newlogosm.jpg (4756 bytes)Athlete Recognition

Character Counts! In Chaves County's winter sports athlete recognition program congratulates the Girls' and Boys' Middle School Basketball representatives. Our winners are:

GIRLS' AND BOYS'
MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL

LAKE ARTHUR JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Audrey Burgos
8th Grade
Recommended by Girls' Basketball Coach Becky Walker

Coach Walker states, "Audrey is a very pleasant student to be around. She never complains and always does what is asked of her without thinking twice. She is a good role model."

Audrey is a Jehovah's Witness. She is a member of the junior high and varsity cheerleader program, junior high basketball, and TNT. She is on the Honor Roll, a member of National Junior Honor Society, and belongs to Panther Pride. Audrey plans on attending the University of North Carolina upon graduation from high school.

Audrey Burgos
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LAKE ARTHUR JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Diego Ortega
9th Grade
Recommended by Boys' Basketball Coach Jose Porras

Coach Porras says, "Diego excels in the classroom, as well as being a leader on the basketball team. Diego is very coachable, very competitive, and a good role model in the classroom and in everything in which he participates. He not only represents his school, but also the town of Lake Arthur. He plans to graduate from Lake Arthur and then attend Socorro Tech. With his work ethic and attitude, he is a prime example of character counts.

Diego Ortega
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SIERRA MIDDLE SCHOOL
Robert Humphreys
7th Grade
Recommended by Boys' Basketball Coach Brent Jones

Coach Graham comments, "Robert is a fine young man who shows great manners and a hard work ethic. Everything is "yes sir" - "no sir". He is respected by his team mates, as well as, adults. I have enjoyed coaching him and I look forward to a life long relationship with him."

Robert plans on attending Roswell High School and college out of town. He is involved with Band, FCA, Math Counts, and Conflict Mediation. He helps with highway clean up, Runners club fun runs, Salvation Army Christmas boxes, and El Capitan tree planting. Along with basketball, Robert excels in track where he took 1st Place in the 400 yard dash and the long jump. He was awarded the Tri Star basketball trophy, the Gus Macker Sportsmanship Award, and the All-Star basketball trophy at the RHS camp.

Robert Humphreys
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SIERRA MIDDLE SCHOOL
William Bartlett
8th Grade
Recommended by Boys' Basketball Coach Clifford Graham

Coach Graham replies, "William is a fine representative for Sierra Middle School. He is very coachable and is an Honor Roll student. He never ceases to work hard and continues to improve."

In addition to the Honor Roll and basketball, William plays football and track for Sierra. He has been recognized in baseball, also. He is involved with NOLL, the Hope Center Assumption Church, the yearbook, and the Yucca Center. Upon graduation, William plans to attend UCLA.

William Bartlett
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SIERRA MIDDLE SCHOOL
Sandra Renteria
7th Grade
Recommended by Girls' Basketball Coach Brent Thompson

Coach Thompson says, "Sandra is a fine representative for Sierra Middle School and a pleasure to coach. She is very competitive and simply a beautiful role model and advocate for hard work. She is goal oriented and leaves no doubt in my mind that she will do well with her positive attitude and work ethics."

Sandra has lettered in basketball and has been a RYFL cheerleader. She is in F.C.A., Conflict Mediation, and basketball. She plans to complete high school and go to college.

Sandra Renteria
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SIERRA MIDDLE SCHOOL
Denise Gonzales
8th Grade
Recommended by Girls' Basketball Coach Sheri Gibson

Coach Gibson relates, "Denise is a great representative for Sierra Middle School. She is an excellent student and active in many things at Sierra. Denise is a very well liked and coachable young lady. She has a wonderful attitude and displays it very well."

Denise participates in basketball, cheerleading, soccer, F.C.A., FCCIIA, and student council. She is a volunteer for Teen Court Jury. She plans to attend college and study to become an orthopedics doctor.

Denise Gonzales
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MOUNTAIN VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL
Angelica "Sugar" Tarin
8th Grade
Recommended by Girls' Basketball Coach Lorena Ortega

Coach Ortega comments, "Sugar is a very coachable athlete. She is also, a great leader on the court. She is very knowledgeable about basketball. She is a pleasure to have as a student and an athlete. She will add a great deal to RHS athletics."

Sugar was the 7th Grade Basketball MVP, a member of the 8th Grade City Basketball Championship team, was selected top student in six classes in 7th grade and received a scholarship in 7th grade. A member of the gifted program, Honor Society, student council, 8th grade volleyball and basketball, she is involved with the ETS Tutoring program done by ENMU-R. Sugar plans to attend either UNM or ENMU and hopes to become a mathematics teacher at the mid school level and coach basketball.

Angelica "Sugar" Tarin
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MOUNTAIN VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL
Ryan De Los Santos
8th Grade
Recommended by Boys' Basketball Coach Kelly McDonald

Coach McDonald postulates, "Ryan is a leader on the court, in the classroom and in the community. He truly exemplifies an athlete with character. He is the team's second leading scorer, has started every game, and demonstrates excellent sportsmanship on a regular basis."

Ryan is a straight "A" student, is a member of the gifted program and Science Olympiad. He is an outstanding Drafting student, as well. A member of the 7th Grade City Championship Basketball Team, he has helped lead the 8th Grade to the final game again this year.

