As the school year came to a close for Lanier High, there were plenty of celebrations to be had and awards to be presented. So it’s a given that the First Generation Club of LHS would want to celebrate its senior club members. The First Gen banquet took place on the evening of May 20 at Sugar Hill Church and began with a catered meal and a message from Lanier counselor and First Gen Club sponsor Dr. Bobby Gueh.

Along with Dr. Gueh, the First Gen sponsors include Ms. Key, the LHS counseling department, Sugar Hill Church and Sugar Hill Español. The club’s student officers are president Gaby Sifuentes, 1st vice president Destani Fountain, director of information Esther Gbadedo, VP of membership Aracely Hernandez, VP of media relations Daroly Ramos and VP of finance Mayra Rodriguez Arauo. 

The evening included many speeches from community members, including keynote speaker Mr. Mauricio Menesses and the club president, Gaby Sifuentes, who mentioned there is a certain honor that comes with the label “first generation,” saying, “Don’t let the title ‘first gen’ discourage you, let it empower you.” 

Afterward, Kay sang her rendition of “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King, which was followed up by senior recognitions. 

The senior members include Valeria Arteaga-Hernandez, Brenda Bustos-Lopez, Jessaella Cabrillas, Laura Castellanos, Thomas Chavajay, Ashley Chavarria, Daisy Cruz, Camila Diaz, Jana Elhagany, Bebly Garcia, Karely Gonzalez, Angelia Gutierrez, Nicole Juardo-Ramirez, Daniela Medina Duran, Diana Perez-Diaz, Bridget Pineda, Brian Ruiz, Perla Sarmiento and Maria Torres.

The evening concluded with the awarding of the First Gen scholarship, which was presented to Esther Gbadebo and Heather Hefner.