 PROGRAM 
Prelude:........................................................................ “Bravura March” by C.E. Duble
Processional:................................................... “Pomp and Circumstance” Edward Elgar
Thomas Downey High School Concert Band and Orchestra
Mrs. Joanne Neuffer, Conductor
Greeting:......................................... Seth Parmer, ASB President, Master of Ceremonies
National Anthem:.......................................................... TDHS Senior Choir Members
Pledge of Allegiance:...........................................Zachary Cline , Senior Class President
Welcome:............................................................................ Seth Parmer, ASB President
Teachers of Excellence:.............................................................Richard Baum, Principal
Student Addresses: ..............Lipni Alonso Navarrete, “Our Journey Through Maturity”
Destry Jensen, “ What is Graduation ”
Sydney Rodosevich, “ May 24, 2016 ”
Recognition of Retiring Teachers: ...........................................Richard Baum, Principal
Presentation of Graduating Class: ...........................................Richard Baum, Principal
Presentation of Diplomas:
Amy Neumann, Board of Education
Craig Rydquist, Deputy Superintendent, Chief Human Resources Official
Mary Lomax, Assistant Principal
Bill Roe, Activities Director
Kim Durham, California Scholarship Federation Advisor
Sharon Reeve, Teacher of Excellence
Mark Countryman, Teacher of Excellence
School Hymn: ............................................................... TDHS Senior Choir Members
Downey High Hymn
Downey High, Downey High, Royal Knights in Blue,
We’ll forever loyal be, loyal yes and true.
Your high ideals, your banners bright,
We’ll hold for all to see, Oh Downey High,
Dear Downey High, All hail, hail to thee.
The 2015-2016 Teachers of Excellence
Sharon Reeve - Science
Sharon Reeve has been teaching science at Downey High School for 23 years. Her
first several years she taught sheltered Physical Science and ESL Science to English
language learners, helping her students build strong foundations in both language
and science. As these programs were integrated into college-preparatory classes, Mrs.
Reeve herself made foundational use of the strategies she had developed while teaching EL, using them, along with her talent for recognizing and addressing individual
student’s needs, to foster success for all students in her classroom.
To Mrs. Reeve, the question “Why teach?” is answered by her desire to make a
difference in her students’ achievement, motivation to learn, and ability to think
creatively and analyze critically. She feels this is especially important in science,
where there is a need to develop scientists and professionals of foremost capability
while enabling all students to achieve a high level of science literacy. Mrs. Reeve
loves working with her students, passing on her interest and enthusiasm to those
who live for science and those whose career goals lie elsewhere.
Teaching science is the best job anyone could have and Sharon Reeve doesn’t
dream of doing anything else. Her thirty-two years of teaching experience began
at a small Christian elementary school in Vacaville where she taught for one year
before getting married and moving to Modesto. She taught science at Oakdale
Junior High School for eight years, moving to Downey High School following a
year’s leave of absence after the birth of her second child. Credentialed in nearly all
areas of science, Mrs. Reeve has progressed from teaching Physical Science to Earth
Science, Biology, and Chemistry. She has taught Chemistry and Biology for the past
ten years. Her favorite subject to teach is always the one she is currently teaching.
Science runs through the Reeve family. Sharon has been married to her best friend,
Harold for over 30 years. He is also a high school science teacher. Their daughter,
Robyn, will begin her doctorate in Biology at Washington State University this fall.
Their son, Christopher, will graduate with a master of science in Biology degree
from Walla Walla University in June. Sharon enjoys quilting, cycling, kayaking,
and, of course, anything science.
Mrs. Reeve has a talent to teach, and for her every school year is full of new
promise. She also believes this is true for her students. She is known for being caring, creative, committed, and kind. She would like for all of her students to know,
in the immortal words of Winnie the Pooh, that, “You are braver than you believe,
stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”
Mark Countryman – ROP Construction Technolgy
For twelve years, my classroom has been a fenced in paddock in the
southwest corner of Downey’s campus where students learn the necessary
skills to build a house. My stint working with high schoolers served as an
extension of my career as a general contractor for decades prior to coming
to Downey High School.
My preparation for the demands of the life of a teacher included degrees
from Stanislaus State and Modesto Junior College, sharing forty-one years
with my wife, raising children (the youngest now 33 years old), working
directly in the industry, and essentially everyday life.
If I had to characterize my personal philosophy, I would say: work hard,
persevere. Don’t be too quick to judge, show compassion, and be a generous spirit. Do not be afraid to fail. Failure is the greatest teacher you’ll
ever have. Learn from it. And most of all, be kind. Kindness is the type
of contagious the world desperately needs.
