Emma Sarmiento and Brayden Hart didn’t give much thought to being the class valedictorian or salutatorian when they first entered Denair High School.

“Honestly, I never really thought about it until last year,” said Sarmiento, the Class of 2026 valedictorian. “It wasn’t until last year that I realized it was a possibility for me. And this year, it kind of got more real.”

Hart felt similarly.

“I went into ninth grade just wanting to pass my classes,” said Hart, this year’s salutatorian. “But at the end of freshman year, I knew I had the highest grade-point average. I was like, ‘I’m just going to keep going and keep getting A’s.”

Hart had the highest GPA among any member of the Class of 2026 until last semester, when Sarmiento overtook him. She has a 4.35 cumulative GPA, five-hundredths of a point higher than Hart, who owns a 4.30.

Sarmiento will attend UC Merced next year, and plans on majoring in human biology with the goal of someday becoming an ophthalmologist. Hart will attend Fresno State, where he plans to major in business, with designs on becoming a financial advisor.

Both excelled outside the classroom, as well.

Hart played on Denair’s football and baseball teams – each qualified for the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs – during his senior year and previously was on the school’s basketball squad. He is also vice president of the Associated Student Body and has been involved with Friday Night Live and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. This summer, he’ll show a duck named Rooster at the Stanislaus County Fair as part of Denair’s FFA program. He’s earned $2,500 is scholarships toward his education.

Sarmiento, meanwhile, played on the varsity soccer team for four years, was a member of varsity track and field for three years, played varsity volleyball during her junior and senior seasons, and was named the Southern League’s Scholar Athlete of the Year for 2025-26. She was also active in FNL for four years and served as club treasurer this year for the Hispanic Youth Leadership Club. She’s been associated with NAMI, PHAST (Protect Health and Slamming Tobacco), and was a counselor for Foothill Horizons the past two years. Between UC Merced and community partner scholarships, Sarmiento has secured $20,000 toward furthering her education.

“Both Emma and Brayden have been really great students,” said DHS principal Breanne Aguiar. “I’m very proud of them, and I’m just excited to see what their futures hold.”

The immediate future for the students includes giving speeches during commencement on Friday, May 22, at Jack Lytton Stadium. The ceremony is slated to begin at 7 p.m.

“I just want to congratulate everybody for going through these 12 years of school and let them know that our future is bright,” said Hart. “It was hard, but we all came through it.”

Early drafts of Sarmiento’s speech focused on a shared memory that would connect all students.

“It was too hard to pick one thing,” said Sarmiento. “I think my overall message will focus on how we’ve developed and transformed from being kids into young adults with knowledge and memories and experiences that will help us in the future.”

The forecast says the Central Valley may be through with April showers for 2026, and that means it’s just about time for May flowers.

You can find those may flowers at the third annual Denair FFA Spring Plant Sale.

On Saturday, May 2, from 8 a.m. to noon, visit the Denair FFA greenhouse and ag shop – 3431 Lester Road – to pick up a variety of flowers: sweet alyssum, zinnias, marigolds, cosmos, petunias, vincas.

You can also find fruits and vegetables (tomatoes, jalapeños, hot peppers, sweet peppers, zucchini, squash, watermelon, snap peas, artichokes, onions), as well as an assortment of herbs (rosemary, parsley, chives, dill, basil, oregano, thyme, sage, cilantro, chamomile).

All proceeds benefit the Denair FFA program.

Local vendors – Cup of Kindness, Denair Floral, Aaliyah’s Cookies, Wyatt’s Succulents, Cook’s Burgers – will be on site during the event.

“We also have the FFA banquet coming up on May 12 at 6 p.m. in the Denair Middle School cafeteria,” said FFA advisor Melinda Rohn. “We’ll honor one of the mothers – an FFA Sweetheart – and a father, and the floral class will help with the decorations. It will be quite an event.”

In the lead-up to the plant sale, the FFA program will hold a flag football game and ice cream social on Friday, April 24, at 6:30 p.m. at the field behind the ag shop.

And if that flag football game isn’t enough for you, don’t forget the annual Powder Puff football game on Monday, April 27. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. at the Jack Lytton Stadium.

An innovative mathematics curriculum – Amplify Desmos – will be implemented at Denair Unified School District next school year if approved by the Board of Trustees at next month’s meeting.

On Thursday, the board heard a presentation from Mrs. Jaime Pecot, who was assisted by review-team members Mrs. Stephanie De Muro, Ms. Emma Mendes, and Mr. Brendan Contreras.  

Instead of simply requiring students to work out math problems with a pencil and paper, Amplify Desmos’ digital curriculum promotes reasoning and discussion, allowing teachers to operate interactive classrooms.

“In English, you can read about a time in history, but in math it just seems to be ‘focus, memorize, do,’” said Pecot, principal of Denair Charter Academy. “And we don’t want that. We don’t want students to say, ‘Why are we learning this?’ This is about redesigning math and offering quality instruction. It’s not ‘Here’s the formula; memorize it and move on.’”

