Warren High's top achievers honored at banquet

Photo courtesy Warren High School Academic Booster Council.

DOWNEY – Warren High School and the Academic Boosters Council (ABC) honored students who have a 4.0 or higher cumulative GPA last week. 

The event was held at the Embassy Suites.

Of a senior class of around 900 students, 60 students were honored at the reception for their outstanding academic accomplishments during their tenure with the Bears. 

“This evening here alone is an example of how your hard work is valued, not only by your parents, ABC, our Board of Education, our Superintendent, and our cite administrators,” said Assistant Principal Gilberto Rodriguez, addressing students. 

Several notable individuals were in attendance, including School Board members Donald LaPlante, Bobbie Samperi, Todd Corrin, Mayor Fernando Vasquez, Superintendent Dr. John Garcia, Assistant Superintendent Roger Brossmer, and recently retried longtime Warren teacher Shirley Stewart. 

The evening consisted of several speakers including Board Member LaPlante, Superintendent Dr. Garcia and Mayor Vasquez.

The keynote, however, was delivered by Shirley Stewart.

“Some people would say ‘why did you bother?’ I don’t know if you know, but you can get a high school diploma with a D- average. You look at all the time and energy and everything – you didn’t have to make this choice,” said Stewart. 

“You didn’t have to do this; you could have slept your way through high school…but you didn’t do it, and my guess is you probably couldn’t have done that. There’s something inside you that drives you that won’t let you make that choice. You have a reason you want to achieve. You have a reason you want to excel. That’s the essence of who you are.”