As a teacher, I have been blessed by students telling me that I made a difference. I won’t lie, this makes me proud. That said, the students themselves
are the ones making a difference. To see the “light” come on and when they
“get it” is a source of profound gratification. When a student comes back
after high school and shares all of their post-graduation successes… priceless.
I am the one truly blessed for them allowing me to be a part of their lives.
There are moments in my life outside of the classroom that are cherished:
dating my wife, marriage, the birth of my children, becoming a teacher
and finding “I love it.” This unexpected accolade of being recognized as
a “Teacher of Excellence” finds me deeply honored, truly humbled, and
grateful beyond words.
 EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD 
Thomas Downey High School
A California Distinguished School
Thomas Downey High School has a tradition of dignified graduation ceremonies. Please refrain from
any behavior that could embarrass the graduates. Cooperation from everyone will guarantee the positive
recognition these students deserve for their accomplishment.
In 1984, Thomas Downey High School was selected as one of 200 schools nationwide for a
Carnegie Foundation Grant to identify and recognize outstanding teachers and counselors.
A Teacher of Excellence Advisory Committee, composed of staff, students and community
members was established to select the recipients each year. Nominations are submitted from
members of the Downey community. From 1985 to 2015 a total of 62 recipients have been
selected for this prestigious award. Each of these individuals received a monetary award, state
and congressional recognition, and permanent portrait placement on the elegant Wall of Fame
in our auditorium lobby.
The Sixty-Third Annual
THOMAS DOWNEY
HIGH SCHOOL
Commencement Ceremonies
The Class of
2016
Administration
Pam Able, Superintendent, Modesto City Schools
Richard Baum, Principal, Thomas Downey High School
Justin Krone, Associate Principal, Instruction
Mary Lomax, Assistant Principal, Pupil Services
Chris Chilles, Assistant Principal, Student Supervision
Ossiel Ramirez, Administrator, Student & Family Support
Stephen Garrett, Athletic Director
Bill Roe, Activities Director
Board of Education
Steven Grenbeaux,, President
Sue Zwahlen, Vice President
David Allan, Member
Chad Brown, Member
Cindy Marks, Member
Amy Neumann, Member
John Walker, Member
Counseling Staff
Michelle Da Luz
Christine Hammell
Leticia Nuno-Traverso
Jana Osgood
Leah Verderame
Thomas Downey Graduate
Class
of
2016
Acosta, Dalilah Laura
Acosta, Henry Sumaya
Acosta-Vergara, Gerardo
Adame Hurtado, Veronica
Adams, Jordan
Aguayo Perez, Miriam
Aguilar, Luis Gabriel
Aguilera-Gomez, Vanessa
Aguirre, Nancy Lizeth
Alonso Navarrete, Lipni Alejandra
Altstatt, Brandon Lee
Alvarado, Adriana Elise Cynthia
Alvarez Valtierra, Gregorio Jose
Ambriz, Iliana
Antigua, Francesca
Arambula, Joseph Julian
Arevalo, Javier
Argyris, Peter Dimitrios
Arias, Anthony James
Arreola, Fernando
Arzola, Gabriel
Astrada, Raquel Serenity
Atwood, Bridget Danielle
Avila, Tania Julissa Meraz
Ayala-Ochoa, Manuel
Ayon Gonzalez, Franscelica
Baca, Jesus Maximillion
Baca, Melodyng Sarahi
