In order to honor the Top 60 ranked students in the district and their most influential teachers, the Education Foundation hosted the academic recognition banquet last night at the Mansfield Performing Arts Center.

“It’s a truly amazing feeling to know that all of my hard work throughout these years is being recognized,” senior Karen Cruz said. “Getting that spot in the Top 10 is definitely not an easy task.”

Senior Amanda Quintanilla took extra classes to graduate early.

“My grades from all three years are really what got me up there,” Quintanilla said. “(After) taking a ton of TCC Dual Credit classes and AP classes my senior year, I got my GPA up enough to be number eight.”

Although she was working hard all year, Quintanilla said she was shocked.

“Being in the Top 10 was a bit of a surprise,” she said. “I was number 13 for the first semester of this year.”

Unlike most banquets, each student was able to bring the teacher of their choice to honor and stand alongside them on stage.

“I’m bringing the fabulous Heather Colburn to the banquet,” Cruz said. “She’s truly the greatest teacher I have ever had.”

Colburn said she was glad to be invited.

“It’s the biggest honor you can receive as an educator,” she said.

Although her last year is coming to an end, Cruz said she isn’t slacking off.

“Being a senior means catching that terrible case of senioritis,” she said. “I continue to study and do my work, and I do not let myself become too lazy.”