The Optimist Club of Salem met with students, faculty, and guests from Blanchet Catholic School on April 3rd to recognize four outstanding seniors for their accomplisments in a variety of subject matters and extracurricular activities. We enjoyed a wonderful meal prepared by students at the Salem Keizer Career Technical Education Center (CTEC) and got to meet and hear about these amazing students.
Below are synopses of each student.
Achievement in Fine and Performing Arts
Markus is a remarkable student with gifts in the performing arts. A talented actor and singer, Markus has brought multiple iconic characters to life on stage during his time at Blanchet. Beyond his exceptional performances, Markus has a gift for teaching and inspiring others and a desire to leave things a little better than he found them and his recent work as a director, guiding two groups of 7th and 8th graders in productions at Blanchet, showcased his commitment to nurturing the next generation of performers. For his senior service project, he spent over 80 hours remodeling the theater department’s costume room. Markus’s talent, leadership, and dedication to the arts make him an outstanding candidate for this honor.
Markus plans to attend Grand Canyon University in Arizona, majoring in Psychology with a possible minor in theater.
Achievement in Vocational Technology
Peyten is an exceptional talent in digital media, demonstrating creativity, technical expertise, and a natural ability to lead and assist others. His innovative approach to media production sets him apart, consistently producing work that is ahead of its time. Beyond his technical skills, he is always willing to help peers, sharing his knowledge and fostering a collaborative learning environment. His dedication, creativity, and leadership make him highly deserving of this award.
Peyten is looking at several colleges where he plans to major in computer science with an emphasis on Cyber Security with art as a possible minor.
Achievement in Mathematics and Science
Joey is a talented student with a gift for math and science. He is comfortable with mathematical thinking as it applies to physics. His responses are typically succinct and accurate, and he uses mathematical models appropriately and with apparent ease. He is always ready to deepen his understanding while wrestling with conceptual questions. His teacher added that he can count on Joey to correct him when he makes mistakes showing that Joey is always engaged, and his corrections are indeed a help.
Joey plans to continue his education majoring in computer science.
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Most Involved in Community Service
Tlaloc is a kind and generous human being. He is patient with others and is always looking for ways to include them. Currently, he is working with Top Soccer for his Senior Service Project where he is putting on sports clinics for kids who have special needs. He is on the Spirituality Team and reaches out to connect with our younger students. Tlaloc is the kind of young man coaches want on their teams and teachers want in their classroom. As one of his teachers noted, "I have been fortunate to teach him, have him on the Spirituality Team, and in my Buddies group".
Tlaloc plans on attending Grand Canyon University where he will major in business.