Although the calendar will show that we are only at the midway point of the 2014-2015 school year, OHS senior Jennifer Guzman is off to a memorable start.
Guzman is a multisport athlete who excels in both track and volleyball. During the volleyball season, Guzman was named Best All Around and the Valley Oak League’s Most Valuable Player.
“I was speechless when I was named Best All Around. It’s an award that was voted on by other coaches, my peers and my coach, Shelli Ponce. League MVP, I was very excited and surprised that my name was called. I want to thank my parents, my teammates, coaches, as well as the other coaches who voted me with that honor,” expressed Guzman.
Guzman helped the Lady Mustangs volleyball team win the 2014 Valley Oak League championship on Oct. 30.
During the fall season, Guzman was honored as a finalist for the 2014 Fall Homecoming Queen. At the OHS Homecoming football game, she was escorted by her father, Mark Guzman onto the football field facing the capacity crowd at The Corral. Along with the other Queen candidates, Guzman waited in anticipation as Pete Simoncini, ‘The Voice of the Mustangs’ offered information about all the honorees and then made the formal announcement of the winner.
It was then that Guzman’s name was called, Simoncini noting she was not only the “queen of the volleyball court” but also the school, selected as the 2014 Oakdale High School Fall Homecoming Queen.
“Honestly, I didn’t even hear my name called. My dad hugged me and told me. Amazing feeling, the entire week was a lot of fun, rallies and activities … I’ll never forget that week,” recalled Guzman.
To make things even more memorable for her was having her longtime friends, football players Frankie Trent and Landen Ichord present.
“I’ve been friends with them for over 10 years now. They have helped me along the way and I couldn’t have done any of these things without them. Frankie (Trent) has been my main supporter and he is very inspirational to me. I am very proud of all that he has accomplished during his senior year as well,” praised Guzman of her close friends.
As the year’s rapid pace continues, Guzman’s future plans are becoming clearer every day. She has narrowed down her school choices to UC Davis, Cal Poly and UC San Diego. Guzman plans on majoring in biological science, minor in child physiology, and become a pediatrician after she graduates.
