By Scott J. Turnbull, Superintendent, Soquel Union Elementary School District
With the 2024-25 school year now in the books, it’s a great time to celebrate a few students who have especially embodied the spirit of each of our schools. I trust that you will feel our future is bright with young people like these in our schools!
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New Brighton Middle School
Emil “Sinh” Mai
New Brighton Middle School Valedictorian
8th Grade
Emil Mai, who goes by Sinh, is a standout student and one of the valedictorians of New Brighton Middle School. Sinh is most proud of earning this top honor, which reflects not only his academic success but also the personal growth he has experienced during his middle school years. Since sixth grade, Sinh has transformed his mindset. He now works harder, avoids procrastination, and takes pride in getting things done with focus and intention.
Sinh has been actively involved in school athletics, participating in volleyball, wrestling, and track. These experiences helped him build strong friendships and pushed him to grow as a teammate and leader. One of his favorite memories is the new group of friends he made, as well as the meaningful connections he built with staff who supported and inspired him.
What surprised him most about middle school was how big it felt and how many people there were, but it was the teachers and staff he says he’ll miss the most as he moves on to high school.
Betsy Garcia Chavez
New Brighton Middle School Salutatorian
8th Grade
Betsy Garcia Chavez has left a lasting impression at New Brighton Middle School as one of this year’s salutatorians. Throughout her time here, Betsy has taken on challenges with grace and enthusiasm. She’s proud of her accomplishments in advanced math and her active participation in cheer and band.
From helping lead the fifth-grade tours to supporting incoming students at orientation, Betsy has consistently stepped up as a leader in the school community.
She reflects on how much she has grown since sixth grade- discovering confidence, learning to break out of her shell, and realizing that trying your best is more important than being perfect. Known for her kindness, sense of humor, and bright spirit, Betsy is admired by both peers and staff.
She says what she’ll miss most about middle school is the sense of freedom, the lower stress, and the balance of fun and accountability before stepping into the responsibilities of high school.
Santa Cruz Gardens Elementary
Arlenne Valdez Rivas
5th Grade
Arlenne is a true example of the SCG Way of being Safe, Kind, and Responsible. She is a beacon of welcoming and kindness. She is genuinely a wonderful human being. She has a wonderful smile and confidence, and she loves to help others.
An example of how she helps others is her creation for the invention convention. She invented a “Guacal Hat,” based on her travels to her family’s home and seeing people carrying bowls of curry loads on their heads, that she felt could be better supported and more comfortable.
According to her teacher, she is a non-stop hard worker. For example, she has turned in every single homework assignment for the entire two years she has been in his classroom. She is a self-starter. While soft-spoken, she is confident and is a quiet leader who shows by example and action. She is the definition of what it means to be an upstander and a compassionate, fun-loving individual!
What a great kid, and what a privilege for us to have her as a SCG Dolphin. We wish you all the best in middle school, Arlenne!
Soquel Elementary
Sedona Brooks
5th Grade
At Soquel Elementary, we believe in celebrating students who lead by example, and Sedona Brooks, a 5th grader, is one of those bright lights in our school community. She is thoughtful, responsible, and dependable — always willing to lend a hand or step in when something needs to be done.
Whether it’s holding the door, staying on task, or encouraging a classmate, Sedona always chooses to do the right thing. Academically, Sedona approaches challenges with a growth mindset and determination. She tackles every subject with curiosity and a strong work ethic, setting high expectations for herself and meeting them with grace.
Her teachers often describe her as a role model and leader — someone who quietly inspires those around her through her actions and attitude. Beyond the classroom, Sedona stays busy with a variety of extracurricular activities. We’re proud to have Sedona Brooks as part of our school community. Her character, leadership, and perseverance are a powerful reminder of the difference one student can make.
Main Street Elementary
Leila Beckett
5th Grade
Leila Beckett is an exemplary 5th grade student at Main Street Elementary! She was new to our school this year; she made an excellent transition and soon became noticed for her outstanding character, efforts, and for following the Main Street Way of being respectful, responsible, honest, and demonstrating care.
Teachers note that, “Leila is a confident, articulate, natural leader. She is not only a great friend and classmate, but she is also an innovative and creative thinker who has grown tremendously this year. Leila gives her personal best in and outside of the classroom, whether it is taking on a lead role in the play or cheering on her teammates during PE.’’
Academically, she has continued to thrive, and she also represented our school at the State Invention Convention, where her invention of the “Don’t Worry … Backpacky” was selected for the National Invention Convention.
We are all proud to say, “She’s one of our Great Blue Herons (school mascot)!”
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Scott J. Turnbull is superintendent of Soquel Union Elementary School District.