Since September 2024, DUSD math teachers have worked with the Stanislaus County Office of Education to review the new state math framework and align the district’s vision of student engagement and conceptual learning with an established math curriculum. Throughout this process, DUSD teachers have worked to ensure coherence and continuity of instruction across all grade levels. The district hopes to adopt the Amplify Desmos curriculum districtwide beginning in the 2026-27 school year. 

“This is not something we took lightly,” De Muro told the board. “This program checked all the boxes.”

There will now be a two-week public preview and comment period. The final recommendation will come back to the board for action at the May 14 meeting.

Summer is just around the corner – The end of the 2025-26 school year is only five weeks away, and DUSD is already making plans. Superintendent Terry Metzger, Ed.D.., delivered a presentation detailing summer-break programs, which include:

• Extended Learning Opportunities Program for students in grades K-8
• Credit Recovery for students in grades 9-12
• Extended School Year for qualifying Special Education students in grades K-12
• Professional development opportunities for teachers and staff

DCA charter renewal – The board voted unanimously to support the renewal petition for Denair Charter Academy – a five-year term that will run from July 1 through June 30, 2031. The public hearing was required by the Education Code as part of the renewal process so the board could consider the level of support by teachers, other employees, and parents. 

DUSD Facilities Master Plan – Caldwell Flores Winter, Inc. presented a summary of the district’s updated Facilities Master Plan, which outlines the district’s long-term facility needs, priorities, and planning framework to support current and future students. The board will vote on the plan next month, which will guide future decisions related to facilities improvements, maintenance, and development districtwide. The plan is required to access state facility funding. Overall, approximately $46 million is projected to be available over a 10-year period in three phases. Upgrades include a new kitchen, gym modernization, and new play structures at Denair Elementary Charter Academy, upgrades to classrooms at Denair Middle School, roof repairs, new classrooms, and completion of security fencing at Denair High School, and completion of technology infrastructure districtwide. Denair Charter Academy improvements will better secure its campus.

Classified Employee of the Month – Kathy Wade, DMS principal’s secretary:

Ms. Wade was unable to attend the meeting and will be honored at May’s board meeting.

Certificated Employee of the Month – Mrs. Brandi Baker, DUSD special ed inclusion specialist: “Mrs. Baker exemplifies Denair Unified School District’s mission by empowering both students and staff through her unwavering commitment to inclusive practices, exemplary instruction, and innovative problem-solving,” said Ms. Nicole Hake, who nominated Baker for the honor. “She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that all students, especially those with diverse learning needs, have access to meaningful, high-quality educational opportunities.”

Upcoming events

• Denair High School Club Rush will be held Friday, April 24, following fourth period (11:42 a.m.) in the DHS quad.

• Denair FFA will hold a flag football game and an ice cream social on Friday, April 24, at 6:30 p.m. at Jack Lytton Stadium.

• The annual Powder Puff football game will be held Monday, April 27, at Lytton Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m.

• The plant sale will be held Saturday, May 2, from 8 a.m. to noon at the DHS greenhouse.

• Districtwide open house will be held Wednesday, May 6, at 5 p.m. at Denair Charter Academy, Denair Elementary Charter Academy, and Denair Middle School.

•  The Awards and Scholarship Night will be held Thursday, May 7, at 6:30 p.m. in the DHS gymnasium.

• The Week of the Teacher will be celebrated May 4-8

• The Week of the Classified School Employee will be celebrated May 18-22

The Denair Unified School District Board of Trustees heard the Second Interim Budget Report for the 2025-26 school year, which detailed the overall strength and financial health of the district as of Jan. 31.

“There are big and unique things that are happening at each of our district sites that are contributing to these positive numbers,” said DUSD’s Chief Business Official Daisy Swearingen, who delivered the report.

During Thursday’s meeting, the district projected that it will end the current school year with a positive cash balance of nearly $4.2 million. The report comes on the heels of the board’s recent action to approve a 4.3 percent pay hike and a $1,000 increase to the health benefit cap for school employees. Meanwhile, campus renovation projects are underway thanks to funds secured through local bond measures.

It’s a remarkable turnaround for a district that was on the cusp of insolvency just over a decade ago.

“We’ve gone from nothing but worry to nothing but pride,” said trustee Ray Prock Jr. 

Swearingen cautioned that enrollment trends, inflationary pressures, and the state’s projected $22 billion overall budget deficit for the 2027-28 fiscal year could affect future funding levels and local financial projections.

“We’re in a good financial position, and we’ve strategically spent one-time dollars on one-time expenses,” said Swearingen. “It’s typical for districts to use one-time dollars for ongoing expenses, which is fine. But after those dollars are gone, you still have an ongoing expense for which you need money. We only use one-time dollars for one-time expenses.”

School boards are required twice a year to certify their districts’ ability to meet financial obligations for the current fiscal year and two subsequent fiscal years. These certifications – Interim Reports – are based on criteria and standards adopted by the State Board of Education.

Earlier in Thursday’s meeting, Swearingen informed the board that the Measure K and Measure Z joint oversight committee is currently operating with just three members – enough for a quorum but far short the allotted seven. Committee members are limited to three two-year terms.

