The “Blue Track Kids” Return to Their Roots

This article is about a group of students that have been together since kindergarten, 2001. They were all in the same class K-6th grade. We refer to them as the “Blue Track kids”. Throughout the years, this group of students have bonded like family. From very early on teachers and parents noticed something special about this group. They were good kids, high achievers, they supported each other, and helped each other to excel academically. As they went through middle school, most of them shared the same classes. As their high school years approached, many of them went different directions because GTHS was not ready. This did not keep them away from each other. They continued to stay in contact and often organized reunions. As this group of students prepares to graduate and begin college, they wanted to thank the teachers that inspired them. On Tuesday, May 20th, the Class of 2014, “Blue Track kids” returned to their roots at Terrace View Elementary School to pay tribute to their teachers; the teachers that have been instrumental in who they are today. Teachers including Ms. Rodriguez, Ms. Heney, Mrs. Traugot, Mrs. Salas, Mrs. Marcano, Mrs. Guthrie and Ms. Hastings were honored by the soon-to-be-graduating locals. The students showed up for a surprise assembly. The teachers and their current students were at the assembly but did not know what for. The students walked to the front of the assembly, each holding a rose to give to each teacher, along with a graduation invitation and a summary of their continued education and plans for their future. Two students spoke for the class expressing their gratitude for being inspired to become the young adults they are today, along with all the tough love they received through out the years. Each student came forth to state the college they would be attending and their majors. Tears of joy rolled from the eyes of both parents and teachers. This group of students, parents and these teachers are truly family. Students involved included; Jonah Aldama, Deandra Boentaran, Reagan Brinker, Tony Carrington, Toby Clark, Shawnie Cardoza, Breann Demers, Kayla Diaz, Dominique Gonzales, Candy Gonzalez, Joshua Ford, Maxwell Hallwachs, Stephanie Holloway-Bold, Jake Jones, Ivana Medina, Connor Oliva, Alexis Rodriguez, Joshua San Jose Cheeks, and Andrew Taylor.