.
When
Graduation will be held on Sunday, Jun. 2, at the UNT Coliseum.
9 AM – Newman Smith Graduation
1 PM – Turner Graduation
4 PM – Creekview Graduation
7 PM – Ranchview Graduation
Parking
- Arrive early and carpool as much as possible. Allow for extra time to park and walk some distance from your car to the ceremony.
- Don’t rely on your GPS – you will be taking the North Texas Boulevard Exit to access the UNT campus from I-35.
- There will be signage and UNT Police officers guiding traffic around the Coliseum.
UNT Coliseum Polices
- No seat-saving. This is a policy of the UNT Coliseum. There will be more than enough seating available for all guests. Arriving early is the best way to find the best vantage point for you and your family.
- With the exception of seats for graduates, special commencement guests and district personnel, there are no reserved seats.
- ALL individual bags will be checked as people enter the Coliseum. Prepare before you arrive. If you don’t need that bag, leave it in the car or at home. 🙂
Tickets
We do not have tickets for graduation and we do not limit the number of seats per student. Got a gigantic entourage? Awesome! But make sure they arrive early, or they may not all be sitting together.
Forbidden items
- Balloons (we know – they’re a thing – but not a Coliseum thing) 🙂
- Beach balls
- Noise makers, bullhorns, etc.
- Silly string, bubbles, glitter or any other similar items that people can slip on or get in their eyes.
- Signs or banners (we know! but you still have time to make fun shirts with your messages – signs will not be allowed in the Coliseum
- Tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, drones, etc. Ask a friend to take your picture. They will totally do it.
- Any tobacco products or devices for smoking or vaping. UNT is a smoke-free campus inside and out.
- Strollers inside the seating area. Strollers can be used to bring young children into the Coliseum only.
More information
UNT has more information on their website on what you need to know prior to arriving for graduation. Please share this page with your family and friends who will be heading to Denton to celebrate the class of 2019 with you so that your entrance into the Coliseum is quick and easy.