South Houston High senior Kenneth Fuentes (center) clasps hands with SHHS math teacher Motee Abunima in a triumphant salute as he receives his Shining Stars plaque. Presenting the awards were (left) Jeanne Newberry of Dell Computers, (second from right) Melissa Buell of Dell and (far right) Bill Barmore, president of the Pasadena ISD Education Foundation.
Fifty-one of the top-ranked graduating seniors from the five Pasadena ISD high schools were honored on Tuesday night at the Dell Shining Stars Gala, an annual fundraiser for the Pasadena ISD Education Foundation.
Also honored were distinguished educators, each one chosen by a Shining Star senior.
Honored students were chosen based upon their academic records.
Eleven seniors from Memorial High were honored because of a tie in the school's top 10 ranking.
Included among the honorees were valedictorians Kenneth Fuentes of South Houston High, Jeremy Morris of Dobie High, Heather Woitena of Memorial High, Ernesto Ramirez of Pasadena High and Emily Robbins of Sam Rayburn High.
Local architect Calvin Powitzky Jr. was honored by the Education Foundation with the organization's Community Shining Star Award.
Education Foundation President Bill Barmore presented a plaque to representatives from LyondellBasell-Houston Refining for the company's long-standing support of Foundation initiatives.
Barmore also presented a plaque to representative from Dell Computers for that company's support of the Shining Stars project.
Dell each year awards a laptop computer to each of the students who receive Shining Star awards.
LINKS FOR SHINING STARS PHOTO ALBUMS
Pasadena High School
Dobie High School
Memorial High School
South Houston High School
Sam Rayburn High School
Bill Barmore, president of the Education Foundation presents an plaque of appreciation to LyondellBasell-Houston Refining, represented by community relations director Denise Jennings and plant manager Todd Monette.
Barmore presents a plaque to Dell Computers, represented by Jeanne Newberry and Melissa Buell, as a gesture of appreciation for the company's support of the Shining Stars galas
Linda Lukaszewski, an Education Foundation board member, presents the Community Shining Star Award to local architect Calvin Powitzky.
Mel Cowart (second from right) welcomes his guests to his sponsorship table: (from the left) Keesha Harrell, Michael Smarrella, Steven and Charlotte Smarrella and Rick Guerrero. Cowart is a Platinum Level partner of the Education Foundation.
Dr. Iraj Jabbary of ABC Dental welcomes guest to his sponsorship table: (clockwise, lower left) Carolina Turrubiates, Josh Moreno, Brenda Gallegos, Lisa Moreno, Monique Vargas, Albert Martinez, Roberta Leal, Kevin Rodriguez and Mirna Rodriguez. Standing with Dr. Iraj Jabbary is Cindy Parmer, Director of Community Relations for the Pasadena ISD.
Todd Monette dines with guests at his LyondellBasell-Houston Refining table: (clockwise, lower left) Bruce Grissom, Denise Jennings, Roli Blanco, Ricardo Munoz, Francisca Munoz, Ricardo S. Munoz, Juliana Munoz and Kellye Hollins.
