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Lathrop High rally honors GREATS among student body
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Lathrop High senior Brandon Bonalos, who was praised for his hard work and dedication, claimed the prestigious ESLR Award at Fridays Spartan GREATS rally. - photo by VINCE REMBULAT

LATHROP – The effort put forth by Brandon Bonalos may not quite be super human.

But what he does on an everyday basis hardly goes unnoticed at Lathrop High.

For that, Bonalos, who is a senior, earned the ESLR Award at Friday’s annual Spartan GREATS rally.

He was recognized for his politeness, willingness to work with others, promptness, and being responsible and respectful.

“He’s a great ambassador for Lathrop High,” said school officials.

Bonalos was thrilled with the honor. The Lathrop High senior is looking forward to life after this year.

“I’m planning to go to a four-year (college),” said Bonalos, who listed New York University among his choices.

GREATS – an acronym for Grades, Responsibility, Attitude, Team work and Spirit – had a super hero theme for the fall event. Another one is planned for the spring.

Organizer Jennifer Spellman was influenced by the summer blockbuster “The Avengers.” In this case, the Marvel Comic super heroes included Austin Plunk as Captain America, Omar Guzman as the Hulk, Marissa Elliott as Thor, Andrew Gaynor as Iron Man, Ryan Stolz as Hawkeye, Jasmine Ivy as Black Widow, and Nick Vaughn as Nick Fury.

As usual, skits and live performances were part of the event.

So if the rally is similar to that of the Lobo Gold Rally at Sierra High it’s only because Spellman also coordinated that annual event for about 10 years before moving over to LHS in 2009.

She had no problem replicating the twice-a-year rally that reinforces student achievement with help of donations from area businesses, community members, and teachers and staff.

All told, about 650 students were praised at Spartan GREAT rally. Included were 102 achieving prestigious Gold status, 175 earning Silver, 161 getting Onyx, 110 with improved grade point averages, and 106 for perfect attendance.

“While we want to recognize academics and other student achievements (at the GREATS rally) we also want to entertain,” Spellman said.