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Salutatorian Ivie Lopez and Valedictorian Elias Olmos
Elias Olmos and Ivie Lopez have earned the top honors in their graduating class of of 2016 from Superior High School. Olmos was number one in his class, earning the title of Valedictorian, and Lopez came in a close second to earn the position of Salutatorian. The duo have attended the Superior Unified School district since Kindergarten. Olmos also attended the Pre-K program at JFK.
Both of them have parents who are SHS Alumni. Elias Olmos is the son of David and Angela Olmos (class of 1995) and Ivie Lopez is the daughter of Joseph Lopez (class of 1997) and Renee Vega (class of 1998). These two top students have big plans for their futures and some advice for their classmates and incoming freshmen.
Olmos explained that he is sad to leave his friends. “I am going to miss seeing them everyday and making memories with them,” he said, adding, “but I am excited to see what the future holds.”
He has a merit scholarship along with many local scholarships to attend Arizona State University in the fall where he plans to study Exercise and Fitness. He plans to become a personal trainer then further his education in business management. His goal in life is to open a gym. He isn’t quite sure that his target market for his gym is in Superior, but he would consider opening his gym in Superior if it was a good business move, he explained.
His involvement in local athletics inspired his education and career choice. Since he was old enough to swing a bat and throw a football, he as been an aspiring athlete playing Little League, Black and Gold Youth Football League and, of course, he played football and baseball in both junior high and high school. During his high school career he was an active member of FCCLA, DECA, Future Educators of America, Student Council and served as a class officer.
His advice to future Panthers: “Cherish every moment. Take criticism the right way, don’t let it get you down,” he said. To his classmates, his wish: “Go out and help make a difference in this world.”
Lopez will be attending Paradise Valley Community College in the fall where she has been recruited to play softball for the Pumas. She plans to major in Early Childhood Education and then transfer to a university where she will study to become a Special Education teacher. Lopez would like to return to Superior to teach Special Education and coach, she said.
Ivie has been a well rounded student and athlete during her school years. She has been playing softball since she was old enough to be on the girls’ softball teams at the Little League and got her start in the early years with T-Ball. She also played on a few travel softball teams during her off seasons. In her Junior year she was the starting pitcher for the Panther’s softball team that won the state championship in 2015.
“I am going to miss the bonds of playing with my friends and family that sports bring,” she said. About her upcoming graduation from SHS, she says, “ I am nervous, but I am excited.”
Her advice to future Panthers and incoming Freshmen, “Don’t give up, just keep going but don’t give up.” Her wish for her classmates: “I want for them all to succeed and be happy in life.”
Both agreed that having the use of social media will help them to keep in touch with their classmates.
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.
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