Baez, Victor Manuel
Bahlhorn, Mia Shawntel
Bailon-Gonzalez, Valeria
Barajas, Mario Trinidad
Barrera, Alyssa Kathleen
Basulto Bravo, Ibeth Isela
Becerra Castillo, Jamilecxth
Beeler, Hans Michael
Bernal, Pablo
Blanchard, Lucas Joseph
Blas, Jose Javier
Bonham, Ashley Nichole
Bostwick, Michael
Brown, Marissa Nicole
Budge, Ariana April
Bustos, Luis Angel
Calderon, Arthurina Dominique
Calvillo, James Nelson
Camacho, Geronimo
Cameron, Gregory M
Campos, Mauricio
Candelario, Manuel Steven
Castaneda, Agustin Moises
Castillejo, Cynthia
Castillo Mendez, Oscar
Castillo, Angel Eduardo
Castillo, Celeste
Ceja, Leopoldo
Cerda Zapien, Jose Andres
Chacon, Elsie Beatriz
Chapman, Nathan
Chavez, Ruben
Chavira, Andy Isaiah
Chhieng, Brandon S
Church, Clarissa Breanne
Clark, Brandon Thomas
Cline, Zachary
Cobos, Heaven Rene
Cochran, Bailey Elizabeth
Constantino, Mariel Macarubbo
Contreras, Maira Graciela
Cordova, Bianca Vanessa
Cornejo, Ernesto
Corona, David Andrew
Corona, Veronica Estela
Correa, Joe Henry
Cortes-Espino, Aldo
Cortez Moreno, Giselle
Cortinas, Tyler
Costa, Tyler Aaron
Crawford, Kayla Brittney
Daniels, Tyran Lamore
David, Ana Maria
Decker, Matthew Aaron
DeHerrera, Dillon
Delgadillo, Tatiana Alexandra
Denny, Kelsi Taylor
Diaz Alvarez, Fernando Elijio
Dill, Maxwell Lee
Dixon, Tyler Shawn
Dominguez, Brayan Delfino
Doran, Breanna May
Duarte Herrera, Juan
Duron, Christian Ernesto
Eagles, Destiny Marie Lisa-Ann
Eisenberg, Destiny Marie
Elshamy, Kathryn A
Emens, Katherin Leigh
Eppler, August Eli
Escobar-Oliver, Joshua Ryan
Esparza, Daniela
Farias, Karina E
Farias, Thomas Paul
Fernandez, Adriana
Fernandez, Mia Rose
Fernandez, Taryn Austin
Fierro, Ileana
Figueroa, Jose Manuel
Fischer, Ian Mitchell
Fisher, Kaitlynn Sierra Galioto
Flores Contreras, Gisela
Flores, Adrian
Flores, Destiny Marie
Franco, Joe Jacinto
Fuentes, Julio
Garcia, Lauren Susanne
Garrido, Tatiana M
Gilbert, Kayla Marjorie
Giordanella, Nicole Ann
Glenn, Bing Albert
Gomez, Andres
Gonsalves, Michael Kane
Gonzalez, Hiovanni Sheyenne
Gonzalez, Jonathan Alejandro
Gonzalez, Richard Julian
Sawyer, Tyler
Lopez, Jazmin
Ortiz Perez, Jocelyn
Zamudio, Brian Daniel
Graham, Robyn Elizabeth
Schmidt, Haley Marie
Lopez, Mario Alberto
Oseguera, Brenda
Zaragoza, Justino Anthony Thomas Downey Graduate
Griffin, Matthew Edward Sandelin
Schuurman, Kevin Jacob
Lopez, Robert Andrew
Osgood, Haylee Gabriele
Zavala Canchola, Maria De
Guerrero, Monica
Seaman, Marissa Kathryn
Lopez, True-Isabella
Padilla, Humberto
Fatima
Gutierrez Ochoa, Vanessa
Serrato Ruiz, Daniela
Lopez, Vanessa
Padilla, Israel Kenney
Zubia, Jonah
Gutierrez, Carlos
Serrato, Celia Victoria
Loya, Julissa
Palacios, Marco Antonio
Gutierrez, Jesse Robert
Shafer, Katelyn Ann
Machado, Claire Elizabeth
Pappas, Jacob Alan
Class
Gutierrez, Rafael
Shank, Allison
Maddocks, Julie
Parmer, Seth Sachain
of
Thomas Downey Graduate
Guzman Castillo, Eleanore Victoria
Sheppard, Elizabeth Ann
Magallon, Jessica L
Patel, Malisha Vinod
2016
Hall, Eryka
Short, Cerulean Rayne
Magana-Zepeda, Humberto
Paz Aguilar, Ricardo
Harlan, Nicholas Ryan
Sidavong, Sunday Won
Maldonado Perez, Juan De Dios
Pearce, Noah Austin
Harringer, Joshua Liam
Sierra Mendez, Diana Itandehui
Mandujano, Gabriel
Pearson, Troy Nelson
