Emily Hobson is the daughter of Mark and Susanne Hobson. After graduation she will attend California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, majoring in animal science. She plans to attend a College of Veterinary Medicine to become a livestock veterinarian. “I love animals, and look forward to working in the agriculture industry.”Emily is the 2009 Salutatorian at SPHS. She has also earned recognition in the SAT 1500 Club.At SPHS Emily enjoyed membership in FFA. “I had the opportunity to face my fear of public speaking and make many friends throughout California as a chapter and regional officer. I was also able to raise and breed cattle and start my own business selling eggs.”Emily’s greatest inspiration during high school was “my mom…. She has always encouraged me to stay true to myself and has supported me in everything I have done. She has inspired me to work hard and follow my dreams.”Educators have also inspired Emily: “The teachers I have had truly care about the success of their students, and have all had a great influence on my life. Two of my teachers have had an impact on me inside and outside of school. Mr. Flores has pushed me to face my fear of public speaking and to use the knowledge and skills I have gained to help others. Mrs. Thompson was not only my freshman English teacher, but has also been a spiritual guide as my Sunday School teacher and choir director.”Emily has inspired others through her involvement in the community. As a sophomore she was a mentor in the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program. In 2008 and 2009 she was the FFA team captain for Relay for Life. As a junior and senior she has tutored math students at Briggs School. She has also participated in various other events, including the FFA Canned Food Drive, Santa Paula Beautiful, and the Citrus Festival.When asked what improvements she might suggest for SPHS, Emily noted, “Don’t lock the gates; students jump over anyways.”Emily advises incoming freshmen with this quote: “Life’s a dance; you learn as you go.” She continues, “Don’t hesitate to step outside of your comfort zone. Join clubs, make new friends and take advantage of the opportunities presented to you.”
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Pictured above (l-r) are Ashley Ritenour and Emily Hobson. |
2009 Co-Salutatorians at SPHS, Ashley Ritenour and Emily Hobson
June 05, 2009
Santa Paula High School
Ashley Ritenour to bring what she learns back to the classroom
Ashley Ritenour, the daughter of Phillip and Virginia Ritenour, will be attending San Diego State University in the fall, studying Liberal Studies. After college she plans to be an elementary school teacher.“I chose to become a teacher because I love working with children,” says Ashley. “I want to be able to make a difference in children’s lives and help them become the best possible person they can be.”Ashley was involved in over 170 hours of community service during high school that related to her chosen field. She worked for a semester with Katheryn Simpson at Briggs Elementary School, helping her with lesson plans, tutoring and grading students’ work. In Spring 2008 she volunteered with Paula Brown at Olivelands Elementary working with kindergarteners, making arts and crafts, reading, testing, and teaching lessons. She also took part in the Santa Paula Community Center Earth Day/Easter celebrations.Ashley has been on the Honor Roll all eight semesters of high school, and is in the Principal’s 1500 Club for her SAT scores. She played on a doubles team for the Varsity Tennis Team during her junior and senior years, and this year made Second Team All-League for the Frontier League.“There are so many things I liked about high school,” Ashley notes. “I loved watching every sport, especially cheering on my friends who were on the sports teams. I also enjoyed the rallies and spirit weeks. I loved hanging out with my friends whenever it was possible,” and all of these things “gave me so many new experiences and I made tons of memories that I will never forget.”Ashley’s favorite teacher was Ms. McPherson. “She is an amazing educator and a great person. When I was in her U.S. History class as a junior, I learned to actually like history. I was never bored and I was constantly learning new concepts.”Ms. McPherson was also Ashley’s SESPEA advisor. “In that light, she was also a wonderful mentor. She helped teach me leadership and responsibility, as well as showing me how to reach my goals and be myself. For this, I am forever grateful to her. Thanks McPho!”When asked about ways of improving SPHS, Ashley offered these suggestions: “I think that the administration should try to make a deeper connection with the students and that student achievement should be recognized more often. The students also deserve a longer lunch period because half an hour on or off campus is not enough time to enjoy your meal and your break from classes.”Ashley says her advice for incoming freshmen “would be to try your best in your studies, but to also get involved within your school. Join clubs, play sports, and try new things. Also be open to making new friends, because they make coming to school worthwhile and give you many experiences that you never knew you could have.”Emily Hobson has inspired others through her involvement in the community
