The Achievement Above All awards took place on Wednesday, November 6, congratulating standout individuals in Sunnyslope High School for their hard work and dedication.
Many of the Glendale Union High School District’s governing board members were there to congratulate the recipients on their achievements. The recipients included Special Education Teacher Michael Sidebottom, Senior Manny Jacobs, Staff Member Shelby Ferrari, Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) lead by Sponsor Jill Martinez and Volunteers Wayne & Betsy Pulver. The recipients were welcomed on stage by Principal Jonathan Parker, who gave speeches about each of the recipients best aspects.
While talking about Sidebottom, Parker said, “He is a fierce ally and advocate for his students, a relentless force who can simultaneously challenge and support his students, coaxing the best from them as they feed off the strength of his energy and the certainty of his belief.”
When Sidebottom went up to take his award he said, “The best part of this journey has been the relationships I’ve built. Some of my closest friends today were once my teachers and coaches, and I’m lucky enough to still be in touch with many of my former students. Teaching at Sunnyslope isn’t just a job; it’s an opportunity. A chance to join the Viking family, and a chance to build connections that will last a lifetime.”
After Sidebottom left the stand Parker talked about student Jacobs saying, “Manny maintains scholastic excellence while filling his schedule with activities outside the classroom. Manny is an endangered species on a high school campus, an exceptional, multi-sport student/athlete.”
After Parker’s speech Manny Jacobs went up to the stand and talked about some of the important people in his life that got him in the position that he is in right now saying “I would like to take the time to appreciate those who helped bring me here. Several years ago, my grandfather was the superintendent of these board meetings. From what I’ve heard, his leadership was nothing short of legendary, and he heavily invested in those with whom he worked, including my principal. In similar fashion, Mr. Parker has poured into the educators and administrators with whom he works, who have in turn developed me. I would have had no chance of being here without such service.”
Parker also made it a point to address the Ferrari family and said “When Alan Ferrari started high school as a freshman 2.5 years ago, we didn’t know we were getting one heck of a package deal when Shelby Ferrari joined our staff as the receptionist. In a very short time, she earned a reputation for her professionalism, enthusiasm, positivity, and sense of humor.”
When Ferrari went up to give her speech she said “I feel honored that I get to support amazing students, coaches, sponsors and parents and will continue to do so to the best of my ability with a smile on my face and the pride of a Viking.”
While talking about DECA, Parker said “These students aspire to future positions of leadership and influence, but they already enrich our campus through the strength of their ingenuity, vision, and persistence each and every day.”
When Parker ended his speech, DECA President Emma Elsey went up and said, “It is an immense honor to stand before you today as we celebrate our chapter’s achievements. Receiving the title of Sunnyslope’s ‘Achievement Above All’ chapter is a testament to the dedication, passion, and spirit of collaboration that each member has exemplified throughout the past year.”
She didn’t forget to mention her Co-President Connor Kaiser and Vice President Audrey Gaffney saying, “My co-president, Connor Kaiser, and I are incredibly proud of what our chapter has achieved. Our members always show exceptional commitment and continue to foster a welcoming environment for all students. Opening a new Victor’s Place, hosting Merry Marketplace, and traveling across the country to compete is just a small portion of all of the hard work DECA members contribute” and “As someone who has been in DECA for four years, alongside our vice president, Audrey Gaffney, we have seen firsthand how this chapter has grown. Therefore, we would all like to extend our gratitude to the Glendale Union High School District Board for recognizing our efforts.”
Every single recipient of these awards should be proud of themselves and what they have accomplished with their time at Sunnyslope.