Harris, Nikaela Claire
Silva Madrigal, Rosa Angelica
Marin, Ruby
Pena-Pacheco, Alondra
Class
california
Has, Alyshia Jackie
Silva, James Devin
Markkula, Isabella Victoria
Peral, Pricila
of
scholarship
Hassett, Jacob Leonard
Slane,
Alexis
Juliet
Martinez Luna, Pedro Raul
Perez, Joseph Angel
2016
federation
Hauschildt, Henry Maddison
Sleeman, Madison Estelle
Martinez, Arturo
Phillips, Christian Nathaniel
LIFE
MEMBERS AND
Heinzle, Morgan Anna
Smith, Ashley Ann
Martinez, Jonathan
Pineda Sandoval, Carlos Alexis
GOLD SEAL BEARERS
Heller, Dwayne Clayton
Smith, Katrina Lynn
Martinez, Sandra Paola
Plascencia, Ana Karen
Heras Palacios, Diana Yazmin
Smulson, Hunter August
Martinez-Mijangos, Ricardo
Porteous, Daniel Kolton
Veronica Adame Hurtado
Heras Valenzuela, Jennifer Daniela
Sok, Jim
Mascote, Claudia
Posada, Jennifer Corina
Miriam Aguayo Perez
Hernandez Castillo, Jennifer
Solis Gudino, Ramon
Masterson, Isabel Elaine
Posada, Justine Anntrell
Iliana Ambriz
Hernandez Juarez, Alondra Avigail
Soriano, Melissa Gallegos
Mata, Lucero
Powell, Mason Montgomery
Melodyng
Baca
Hernandez Perez, Gabriel
Sousa, Trae Matthew
Mata, Michael Rey
Prado Perez, Benjamin
Jamilecxth Becerra
Hernandez, Ariana
Stagi, Brianna Alyssa
AVID FOUR-YEAR
McGrath, Michael Steven
Prado Zamora, Humberto
GRADUATES
Hernandez, Edward Samuel
Stephens, Cheyenne Olivia
Hans Beeler
McGuffey, Alec D
Prado, Alina
Hernandez, Fabian
Stringer, Jada
McGuire, Jed Michael
Prado, Rafael
Jose Javier Blas
Hernandez, Laura Evonne
Stubblefield, Curtis Joe-Floyd
Medina-Duenas, Luis Fernando
Price, Zachary Nathaniel
Gregory Cameron
Melodyng Baca
Hernandez, Louis Isaiah
Suarez, Maricela
Medrano, Mariana
Quarante, Isabella
Bailey Cochran
Hernandez, Marisa Mariah
Sullivan-Scheftic, Baylee
Mejia, Evelyn Diana
Rabe, Susanna
Giselle Cortez Moreno
Giselle
Cortez
Moreno
Hernandez, Omar
Tapia Magana, Jose Andres
Mejia, Jenna Elise
Ramirez, Alyssa
Kayla Crawford
Hicks, Michael G
Thomas, Cole Albert Clair
Mejia, Selena Denise
Ramirez, Daniel Ray
Katie Emens
Daniela
Esparza
Hidalgo, Agustin
Thomas, Randy Joe
Melendez, Antonio Edwardo
Ramirez, Kelly
Daniela Esparza
Hillyer, Myles Matthew
Timbreza, Christopher Ike Escorpiso
Melendrez, Steven Anthony
Ramos, Mireya
Hinojosa, Miguel Angel
Tiwater, Hayden Davis
Adriana Fernandez
Ileana Fierro
Mendlin, Ariel Rose
Raspo, Andrew Nicholas
Hinton, Sarah Joy
Todd, Eden
Mendoza, Alyssa Reyna
Reed, Adam
Kaitlynn Fisher
Holden, Antonio Vincenzo
Torres Salazar, Jose
Mendoza, German
Reis, Elias Andreas
Lauren Garcia
Hiovanni Gonzalez
Holt, Joshua Aron
Torres, Alexianna
Metcalf, Brandon Levi
Reyes, Leslie Naomi
Bing Glenn
Horton, Sentwali Anthony
Torres, Alexis Christine
Miranda, Karin Irma
Rhoades, Jacob Austin
Nikaela
Harris
Dave
Isquierdo
Houston, Skylar Deana
Torres, Mariana
Mitchell, Leah Koren
Rodosevich, Sydney Anne
Jennifer
Hera
Valenzuela
Hulse, Dylan Thomas
Tovar, Jose F
Montero, Breanna
Rodriguez Cortes, Francisco Javier
Jennifer
Hernandez
CasJoanna
Nunez
Iosefa, Ema
Trejo, Gabriela Lizbeth
Mora, Priscila
Rodriguez, Adriana Rose
tillo
Isquierdo, Dave
Tubera, Maria Ramona
Morales, Jeremiah Chris
Rodriguez, Alfredo Amezcua
Jaggers, Josie
Turner, Emilie Belle
Michael Hicks
Morales, Maria Guadalupe
