North Dallas High Graduation 

North Dallas HS Graduation was held June 8 at Loos Field House. ... Photos by Ernest Cerda

From the Principal ....

Dear ND Faculty and Staff:

This last Saturday, we graduated 252 seniors. Thanks to all of you who made high school a successful journey for all of them. You can watch the video, which starts at 15:25, here:

http://www.highschoolcube.com/event/2013-north-dallas-high-school-graduation-ceremony-310085

The ceremony was full of mixed emotions. From the witty remarks of class valedictorian Gabriel Ortuno to the tearful salutatory speech of Melissa Yanez, and my off-tune rendition of the alma mater song, yesterday was indeed a memorable moment for our graduating seniors.

Special thanks to the following who helped with the planning and executing a well-laid plan that made our commencement ceremony a huge success. 

Thanks to Ms. Euladia Gilbert, the chair of our graduation committee this year. Assisting her are Ms. Chavez, Ms. Aza, Ms. Jeffery, Ms. Chambers, Ms. McBride, Mr. Markley, Ms. Taboada, Ms. Guarreillo, and Ms. Paul. Thank you very much. 

Thanks to Mr. Franks for organizing the faculty choir. The song was beautiful and heartfelt. Thank you very much.

The band played well. Thanks to Mr. Warmanen and band students. 

JROTC staff and students helped with the distribution of the program and presentation of colors. Thank you very much.

Coach Dixon and Mr. Cerda helped with the graduation diploma and setup. Thank you very much.

To the following who attended the ceremony, thank you very much.  Dr. Valadez, Ms. Delacruz, Ms. Dixon, Mr. Whitaker, Ms. Gilbert, Mr. Franks, Ms. Chavez, Ms. Aza, Ms. Jeffery, Ms. Paul, Ms. Crespo, Mr. Kenneth Smith, Ms. Alexander, Ms. Marx, Ms. Chappuis, Ms. Barnett, Ms. David, Ms. Thomas, Ms. Kelley, Ms. Pena, Ms. Tolliver, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Morgan, Dr. Laws, Ms. Nicholls, Ms. Cooper, Ms. Scott-Ferguson, Ms. Guarreillo, Mr. Vinson, Ms. Ramirez, Ms. Chambers, Ms. Rohde, Mr. Williams, Ms. Morrison, Mr. West, Ms. Peralta, Ms. Calugay, Ms. Marquez, Colonel Pitts, Sgt. Moore, Sgt. Nicholson, Sgt. Linwood, Mr. Johnson, Ms. Hawkins, Mr. Cerda, Mr. Regalado, Ms. Lupe, and Coach Dixon. 

If I missed your name, I apologize but know that I really appreciate your presence and support for the Class of 2013.

If the tearful speech of Melissa made you cry, this one will break your heart. A North Dallas graduate was featured in Channel 11 on Friday primetime news.

http://dfw.cbslocal.com/video/8971561-homeless-high-school-students-overcome-adversity/

Blanca Macias graduated with honors and is a member of the National Honor Society. She and 16 other seniors who are homeless, want to extend their gratitude to all faculty and staff for making our school their home. We welcome students from all walks of life. Most of them come to us with baggages and challenges. To the faculty and staff of North Dallas High School, thank you for believing that our students can be successful in spite of all the obstacles!

You are greatly appreciated. Many thanks!

Sincerely,

Dinnah Escanilla

North Dallas High School, Principal 

North Dallas' Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Gabriel Ortuño, Valedictorian

Name and location of university: Rice University, Houston

Intended major of study: Mechanical Engineering
What are you looking forward to most at college?
I look forward to college allowing me to become more independent, a more educated individual and preparing me for my future career.
How will you change the world?
I will change the world by inciting under privileged children to pursue college and create a scholarship to help fund their education expenses so that there will be less hindrances in their path to knowledge.
What’s the best advice you’ve received and from whom?
My freshman teacher, Mr. West once told me all the benefits of attending college and said, “Don’t go to college.” Iwas bewildered until he said, “Graduate from college, complete the goals you have set for yourself.”

If your high school mascot fought your college mascot, who would win?
My college mascot (owl) would win against my high school mascot (bulldog), yet it would be a very close match between brains and bronze.

What will you miss most about your hometown?
I will miss fhe feeling of security from friends, family and my household as I will leave this behind while I further my education.

Melissa Yanez, Salutatorian
Name and location of university: University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson
Intended major of study: Mechanical Engineering
What are you looking forward to most at college?
Getting exposed to new people and ideologies, learning things I couldn’t even dream of, and the freedom.
How will you change the world?
I would encourage young women and girls to stay in school and to get involved in STEM programs. We need more women in the STEM fields.
What’s the best advice you’ve received and from whom?
“No matter what obstacles are placed in your way, you keep fighting.” — Maria Yanez, my mother.
If your high school mascot fought your college mascot, who would win?
College mascot, it’s a comet. It can fall out of the sky and destroy anything.
What will you miss most about your hometown?
Getting together with friends afterschool

For North Dallas,
a school year to remember

After his first year as assistant athletic director and head basketball coach, Carlton Dixon has high hopes for North Dallas.

He said his priorities include securing a girls basketball coach and increasing the numbers in track and field.

“It is my goal to — within three years — be the best overall athletic program in the Dallas ISD,” Dixon said.

Dixon, who led the boys basketball team to its most wins since the 2007-2008 season, took the time to answer a few questions:

Q: ND won several district titles in various sports. Your thoughts on the overall school year?  

A: I think North Dallas HS had one of its overall better athletic years in recent memory.  District champs in tennis, golf, baseball, girls and boys soccer, with multiple regional qualifiers in swimming, cross country and wrestling. One game from playoffs in football; marked improvement and participation numbers in boys basketball. I would say a great year, but more improvement is on the way.

Q: Your thoughts on this year’s recent athletic banquet?

A: Our athletic awards this year was presented more in the form of a celebration.  I think the kids felt special and appreciated.  The Night Of The DAWG emphasized leadership and Bulldog pride, and it was a special evening.

Q: What were several high points of the school year?

A: We had several high points — undefeated baseball district champs, girls soccer district champs, fifth place finish in football, but the highlight was definitely the boys’ soccer historic playoff run. It was great to be a part of that, to learn about that team, and watch them get closer and stronger throughout their journey.

Q: Which teams will advance to the playoffs next school year? 

A: Playoff contenders for next year — football, volleyball, boys basketball and softball. Definite returning playoff teams — girls soccer, boys soccer and baseball. We also expect our individual sports to have several district champs and regional qualifiers next year.

Q: Who are the Division I players to watch for next year?

A: D-1 talent for next year — Jason Medellin, Wilbert Wiggins and Jonathan Jones

Q: Which coaches are not coming back? When do you replace those coaches?

A: I cannot comment on departing coaches yet, as our administration is sorting things out with those individuals.

Q: How do you evaluate the success of an athletic program like ND?

A: To evaluate our success, you must look across the board. There are not too many programs that have as many playoff teams and individual district champs/regional qualifiers as the North Dallas High School athletic program. We will definitely be a force to be reckoned with.