Three United Independent School District (UISD), middle school students created awards sweep at this year's Outstanding 8th Grader of the Year competition. An awards ceremony, held at Laredo Police Department headquarters, commenced with an acknowledgment of all public and private school students who have been previously recognized as Outstanding 8th Graders the Month during the 2020-21 school year. All former honorees were asked to write an essay about what they would do to reduce mankind's carbon footprint on planet earth. The top three entries were announced at the conclusion of the program. All winners received trophies, prizes, and goody bags from program sponsors KGNS- TV, Telemundo, Friends of The Family, and Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina, Attorney at Law.
--The 1st place trophy and certificate for “Outstanding 8th Grader of The Year” was awarded to Kiara Ramon - Lozano from Trautmann Middle School. She is the daughter of Linda Ramon and Carlos Lozano.
--The 2nd place runner-up trophy and certificate was awarded to Emmanuel Rimocal from Lamar Bruni Vergara Middle School. He is the son of Maria and Virgilio Rimocal.
--The 3rd place runner-up trophy and certificate was awarded to Fiorella Samaniego from Washington Middle School. She is the daughter of Carmen Alicia Patiño.
First place winner Kiara Ramon-Lozano expressed an abundance of gratitude for her teachers and parents. “They have helped me achieve my academic and personal goals. Their encouragement and support helped me keep a positive mindset during the pandemic. I never lost my focus and kept moving forwards to get to where I am. This experience has made me stronger, and I look forward to my first year in high school”, Lozano said. Laredo Police Chief Claudio Treviño issued a congratulatory message to this year's top three students. “I am very proud of Kiara, Emmanuel, and Fiorella. They are amazing role models and deserve to be recognized because they are the best amongst the best. These students are carving a path of success for themselves, and they will continue to make our community proud”, said Treviño.
Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina, Attorney at Law ( and primary sponsor of the Outstanding 8th Grader program), recalled the years she spent working in education, and how gratified she felt when students succeeded. “I have seen how an excellent education can transform a student’s life for the better. I also know that great teachers and involved parents motivate and inspire kids to reach their greatest potential. The students we’ve honored today know that hard work, determination and resilience bring success”. I congratulate them and their families”, concluded Tijerina.
L-R: KGNS-TV General Manager Luis Villarreal; David. R Canales, UISD Exec. Director of Middle School Instruction; Roaura "Wawi" Tijerina, Attorney at Law; Kiara Ramon-Lozano - 1st place winner, Outstanding 8th Grader of the Year from Trautmann Middle School; Emmanuel Rimocal, 2nd place runner-up from Lamar Bruni Vergara Middle School and Fiorella Samaniego, 3rd place runner-up from Washington Middle School; Laredo Police Chief Claudio Treviño Jr.; Assistant Chief Miguel Rodriguez Jr., and Deputy Chief Enedina Martinez.
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