Alina Prado
Rodriguez, Estrella Alivia
Jensen, Destry Alise
Turner, William
Moran Sanchez, Gustavo Gabriel
Rodriguez, Michael Anthony
Sarah Hinton
Jimenez, Emilio Alex
Turula, Cindy Ann
Mortenson, Alisha Marie
Rodriguez, Reno Rae
Josie Jaggers
Adriana Rodriquez
Johnson, Matias Fedor
Valderrama Sotelo, Karina
Morton, Joshua Lee
Rodriguez, Yamilex
Destry Jensen
Johnston-Rand, Kailen Tailer
Valdivia, Nicolas Steven
Munoz, Jose Ricardo
Rogers, Lawrence Raymond
Matias Johnson
Jose Torres Salazar
Jones, Megan Olivia
Vandewater, Kayleen
Munoz, Julissa Grachel
Roman Martinez, Elizabeth
Matthew
Krieger
Juarez Herrera, Gerardo Marcelino
Vargas, Maria Guadalupe
Murillo, Cecilia
Romano, Michael Eugene
Alin
Lal
Justin
Wojick
Keeney, Anthony Coy
Vargas, Mateo Thomas
Names, Arielle
Ronces, Angel A
Tyler Lehikainen
Kekua, Poakamakanaaloh B
Vega, Joseph Anthony
Naranjo, Andres
Rubio, Arielle R
Kennedy, Peter Charles
Velazquez, Gabriel
Naresh, Nikhill Varoon
Rodolfo Leon
Ruby-Ensslin, Michayla Lanae
Kenyon, Makala Nicole
Venegas, Janet Guadalupe
Neak, Borina
Rueda Zamora, Jocelyne
Esther Limon
Thomas Downey Graduate
Kilgore, Larissa Marie
Villa, Daniel Rene
Negrete, Anibal Ulises
Ruiz, Omar Carranza
Claire Machado
King, Alexys Aryana
Villafana Castro, Alvaro
Neville, Leslie Anne
Rutherford, Makenzi Faye
Jenna Mejia
Knuth, Kevin Bernard
Villafana-Beltran, Ruby
Newnam, Erika Jade
Salazar, Gustavo Ivan
Ariel
Mendlin
Krieger, Matthew Richard
Villanueva Santos, Esmeralda
Nieves, Justin
Salvo Morales, Brian Thomas
Maria
Morales
Kunkel, Adam Austin
Walton, Shannon Masami
Nolasco, Kasandra Isabel
Sanchez, Adrian
Alisha
Mortenson
Lal, Alin Sylvie
Waring,
Maya
Margaret
Nunez, Joanna
Sanchez, Adriana Adilene
Class
Cecilia Murillo
Lehikainen, Tyler Christian
Webb, Logan E
Nunez, Randy Garcia
Sanchez, Juan Daniel
of
Lemus, Alejandro
Wickman, Cody Thomas
Nunez, Vanessa Nicole
Sanchez, Kaili Alana
Leslie Neville
2016
Leon, Rodolfo Adrian
Williams, Brenly
Ochoa, Salvador
Sanchez, Martha
Tyler Olson
Licon Lopez, Tatiana Victorina
Wilson, Katelyn Marie
Olivares Zepeda, Omar
Sanchez, Mercedes
Haylee Osgood
Limon, Esther Zarahi
Wilson, Sierra Cheyenne
Oliver, Elijah Stuart
Sanchez-Rivera, Roberto
Seth Parmer
Lobato, Alejandro
Wojick, Justin
Olson, Tyler Edward
Sanclemente, Grace Natalie
Andrew
Raspo
Lopez Medina, Darlene Elizethe
Yepez, Rene
Ornelas, Alejandra Gaytan
Sandhu, Gurjot Singh
Sydney
Rodosevich
Lopez, Dahliea Elena
Yocupicio-Bolanos, Brian
Ortega, Alicia Ella
Santana, Jaime
2016
Reno Rodriguez
Michael Romano
Adriana Sanchez
Grace Sanclemente
Gurjot Sandhu
Haley Schmidt
Allison Shank
Katrina Smith
Christopher Timbreza
Eden Todd
Brenly Williams
Thomas Downey Graduate
Class
of
2016
2015-16
RENAISSANCE
PARTNERS IN
EXCELLENCE
“PAGE” Pledge Level:
* John Faraday
* Trella Smirfitt
* Fred Stephens
* Shantel Willett
“SQUIRE” Pledge Level:
* Doug & Tammy Cameron
* Collin & Lisa Schut
“KNIGHT” Pledge Level:
* David & Mary Cline
* Mark & Melanie Evans
* Andy Fusia
* Russ & Sue Garcia
* Randy & Kelly Lofing
* Rudy & Pam Marquez
* Lily Membreno
* Jana Osgood
* Nick & Stacey Raspo
* Steve & Jennifer Ward
* Duane & Christina
Wolterstorff
“BRONZE” Pledge Level:
* Mendonza Family
* John & Crystal Sulak