ABC Celebrates Mariposa County High School Class of 2023 Valedictorians
June 10, 2023 - Some of the hardest-working, dedicated, and bright-minded students at Mariposa County High School were honored on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.
The class of 2023 Mariposa County High School valedictorians were treated to a meal at Frederick’s of Savourys for the annual valedictorian dinner. This dinner pays tribute to the students and rewards them for their outstanding achievement.
The dinner was sponsored by the MCHS Academic Booster Club (ABC).
The valedictorians this year are: Cole Atkins, Sophie Blanchette, Leo Chenoweth, Jasmine Gardino, Sayer Harry, Mikyah Lust, Shelsy Marquez-Solorzano, Riley Ortiz, Malia Patterson, Marion Sberna, and Caitlyn Tillery.
These students earned the title of valedictorian by taking the most rigorous courses offered at MCHS as determined by the classes available upon entry as freshmen. Their course load included four years of math, four years of science with three being lab sciences, three years of the same foreign language, four years of English including CCAP college dual credit coursework, and all Honors and AP classes available to them. They have earned a “B” or higher in all classes and maintained a weighted GPA of 4.0 or higher.
The master of ceremonies for the evening was Laura Lynn Hays.
The guest speaker was 2017 MCHS graduate Elaina Mero who graduated magna cum laude from UC Merced in 2021 and is about to begin her last year of law school at UC Law, San Francisco.
Each valedictorian chose a mentor to attend with them. This was someone who helped influence or shape them for the better. The valedictorians introduced their mentors followed by the mentors speaking about them.
In addition to hosting the dinner, ABC gave each valedictorian a $50 gift card to enjoy. MCHS presented each student with a personalized valedictorian medallion which they will wear at graduation. Sierra Tel donated personalized portfolios.
About the valedictorians, in their own words:
Cole Atkins: I have participated in many clubs including Spanish Club, French Club, and Environmental Club. I am also Senior Class Treasurer. Beyond academics, I am involved with Grizzly baseball and basketball and was a captain on both of those teams. I will be attending UC Los Angeles. Mentor: Pierce Chaney
Sophie Blanchette: I have played soccer and been a part of FFA for four years. Senior year, I was treasurer of French Club and a part of Spanish Club. Outside of school, I like cooking, music, hanging out with friends, and jujuing on that beat. I will be attending UC Santa Barbara. I have not yet declared a major. Mentor: Miguel Ramirez
Leo Chenoweth: I had major roles in several different plays and dedicated myself to the art of theater. Keeping up with academics was a challenge with all the obstacles thrown my way, but with the help of those who love me, I overcame them. I'm going to be studying theater at CSU Long Beach. Mentor: Kathleen Leonard
Jasmine Gardino: I am very driven in my studies. Outside of school, I have been very involved in my family's business. I believe I want to pursue a career in architecture, but am still deciding. I will be attending CSU Long Beach. Mentor: Kimberly Keith
Sayer Harry: I was a part of Drama Club, Spanish Club, and CSF. Junior year, I played varsity soccer. I was Freshman Class President, Sophomore Class Vice President, and Junior Class President. I was on the Lights & Sound Crew for most drama performances, earning the title of Technical Manager. Senior year, I was the Vice-President of Friday Night Live. I plan to attend UC Santa Cruz, majoring in computer science. Mentor: Jonathan Harry
Mikyah Lust: High school has provided me with the greatest community, shaping who I am today. I am grateful for the teachers, coaches, and friends who have supported me through these years. I was an active member in Spanish Club, French Club, and Environmental Club. I played on the volleyball team all four years, and was a captain my senior year. I will be attending UC Santa Barbara, majoring in Biology. Mentor: Debbie Leonard
Shelsy Marquez- Solorzano: I’m very appreciative of growing up in El Portal. This helped shape me into the student I am today. I played varsity soccer for four years and received two all league awards. I am also the president of both French Club and Environmental Club. I love going on hikes and fun random adventures with my friends. I will be attending UC Santa Barbara as an earth science major. Mentor: Brooke Dobson
Riley Ortiz: I am a determined young woman who works hard to do well in all environments. Besides doing school work, I occupy my time with many different forms of artwork and reading. I hope all of my current hard work and good work ethic will lead me into a future in the medical field as a pediatric oncologist. I will be attending Columbia Community College majoring in biology. Mentor: Katherine Slenders
Maile Patterson: I participated in FFA, California Scholarship Federation, Spanish Club, and I was French Club secretary my senior year. I played basketball, volleyball, and soccer. In my freetime, I love to play soccer and work. In the summer, I lifeguard and teach swim lessons. During the school year, I work at Charles Street Dinner House. I will be attending Cal Poly Humboldt to study wildlife management and conservation. Mentor: Katie Pike
Marion Sberna: I played soccer for four years and volleyball for three years. I was an active member of FFA, CSF, French Club, and Spanish Club. I raised and showed lambs as well as volunteered at the County Fair. I would like to thank my parents for always pushing me to be my best version of myself and keeping me motivated. I will be attending UC Santa Barbara with a major in zoology, pursuing the pre-vet track. Mentor: Adam Finney
Caitlyn Tillery: I have been involved in multiple clubs as well as dancing competitively outside of school. I am planning on attending Fresno State with an intended major of liberal studies and a minor in dance. I hope after college to become an elementary school teacher as well as a dance teacher. Mentor: Stephanie Bobman
ABC wishes to extend thanks to Frederick’s of Savourys for being a great partner to work with, Sierra Tel for donating personalized portfolios for the students, Sierra Sisters' Designs for the beautiful programs, the Chamber of Commerce for the loan of the sound system, and the many others who contributed in ways big and small to make this a special and memorable event.
Congratulations, valedictorians! What a wonderful accomplishment.
This year's valedictorians are Cole Atkins, Sophie Blanchette, Shelsy Marquz-Solorzano, Marion Sberna, Maile Patterson, Sayer Harry, Riley Ortiz, Caitlyn Tillery, Jasmine Gardino, Leo Chenoweth, and Mikyah Lust.
Guests listened as each mentor spoke about their valedictorian student. Here, Debbie Leonard says a few words about Mikyah Lust.
Mentors and valedictorians shared sweet moments like this hug between mentor Stephanie Bobman and student Caitlyn Tillery.
Valedictorian Cole Atkins introduced his mentor, Pierce Chaney.
Mentors Miguel Ramirez and Adam Finney stand outside of Frederick's of Savourys with valedictorians Marion Sberna, Maile Patterson, and Shelsy Marquez-Solorzano.
MCHS Academic Boosters Club, Inc. (ABC) is a 501(c)3 organization with the mission of supplementing and enriching academic experiences and providing educational tools for Mariposa County High School students.
For more information, visit mchsabc.org, contact abc.mchs@gmail.com, “like” ABC on Facebook: MCHS Academic Boosters Club, or follow MCHS_ABC on Instagram or Twitter.
Source & photos: MCHS Academic Boosters Club
