Sonoma’s Dunbar Elementary School names its Students of the Year

Heidy Pinos Tene, daughter of Luz Tene and Jorge Pinos, and sister of Bruce, has been named as Dunbar Elementary School’s Student of the Year. The fifth grader has been honored for her academic achievement, outstanding character and dedication to learning.

According to school staff, Heidy is known around campus for her kindness toward others, her helpful, inclusive nature and her spelling bee skills. As a leadership student, Heidy serves as a role model for others with her quiet confidence, consistent positive participation, and her determination to challenge herself both academically and socially.

Heidy came to Dunbar in first grade. From that time, she has developed a reputation for being helpful, kind, goal-oriented, inclusive, bright and a good friend.

“Heidy is goal oriented and eager to learn. She is a strong math student, a good peer teacher and a loyal friend,” said her fifth-grade teacher Brandy Melendy.

When asked what she enjoys most about school, Heidy said math is her favorite subject because she likes using her brain and doing hard work. Heidy also shared that for a career she plans to become a teacher, noting that she would like to teach fifth grade because “it is fun and challenging.”

Antonio Rivas Escobar, son of Araceli Escobar and Antonio Rivas, and brother of Alejandro, Fernando and Jackie, has also been named Student of the Year. Antonio was chosen for his academic achievement, outstanding character, impressive drive and motivation.

From the moment one meets Antonio, he stands out as someone special, according to school staff. They said that Antonio exudes a quiet confidence, a genuine respect for himself and others, and a determination to set goals and work hard to achieve them. He told staffers that he had set the goal of being chosen as Student of the Year and had been working hard to achieve it ever since last year.

Antonio’s teacher, Wendy Wellander, said that Antonio is an exceptional role model for others, and that his hard work led to him achieving English language reclassification last year. Antonio is described as the epitome of an AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination) scholar, using his individual determination to create endless possibilities for himself now and in the future.

Antonio said he he has set for himself the goal of attending university so that he can learn more about life.

This article is the first in an annual series honoring the Students of the Year at each Sonoma Valley Unified school campus.