ALAMOSA — Every year Ortega Middle School hands out awards for the top 25 students. Awards are based on grade point average, school activity involvement, sports involvement, and community involvement. 

Derek Rodriguez received the Gold Standard Award in 2016 (sixth grade) as the top overall student. He also received the Gold Standard Award in 2017 (seventh grade) as well as 2018 (eighth grade) as the Top overall student. It has been over 10 years since a student received the Gold Standard three years in a row. 

Derek’s Grade Point Average was a 4.0 for his three years at Ortega Middle School. Derek was also attending Alamosa High School in the morning and returning back to the middle school for classes during his eighth grade year. Derek was active in theatre, taking on the lead role of Aladdin, he was male class president, Web leader, SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), knowledge bowl, spelling bee and member of the 95 club.

Derek also is a part of Sandi Wehe’s music studio, where he received top overall middle school solo vocalist and top middle school piano duet at Adams State music competition this year.  As a part of this group he volunteers countless hours at the Colorado State Veteran’s Center, San Luis Care Center, Evergreen Nursing Home and was also a part of a Gala Event Fund raiser for San Luis Valley Health Cancer Center, raising money thru their performance.

Captions: Derek Rodriguez received the Gold Standard Award at Ortega Middle School three years in a row./Courtesy photo