Vandegrift High School senior Priya Modi, recognizing Peggy Morisset: "Coming from India in my junior year, Mrs.Morisset helped me so much making sure I knew what I was doing. She has always helped me out with all my questions, be it college, school, students, teachers, schedules. I have sought her help to an extent that every time I go see her, her response is a question with a frown “What do you want now?” And then comes her big warm smile. She has made be feel better and put my mind at ease countless times, advised me with the correct next steps every time I messed something up and did a great job by just being there for me. Having her in my corner made me fearless and confident. I knew that if I stumbled upon a step she will be there to help me move forward. I love and respect her with all my heart and am extremely thankful for having a wonderful counselor like her."
Vandegrift High School senior Reese Watson, recognizing Brady Ruiz: "He has been like another father figure to me in school, always takes care of me, and he has two sons that I have grown very found of and they are like little brothers to me."
Vista Ridge High School senior Jaxon Plymire, recognizing Jessica Mondragon: "Mrs. Mondragon; also known as Mony, Best Friend, BFF, Jess and Jessica, has been one of, if not, the most influential teacher I’ve encountered in my 12 years of public school education. One of the reasons why I say this is because she cares for her students outside of their academics. She values you as a person. She cares about how I was actually doing. She is interested in what you are doing outside of school. She loves to hear about my hopes and dreams in life and ultimately how she can help. She knows that I’m more than just a student. As much as she is nice and caring about how you are doing, she always motivates you to be the best student. She gets on you if you aren’t doing your best in your classes. Not in a shameful way, but in a motivational way because she believes you are capable of doing better. She cares about the details. You may be passing and excelling in all your classes but she always makes sure your binders are organized, your notes are processed, you have your homework written in your planner, etc. She cares about those little things that makes you an even more successful student than you may be and will let you know where you may be lacking because of the potential we have as students. I’ve has the privilege to be Mrs. Mondragon’s student for 2 years now and she has ultimately impacted me as a student and then, in turn, made me a better person. I don’t know where I’d as a person be without her constant encouragement, authenticity and persistence. Thank you for everything you’ve done in my life."
