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Streich leads the way as Valedictorian of Bonsall High

Heather Holdo and Sara Barclay

Writer/Interns

On June 5, Bonsall High School celebrated its graduating class of 2019, which was just the second time that the school’s seniors have walked across the stage to receive their diplomas. At the top of his class, Gunnar Streich, valedictorian and beloved friend of his peers, was among the students that graduated.

Attending SDSU, the graduate plans to major in criminal justice and hopes to pursue a career in government work or contracting. “I would say persistence, determination, integrity, and a good work ethic contributed to my becoming valedictorian. It was a process of hard work and persistence; it doesn’t just come from intelligence, but your willingness to put in time and effort, which is what makes it worth it in the end,” said Streich.

As a role model at Bonsall High, Streich is looked up to as a prime example of academic achievement, both taking his coursework seriously and managing to find the time for fun memories along the way. “Being valedictorian entails that I set a good example for others and work to be the best version of myself.”

In providing advice to his fellow high school students, Streich said, “Just work hard and be yourself. As long as you push yourself to be the best you can be, you are setting yourself up to succeed. When you feel like you want to quit, that is when you are almost there. Push a little bit further and you’ll do great.”

The senior continued to motivate and inspire the other graduating students in the crowd with his speech as they all prepared to officially enter the real world, sending them off with ambitions and hope for the future upon which they’ll leave their mark.

Teachers at Bonsall High, such as Daniel Costa and Karina Calderon, have enjoyed being able to watch Streich grow throughout the past four years, educating, supporting, and shaping the fine young man he’s become today.

“Having worked with Gunnar over the previous four years, I continue to be impressed by his tremendous work ethic and desire for academic success,” said Costa. The student has continued to grow and learn, using what his education has given him to care for the world around him.

“I had Gunnar in ninth grade GeoLit and I had him again in Senior Advisory this year. I am proud of his growth, especially his work with our community. His Senior Project, a T-shirt fundraiser for the Fallbrook Smiles Project, is the perfect example of his commitment to improving our community,” Calderon said about the college-bound graduate.

“I would just like to thank everyone that has been a good example in my life and has supported me all the way there. My parents are a huge part of this, always being there for support when I need it. I would like to thank all of the staff and teachers I have had throughout the years for everything I learned from them and for being a family away from home. I’d lastly like to thank all of my friends who have supported me and everyone else that was there when I needed them the most. I couldn’t have done this without everyone,” said Streich, honored by the praise he has received.

The BHS graduating class of 2019 looks forward to beginning a new chapter of their lives, as they head off to college, trade school or into the workforce.

 

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