West Ranch seniors, friends and family crowded into the theater for the annual Senior Awards Night on the evening of May 21st. Seniors were presented with awards, sashes, certificates, scholarships and accolades for their outstanding work over the past four years.
Guests were first welcomed into the theater by the rhythmic sounds of West Ranch’s jazz band as they waited for the ceremony to begin. The ceremony officially began with the presentation of the colors by JROTC, the Pledge of Allegiance led by ASB president Aileen Kwon and a welcoming speech by Principal Fisher.
Following the introduction by Mr. Fisher, the night proceeded with the presentation of awards. These awards included the Department Awards presented by West Ranch staff members, the Marine Corps Awards, National Merit Scholarship Program, West Ranch Leadership Award, Principal’s Leadership Awards, Scholar Athlete and Athlete of the Year. Athlete of the Year is typically awarded to one female and one male athlete each year but this year, this award was given to one female athlete, Aishwarya Sudan, and two male athletes, Nolan Stoll and Noah Douphner.
Mrs. Frame, who gave out the English Department awards, described the night as the end of a chapter for the seniors: “After four years of school, being recognized for excellence and all of your hard work is a nice way to wrap up your high school adventure,” she said. For many seniors, this event is very meaningful as it marks one of their last high school experiences.
Recipients of an award from the English Department demonstrated a “combination of grit and creative expression,” Mrs. Frame explained. These students were fully committed to excellence in their English classrooms, using their understanding of the text to express themselves thoughtfully. Furthermore, their work went beyond assignments, showing a passion for the subject and being an active participant in class.
Next came the recognitions from the Associated Students Body, ASB Award, National Speech & Debate Association and Future Business Leaders of America. “I think Senior Awards Night is important because it recognizes the hard work and service of our seniors over the past four years,” senior Samantha Burd, who earned recognition for the ASB Award, explained. “For example, as a member of ASB, it’s nice for the effort I’ve put into supporting my school to be recognized.”
Mahati Dharanipathi, who was recognized for Speech and Debate Honors, explained her thoughts upon receiving the award: “It felt really good being recognized for something I’ve worked hard at for four years. I’m glad I was able to get the award along with all my friends who’ve been with me since freshman year as well.”
Following the organization recognition awards came the scholarship portion of the night, with students receiving scholarships ranging from $500 to $3000. Many of the financial awards come from memorial scholarships created in honor of students or community members who have passed away; other scholarships were awarded by associations such as the California Scholarship Federation and the Santa Clarita Valley Scholarship Foundation. These scholarships give incoming college freshmen the financial support they need to kickstart their higher education.
For those who strive to be recognized at Senior Awards Night, Dharanipathi gave some advice for upcoming seniors and underclassmen. “Don’t focus on just the awards or recognition,” she advised. “Focus on doing extracurriculars and classes that push you and that you enjoy. If you do that, you’re setting yourself up for success in every way—including in receiving awards on [Senior] Awards Night.”
The class of 2025 has worked hard over the past four years to excel academically and personally, and their recognition on this night was well-earned and thoroughly celebrated. Cats, let us celebrate our seniors as they leave West Ranch for their new journeys beyond high school!
