Hello, Westside Express readers.
First and foremost, congratulations to Dos Palos High School’s class of 2024, which completed its high school journey as of June 7. The graduating students are now onto great things in their lives, their futures ahead of them.
It has been an exciting journey with many ups and downs, but in the long run, they all made it, and they can say they walked the stage and received their diplomas.
The class of 2024 has had many talented athletes who will continue to strive in their sports in college or wherever they choose to go. It also had many incredible people who will continue doing well in their studies, sports and the world.
Congratulations to the students who completed their studies and whose efforts led them to the top ten. First, we have Valedictorian Mariana Lopez and Salutatorian Hector Moreno. Emily Perez tied with Sophia Thomas for third place.
Fourth place was Jacob Tapia, and fifth place was Diana Tovar. Peyton Van Worth and Evangeline Freitas tied for sixth place, and Tayla Tatarakis and Bianca Zapata tied for seventh place.
Jazmin Alvarez, Estefania Reyes and Celeste Zamora tied for eighth place, while Gavin Moore and Erandy Aguilar Perez tied for ninth. Finally, Jose Leal and Leslie Ortiz tied for 10th place.
There is also sorrow amid the joy since Ken Hamel, who has taught mathematics at DPHS for six years, is leaving. A teacher who many would seek help from and who taught many valuable lessons in the years he was there, he is and will always be a beloved teacher.
Pi Day will forever be memorable for students who had his class, as he and his wife would take the time to make homemade pies for all of his students each year.
He says teaching here was enjoyable and that he was treated like family by staff and students. He will always be a Bronco because as the saying goes, “Once a Bronco, always a Bronco.”
