by 
Superior Optimist Club and the Red Bears Outfitters presented students at Superior High School with laptop computers. Ashley Milagro Lira | Sun
The Superior Optimist Club hosted its annual honor roll banquet on Friday. The club has been serving Superior for 10 years and over the past nine years, they have awarded laptop computers to Seniors who have earned the honor roll the first three quarters of each year since eighth grade.
Natalie Quioz, SHS Class of 2009 graduate, spoke to the students about her college experience. She earned an Optimist laptop in 2009. In her comments to the students, she explained that students from Superior are naturally humble, know how to work hard and possess the skills needed to succeed at college.
“No one will believe you when you tell them that your community gives you a lap top,” she said. She reminded the students not to forget where they came from and gave them some insights on college life. “You will need technology more than you will need a paper and pencil,” she said.
This year the club selected Eric Gudino, from the SHS Class of 1992, as the keynote speaker. Eric currently works as a Public Affairs Manager at the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). In this role he serves as a policy liaison to key stakeholders within Maricopa and Pinal Counties. Prior to joining ADOT, he served as the Director of Municipal Government Relations at Arizona State University. Eric has also served as Senior Assistant to Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon and as a Legislative Correspondent to Congressman Ed Pastor in Washington, D.C.
Speaking to the young scholars Gudino encouraged them to challenge themselves, set good habits and schedule their time. “College is not an option,” he said. “Sixty-eight percent of jobs today and in the future will require an education.” He encouraged the students to view coming from Superior as a positive. “We’re family,” he said. “Not everyone grows up in a community like ours, and that is special. Be proud that you are from Superior, reach out to others from Superior as you go through college and develop your career.”
This year the Superior Red Bears provided two laptops to Seniors who missed the honor qualifications to earn a laptop by one quarter. Eldefonoso Duarte and Louie Rabago of the Superior Red Bear explained that they understand sometimes things happen and it affects a students grades. The two Red Bear laptop winners were: Ricardo Ochoa and Alejandra Mancinas.
The first year students earn the honor roll in eighth grade they receive a certificate, the freshman year they earn a bronze medal, sophomore year a silver medal, junior year a gold medal and their senior year a lap top computer. The Optimist Club funds this project with fundraising throughout the year and a grant from Resolution Copper.
This year certificate winners were: Jared Moreno, Jewel Meza, Cedric Mendoza, Makayla Martinez, Ricardo Ochoa, Audrey Rowell, Jesus Castellanos, Gabriel Garcia, Bruno Godinez, Lindsay Ketron, Maddaleine Price, Korrina Romero, Brandon Martinez, Amber Alonzo, and Kassandra Baltierra.
Bronze medals were awarded to: Jose Lira Jr., Gabby Hernandez, Anessa Bearup, Yuvithzia Romero, Ashley Lira, Tatianna Babino, Steven Byrd, Ariana San Miguel, Victoria Juarez, Jalissa Murray, Steven Denogean, Yasmin Rangel-Velasquez, Matthew Hernandez, Alycia Bearup, Cierra Villaverde, Analysse Jaurez, Alejandra Mancinas-Pacheco.
Silver Medals were awarded to: Autin Navarette, Nicolaus Cruz, Eleanna Ybarra, Dominic Perea, Allison Martinez, Maribel Castro.
Gold medals were awarded to: Ivie Lopez, Gabriella Kipp, Phalicitee Thomas, Elias Olmos, and Terrace Flowers.
Laptops were awarded to: Angela Campos, Lindsay Duarte, Cierra Navarrette, Megan Mashaw, Hunter Flanagan and Matthew Zavala.
The Superior Optimist Club meets the first and third Tuesdays at Edwardos Pizza at 6:30 p.m. For more information on the club contact JoAnn Besich at 520-827-0592.
Mila Besich is a resident of Superior with two children. She volunteers for many local organizations. She is an experienced fundraiser and event planner for Copper Corridor Economic Development Coalition. She covers some of the area town councils and schools.
by by