The district is looking for four potential members: one must be the parent-guardian of a DUSD student; one must be both a parent/guardian of a DUSD student and active in a parent-teacher organization (PTA, school-site council); one must be active in a business organization representing the business community located in the district; and one must be an active member in a bona fide taxpayer’s association.

Anyone interested in serving on the committee can call 209-632-7514 for further details.

Also Thursday:

• Robyn Hilton, a math teacher and leadership advisor at Denair High School, was formally, and unanimously, recognized by the board as DUSD’s Teacher of the Year nominee for Stanislaus County. 

“Mrs. Hilton meets every rigorous standard of the county program,” board President Billy said of the fourth-generation DHS graduate. “She has over eight years of classroom excellence; she maintains high expectations for student behavior; and, most importantly, she views her students’ success as her greatest reward. We wish her the best.”

• Sally Baker, a counselor at Denair Charter Academy, was tabbed DUSD’s Certificated Employee of the Month.

“Sally is a true professional,” said DCA Principal Jamie Pecot, who noted that Baker plans to retire in May. “She builds a strong rapport with students across campus, she is often one of the first people students meet when they enroll at DCA, and she leads orientation for new students to help them feel welcome from the very start.”

• Annette DeHart, a paraeducator at Denair Elementary Charter Academy, was named the Classified Employee of the Month.

“Annette goes out of her way to help students overcome challenges so they can succeed and feel confident in class,” said DECA Principal Crystal Sousa. “She makes everyone feel welcome and included no matter their needs or abilities. With kindness, patience, and support, she helps students feel like they truly belong at school.”

• Evelyn Ponce, part of DUSD’s adult transition program, was recognized as the district nominee for the Stanislaus County Office of Education’s “Every Student Succeeding” program.

Evelyn, 21, works at the Cup of Kindness coffee cart, where she plays an important part in helping Coyotes young and old wake up each morning.

“I knew (this honor) was coming, but I was surprised at the same time,” said Evelyn, who was joined at Thursday’s meeting by mother Maria Acevedo and teacher Renee Hall. “I like doing deliveries and making drinks, even when, sometimes, the morning rush is stressful for me.” 

“Every Student Succeeding” honors students who have modeled resilience in the face of challenges, exceeded expectations, or have simply won the hearts of their teachers. Evelyn was one of 27 students honored countywide.

“Evelyn is very friendly and takes pride in working at the coffee cart,” said Hall. “She does a really good job, the customers love her, and she loves to socialize with the customers. She’s just amazing.”

Evelyn wants everybody to know that Cup of Kindness is open Monday-Thursday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Friday mornings from 7-10.

Robyn Hilton knew she wanted to become a teacher by the time she was in the fourth grade.

“My teacher at the time, Mrs. Morrissey, stood out as being engaging and caring,” said Hilton, a leadership and math teacher at Denair High School. “I knew I wanted to be just like her.”

What Hilton did not know, however, was that she’d one day be singled out as the Denair High School nominee to be Stanislaus County’s Teacher of the Year.

“It was always really important to me to give back to the school that had such an influence on my life,” said Hilton, a fourth-generation DHS graduate who earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Fresno State in 2012. “I am so thankful to work in a setting in which I directly relate to my students and their experiences on campus.

“Throughout my educational journey, I have always been blessed with some truly outstanding mathematics teachers. They helped me to be successful and to find joy in problem-solving. I knew that was the career path I wanted to pursue. I wanted to inspire my students to learn new concepts and work together with their peers to understand the beautiful world of mathematics.”

In her capacity as a leadership teacher, Hilton provides students with real-world experiences through on-campus activities, rallies, and service-oriented projects. By taking students to leadership conferences, she has exposed them to broader perspectives, while inspiring them to recognize their own voices and abilities. Students learn communication, teamwork, responsibility, and problem-solving — skills that will serve them beyond the hallways of Denair High School.

“As a proud alumna of Denair High, Robyn’s connection to the community is deeply rooted in everything she does,” said DHS Principal Breanne Aguiar. “Robyn returned to Denair to give back to the school that played a significant role in her own development, making her nomination for Teacher of the Year particularly significant.”

Hilton and husband Tyler have two children: 7-year-old Sawyer and 5-year-old Alayna. The Hiltons enjoy traveling — with Disneyland and Hawaii among their favorite destinations — and camping whenever they have a free weekend. In her spare time, Hilton enjoys sewing, golfing, and reading.

Hilton is one of two dozen Stanislaus County teachers who will be observed by the selection committee — comprised of educators, past Teacher of the Year honorees, and members of the Modesto Rotary Club — starting this week and continuing through March 13. Committee members will make site visits to select three finalists in four categories: TK-3, 4-6, 7-8, and 9-12. Those 12 teachers will be videotaped in their classrooms between March 20-31, with a special video created to honor the winners on May 5 at the Modesto Rotary Club luncheon at the DoubleTree Hotel.

In June, the four category winners will represent Stanislaus County at the California Teacher of the Year program. Winners will be announced in September.

“I never imagined I would be nominated for Teacher of the Year,” said Hilton. “I am very proud of my career and the connections I have been able to build. My greatest accomplishments are my former students. To see them excelling in life is the biggest reward. I truly love my job.”