Thirty Colfax Elementary School eighth graders received their diplomas during the district’s commencement ceremonies held June 9 in the school’s quad. Student awards were also presented. The American Legion Awards for academic excellence and leadership went to J.P. LaBrecque and Natalie Halloran. The recipients of the Gold Country Lioness Awards for community service were Leisha Douglass and Riley O’Keefe. Hunter Hawkins was the recipient of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxiliary Award for citizenship, diligence and application to duties. The Scholar Athlete Awards sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Ken and Melba Delfino went to Taylor Avila and Sierra Keema. The Kiwanis Club of Greater Colfax Hope of America Awards for scholarship, leadership and high moral character were presented to Kayla Davidson and Kelsey Dashiell. The Colfax City Council recognition awards were presented to Student Body President Nycole Webb and Student Body Vice President Samantha Karp. Sierra Keema and Angelic Carabajal received the Zoe’ Kreizenbeck Memorial Scholarships as ideal members of the school community. The Soroptimist International of Colfax Award for scholarship, leadership and community service was presented to Cynthia Sanchez. The Association of Parents and Teachers Award for excellence in the arts went to Sara Focht. Nycole Webb, Amber Hill and Paige Bourget received the Colfax Elementary School Teachers Awards for positive contribution and enthusiasm in the classroom. The Principal’s Awards for achievement while overcoming obstacles went to Leah Garcia, Ashley DeBusk and Madison Sinclear. Alexandra Clark received the Superintendent’s Award for excellence and achievement above and beyond the classroom. The recipient of the Lions Club International of Colfax Math and Science Award was Roxanne Guernsey. The Lions Club International of Colfax Award for the highest grade point average over four years went to Samantha Karp. Each year, the president of the United States recognizes graduates with the President’s Award for Educational Excellence. To qualify for this award, a student must have attained a grade point average of 3.5 or higher over four years. In addition, a student must score advanced in math or reading on recent standardized testing or receive the recommendation of their teacher and one other staff member. Recipients of the 2011 President’s Award for Educational Excellence were Riley O’Keefe, Samantha Karp, Leisha Douglass, Roxanne Guernsey and Kayla Davison. Graduates who attend Colfax Elementary School District continuously from kindergarten through eighth grade are recognized at graduation as “Survivors.” Representing 55 percent of the graduating class, the “Survivors” in the class of 2011 are Taylor Avila, Paige Bourget, Kayla Davidson, Leisha Douglass, Leah Garcia, Sara Garcia, Roxanne Guernsey, Natalie Halloran, Hunter Hawkins, Naomi Hogge, Samantha Karp, Sierra Keema, J.P. LaBrecque, Baylee McDade, Gwyndolynne McDonald, Madison Sinclear and Nycole Webb. – Staff report