Moorpark High presents yearly awards

The annual Muskie awards were presented this month during a black-tie dinner at Moorpark High School's performing arts center.

The "Oscar awards for Moorpark High," according to dance teacher Donna Whitelaw, have been handed out to students, teachers and staff members for the past five years. The awards got their name from the school mascot, the Musketeer.

Bryson Bauducco was the winner of two Muskies, one for Most Dedicated Theater Student, the other for Most Dedicated Leadership/ASB Student honors.

Taking home awards in other categories were Ana Cuevas (teacher of the year), Teresa Montgomery (classified staff member of the year), Kelly Jones (most dedicated dancer), Trevor Shor (most dedicated choir student), Susan Scroggins (most dedicated visual arts student) and Phil Stopher (most dedicated technology student).

Also, Chris Everett (most improved student), Jose Ramon (most dedicated ELD student), Taylor Newman (most dedicated female athlete), Ryan Murry (most dedicated male athlete), Celeste Escalara (outstanding freshman of the year), Matt Morley (going beyond the challenge student of the year) and Greg McDonald (most dedicated band student).

"This is a great experience for the kids," said Whitelaw, who helped organize this year's event. "It's very rewarding to see the efforts of so many put together in one successful event."

Jason Peplinksi, a former Moorpark teacher and current principal at Abraham Lincoln Elementary School in Simi Valley, founded the Muskies.

- Eliav Appelbaum