LOWER LAKE, Calif. – Our last two students of the week were Gage Thayer and Eric Espinoza.

”Thayer has stepped up and has became the number one leader in student council activities. I am proud of him for being a good student. Gage also decided to stay for elective credit in a pretty difficult class, and for that I admire his work ethic,” said teacher Alan Siegel of his student.

Espinoza was also praised by teacher Angie Siegel, who stated, “Eric is one of the most consistent hard workers I have this year. He does his work to the very best of his ability and is always sure of turning in high quality work. He is a respectful and polite student, an overall gentleman.”

Congratulations to both Thayer and Espinoza!

The second grading period came to an end on Friday, Nov. 2.

Carlé is a school that likes to give their students power over their credits and academic needs. We receive grade checks every three weeks to keep us updated, and allow us to catch up on what we feel is necessary, before the grading period ends on the 6th week.

Harvest Festival was on Wednesday, the day of Halloween. We had many activities that included door decorating, pumpkin carving, pie eating contests and many more.

Congratulations to Angie Siegal’s advisory for winning 2018’s Harvest Festival. They will be awarded with a plaque designed by the media class. We also would like to give a special thanks to student Makala Mcmullen for working on reward mugs all day for each individual winner.

The Gold Level trip was on Oct. 26. Students who achieved Gold Level were rewarded with a trip to Paradise Skate Roller Rink & Arcade.

Ana Solorio, a senior with Gold level status, stated, “The trip was very fun, and I got the opportunity to try something new.”

A huge and special thanks to Angie and Phil Harris for chaperoning the trip and giving students the chance to have a fun day! Carlé students and staff are beyond grateful.

Carlé High School would like to commemorate Matthew Burchett, a Utah firefighter who lost his life on Aug. 13, 2018, battling the Mendocino Complex fires. We send our deepest condolences to his friends, family, and community, along with the Draper City Fire Department.

We are very appreciative of Burchett and the Draper Fire Department for all the effort they put up in battling the fires, we cannot thank them enough. May Matthew Burchett rest in peace.

To show our appreciation students in the media class made plaques and keychains for the department and family members and teacher Lexi Fredericks sponsored a letter writing campaign where many students were able to communicate their appreciation.

All of this was mailed to the Draper City Fire Department in Utah. Unfortunately, California is still battling wildfires. One of the most recent to affect Northern California was the Camp fire. It is the deadliest and destructive wildfire in all of California's history. The fire ignited on Nov. 8 and was finally 100-percent contained on Nov. 25.

We send our sympathies to all communities, families and firefighters affected by the recent fires.

Due to the bad air quality, all Konocti Unified schools were canceled from Nov. 12 to 16. We had Thanksgiving break the following week.

Aside from the tragedies Northern California has faced, we hope everyone was able to enjoy their break and holidays.

In addition, we had Totes 4 Teens on Tuesday, Nov. 27. Totes 4 Teens provides a bag with gifts and essentials for young adults who are in need. The bag can provide pajamas, a blanket, self care products, and other items.

Cheri Johnson, who is in charge of Totes 4 Teens, got the idea in 2004 when she was leaving Walmart with a cart full of presents for the Toys For Toddlers. She ran into a teenager who asked why there wasn’t anyone helping the teenage youth.

The following year, Johnson launched the first Totes 4 Teens. Since then, she has been running it yearly providing teenagers in need between the ages 13 and 19, with a bag of gifts for the holidays.

“I want teenagers to feel and experience kindness from a stranger so that they are able to share that same kindness to others,” Johnson said.

“Teenagers are the future, if we show them that we care this will allow them to succeed,” and in turn, Johnson believes that this will make life better for them and for others.

A humongous thank you to Cheri Johnson and the members of the Totes 4 Teens foundation for all their dedication and contributions they have made to our community!

Crystal Quezadas is a student at Carlé Continuation High School in Lower Lake.