Academic Assembly Amps Up Recognition of Student Achievements

Zion Borriboonratana, Editor-In-Chief

April 2, 2026

Drumline emerges from the East Gym with a fast-paced beat. Photo taken by Valentina Valdez

At the Academic Assembly, ASB handed awards to Cerritos High School’s best staff and highlighted the accomplishments of our hard-working students in the West Gym during second period. On April 2, students were surrounded by glamorous performances, neon lights, and party tunes– aesthetics inspired by Coachella and raves. However, it was the power of “EDM” that brought the assembly together, celebrating students and staff who Empower, Discover, and Motivate.

Teacher Ms. Holly Matchett and counselor Mr. Lavernis Martin welcomed students as they flooded the stands. With SIA Tony Deville scratching at the DJ booth, the Cerritos Dance Team took to the stage. They performed to a remix of multiple rap and trap music, bouncing to the beat.

Afterwards, Ms. Matchett and Mr. Martin called out the AP Scholars and students with a Seal of Biliteracy, encouraging them to stand up. They had been given a neon-colored bracelet the day before, celebrating them for their dedication to the classroom.

Then, the Vice President of Wildfire and Business Resiliency at Southern California Edison Brandon Talentino took the stage. With a scholarship check of $50,000, Talentino awarded senior and 2026 Edison Scholar Amy Ge. “I feel really honored to get this award and impact people around me with the technology I can create,” said Ge.

The Class of 2026 Valedictorians and Most Improved Students were called to the stage, admired by the crowd for their efforts. Then, using the votes of Cerritos High School’s students, the favorite teachers and staff of the year were awarded and put on screen.

Ms. Vikki Camp won the Secretary of the Year Award.

Tony Deville won the Student Intervention Assistant of the Year Award.

Ms. Rosa Cueva won the Paraeducator of the Year Award.

Mr. Tamrick Ross won the School Counselor of the Year Award.

Coach Rob Matchett won Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award.

Mr. Kenji Yamamoto won the Visual And Performing Arts Teacher of the Year Award.

Mr. Paul Park won the Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year Award.

Mr. David Honda won the Special Education Teacher of the Year Award.

Mr. Jhonathan Aboite won the World Language Teacher of the Year Award.

Mr. Eric Hoyer won the Science Teacher of the Year Award.

Mr. Daniel Toyama won the Social Science Teacher of the Year Award.

Mr. Joseph Stevens won the English Teacher of the Year Award.

Mr. Chris Baumler won the Math Teacher of the Year Award.

Finally, the assembly was closed out by a loud drumline performance, whose timpanis and bass drums echoed throughout the gym and a stellar dance routine by Cerritos High School’s own staff, who showed students they’re never too old to break it down on the dance floor.

Students left the gym, encouraged to try their hardest before the fourth semester ended. As the last assembly of the school year, the Academic Assembly successfully celebrated the hard work of students and acted as a great send-off for Spring Break.

About the Contributors

Zion Borriboonratana, Editor-In-Chief

Senior, Zion Borriboonratana, is a third year journalism student and Editor-In-Chief. He hopes to make each magazine the best it can be and help new members find their footing. In his free time, he enjoys studying video game design and reading books. As a fun fact, he exclusively listens to the Deltarune soundtrack and has not listened to any other music for months.

Valentina Valdez, Business Manager

Ninth grader, Valentina Valdez is new to journalism. She decided to join Journalism because it seemed like an interesting class. She also expanded her knowledge in the business and management department as co-Business Manager. Her hobbies are spending time with my family, swimming and listening to music.

Audrina Murata, Staff

Audrina Murata is new to journalism this year and joined to grow her creativity and strengthen her writing skills. Outside of school, she has a passion for dance, which she has been practicing since she was seven years old. Audrina sometimes performs during the summer and hopes to keep dancing as an important part of her life while exploring new opportunities in journalism.

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