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More than 150 Calaveras Hills High School students, teachers, family and friends packed the Board of Education chambers of the Milpitas Unified School District last Wednesday to celebrate the students' achievements at the annual Cal Hills Awards Night. Principal Katie Martinez presented more than 30 awards.

"We can all be proud of these young men and women, who have shown the commitment and will all graduate on time," Martinez said, eliciting loud applause from the crowd.

Students received awards for performance in specific academic subjects, sports and excellent attendance.

Matt Herrera, who was recognized several times throughout the ceremony, received high praise from his career development teacher, David Jenkins.

"We do a lot of soul-searching in that class, and students look at themselves and find themselves," Jenkins said. "One student that has really cut a path for himself and for his future is Matt Herrera."

The award for U.S. history went to Maria Diaz, whose teacher Susan Jones said, "Her work is just perfect. I'm convinced she could be a history teacher right now."

Another of the evening's multiple award winners was junior Conrad Lacanlale. Lacanlale is the student president of the school site council, who won awards for outstanding achievement in pre-algebra and the "On Your Own" courses.

"I have seen a huge difference in him since he came to Cal Hills," Donna Lacanlale, Conrad's mother, said. "Just the way he looks at school, and

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completing his work. He's done a complete 180."

The school also recognized Donna Lacanlale for her outstanding efforts as a parent volunteer.

Conrad Lacanlale said, "I just really want to thank my mom for everything she does. She doesn't have to be there every day helping us and being involved, but she's there every single day because she wants to help all of us succeed."