Neomi Chavez was once a promising student athlete.
Prior to her freshman year at Lathrop High, she was a victim of assault, which left her with some long-term emotional scars.
"Neomi suffered from anxiety and depression," LHS Principal Greg Leland said Friday at on-campus San Joaquin Chapter /Association of California School Administrator Every Student Succeeding Award Ceremony.
Her panic attacks were so severe that Chavez would often hide out in the girls’ restroom during lunch. Her grades suffered as well.
But thanks to the support from likes of LHS counselor Lisa Wison and others, Chavez was able to piece her life together, said Leland, who proudly presented her with the Every Student Succeeding Award.
Her grades improved as well, going from a 0.25 grade point average to a 3.0 GPA while working a part-time job.
"She will graduate this May with her class," Leland added.
Chavez and Mossdale Elementary School eighth-grade student Skyler Payawal were two of three from Manteca Unified honored with the 2021 San Joaquin ACSA Every Student Succeeding awards. Isabella Steele from Sierra High was recognized a few days earlier.
Chavez, who has plans of going to college, was nominated by ACSA District 7 for consideration of the State Award, MUSD Senior Director of Elementary Education and SJ Chapter ACSA board member Jenni Andrews announced.
ACSA is a driving force for an equitable, world-class education system, developing and supporting educational leaders in meeting the diverse needs of all California students. Every Student Succeeding program honors those students exceeding expectations along with the educators who have helped along the way.
Payawal is visually impaired, according to his Principal Susan Sanders.
He was born with a rare eye disease with no vision in his right eye and some in his left. He had 15 surgeries in his young life.
"He sits here with resiliency and courage," Sanders said.
Even with his limited use of sight, Payawal, who will be a freshman at LHS in the fall, would run to class.
Sanders sees that as a good sign.
"He responds to school with joy," she said.