Ryan De Los Santos
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DEXTER MIDDLE SCHOOL
Laura Aguirre
8th Grade
Recommended by Girls' Basketball Coach MaryJo Gray

Coach Gray states, "Laura is a leader on and off the court. She shows respect for her teammates and classmates, as well as, her teachers and coaches. Her hard work and dedication make her an excellent role model for the students of Dexter Middle School."

Laura has received the National Physical Fitness Award, highest achievement in Keyboarding, and Roll of "Excellence. She is a member of FFA and student council. She is is involved is St. Catherine's CCD. She plans to attend the University of North Carolina to become a lawyer.

Laura Aguirre
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DEXTER MIDDLE SCHOOL
Robbie Vanden Bout
8th Grade
Recommended by Boys' Basketball Coach Larry VandenBout

Coach Vanden Bout comments, "Robbie is an excellent example of character. He demonstrates this each day by making responsible choices. He takes pride in himself, his family, his school, and his community. He has been recognized not only for his athletic and academic achievements, but also, for his excellent behavior on and off the court. Robbie makes a conscious choice to do what's right, which will insure a bright future for him and the people he comes in contact with."

Robbie is on the Roll of Excellence, has received the National Physical Fitness Award and the United States National Mathematics Award, is the Knights of Columbus District Free Throw Champion, and a member of the RYFL Las Vegas National Football Team. He is on the Golf team and the Dexter Little League. He has been a school conflict mediator and has worked for the after school tutoring program. Robbie plans to attend the University of New Mexico and study law.

Robbie Vanden Bout
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GATEWAY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Brittany Campbell
8th Grade
Recommended by Girls' Basketball Coach Susan Gibson

Coach Gibson states, "Brittany is always ready and willing to work hard to improve her playing ability. She has a Godly attitude and is truly a blessing to all who know her. She is a leader on and off the court. It is a real pleasure to coach this young lady."

Brittany was Student of the Year in 6th Grade, Athlete of the Year 7th Grade, Top Student 1st nine weeks 8th Grade, and 1st Place All-Star in Basketball. She won 2nd place in the National Character Counts! Week 2000 essay contest. Along with basketball, Brittany plays volleyball, golf, and was a cheerleader in the 7th Grade.

She would like to go to L.C.U. and study marine biology.

Brittany Campbell
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GATEWAY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Jasper Devos
8th Grade
Recommended by Boys' Basketball Coach Steve Smothermon

Comments Coach Smothermon, "Jasper was pleasure to have on the team. He joined the team late but worked hard to fit in. He is a great example of a Christian teenager. He will do well in life."

Besides basketball, Jasper has been involved in Karate and 4-H. He plays the piano and is a member of the 1st Presbyterian Church of Dexter Youth group. He plans to attend high school at Gateway Christian High School.

Jasper Devos
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BERRENDO MIDDLE SCHOOL
Alana Miller
8th Grade
Recommended by Girls' Basketball Coach Jimmie Campbell

Coach Campbell comments, "Alana exemplifies the pillars of character. She works hard on the court and in the classroom. She led us to a 22-2 record and a city title the past two years. She is trustworthy, caring, responsible, and always respectful. She is a very deserving person for this award and will continue to show that 'Character Counts!'"

Alana is a 4.0 Academic Award Winner, a member of National Junior Honor Society, an All- American Scholar and Student of the Quarter at BMS. She is active in volleyball, F.C.A., and Year Book. She is involved with Storey League and the South Main Church of Christ Youth Group. She plans on becoming a Physical Therapist and attend Texas Tech University.

Alana Miller
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BERRENDO MIDDLE SCHOOL
J. T. Wiser
8th Grade
Recommended by Boys' Basketball Coach Jimmie Campbell

Coach Campbell states, "J.T. is an outstanding young man who exhibits all the pillars of character. He is a leader in his school, church, and community. He represents BMS very well. He is fair to his fellow classmates and always shows respect for people around him. He excels at at all he does on the court and off. He is very deserving of this award."

J.T. is a member of National Junior Honor Society, a 4.0 Award winner, an Eagle Scout, Student of the Quarter - BMS, and was a Character Counts winner in 6th grade. He participates in basketball, football, track and soccer. Vice president of Student Council, he belongs to F.C.A., Boy Scouts, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - Youth Group, and is the Youth United Way president. He plans to study medicine at U.S.C.

J. T. Wiser
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HAGERMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL
Sylvia Chavez
Recommended by Girls' Basketball Coach Pam Fuqua

Coach Fuqua comments, "Sylvia is the cornerstone of our program's character.  No matter the situation, she always sees the positive and is there to give our teams the pick-me-up we need."

Sylvia is on the A-B Honor Roll and belongs to the San Juan Church.
HAGERMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL
Jesus Barraza
Recommended by Boys' Basketball Coach Albert Trujillo

Coach Trujillo states, "Jesus is a great leader on the basketball court and in the classroom.  Jesus excels in every activity he's involved in and is a good role model in Hagerman.  Jesus is a great exhibiter of the six pillars of character and is very deserving of this recognition."

A member of the A-B Honor Roll the last five years, Jesus belongs to Junior Honor Society and has been involved in track as well as basketball.  He is a member of the St. Catherine Catholic Church and assists at the Hagerman Joy Center in serving the elderly.  He plans to attend college but is undecided where and what he will major in.

Character DOES Count! In Chaves County

For More Information Contact:
Character Counts! In Chaves County
P.O. Box 999, Roswell, NM 88202-0999
Tel: (505) 623-5695
Internet: CCounts@CharacterCounts.Chaves.NM.US

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