As the end of the school year approaches, the time comes to celebrate the success of students. On Monday, May 6, La Porte High School hosted the annual Pride Banquet. This prestigious event celebrates the top 10% of the senior class and an educator of his/her choice.
Forty students along with their parents attended the event. Each student was asked to select an educator, past or present, to be honored at the banquet. The selections included a wide variety of people that have made an impact. This included elementary teachers, former piano instructors, school trainers, school counselors, etc.
Student Maria Gamez explains why she choose former 8th grade teacher Melissa Pfieffer, “She made me realize that I could in fact enjoy reading. She was a teacher who actually made the subject interesting and fun.”
The families and educators first mingled during social hour while snacking on appetizers. Meanwhile, the guests had an opportunity for a professional photo from Barry’s Photography. Next all the students crowded in the gym for on large commemorative photo to hang in the main office.
The guests were then treated to a delicious meal, including dessert, orange sherbet in a black bowl, served by volunteers from the top 10% of the junior class. This allows the juniors a sneak peak of what is to come next year.
Junior Kate Ulmer said, “It was a lot of fun to see the event. The food was great too!”
The cafeteria was decked out with homemade posters each student made representing their educator. After dinner, each student stood up and delivered a short speech explaining the impact the mentor had. Some speeches were humorous others sentimental, but each did a stellar job highlighting the educational impact.
Lastly, the students presented their educator with a personal gift. The high school encourages the gifts to be homemade or of little cost. This results in a beautiful outpouring of effort and creativity. Students made homemade lamps, trainer kits, candy jars, paintings, and much more. Each gift was a memento of the educator’s impact.