LIVE OAK, CA (MPG) - Noah Curiel has graduated from Live Oak Middle School decorated in gold.

On June 1^st, Curiel sat front row alongside his graduating class celebrated by staff, family, and friends for their promotion. His black gown was embellished with a gold sash, gold cord, and medal.

On April 27^th Curiel was awarded a gold cord for achieving Honor Roll this school year along with the prestigious Gold Cup. Curiel was one of ten 8^th graders who maintained a 4.0 GPA for two consecutive school years, a requirement for qualification of the Gold Cup. However, that was only one of three prominent awards Curiel received this year.

This past March, Curiel was selected as one of six recipients in his class for the Tiger Pride Award. Students were nominated by their teachers who felt these students were emblematic in promoting “character traits of responsibility, compassion, respect, initiative and optimism amongst others.”

On May 27^th, an 8^th grade awards ceremony was held. There, Curiel was awarded the WEB Leader Award. WEB, which stands for “where everybody belongs” is a middle school transitional program that serves to welcome incoming 6^th graders.

As the ceremony came to an end, the final award was announced. Two students were unanimously selected by 8^th grade teachers and school administrators for the California State Assembly Award. Curiel was one of those two students.

In the summer of 2018 Curiel was invited by Senator Jim Nielsen for a private meeting and tour of the Capital in recognition for receiving two consecutive California State Senate Scholastic Achievement Awards. Now, Curiel has added a California State Assembly Award to his academic resumé. Senator Nielsen recently sent a personalized letter congratulating Curiel on his continued success and gave his condolences for the devastating loss of Curiel’s father this past February, “while it is difficult to understand and process this loss, I am confident your father would be very proud of your scholastic achievement, and for attaining the coveted Gold Cup.”

Of all the awards presented to him this year, Curiel declares his favorite was the Gold Cup. “It took two years to get that one. Two years of 4.0’s each year so I had to stay on top of my schoolwork for that whole time. I couldn’t give up at any point.” Of his accomplishments, Curiel says, “It’s unreal. I never thought I would get all these awards.”

Curiel certainly faced his fair share of adversity while working towards the goal of the Gold Cup, including a broken leg and the loss of his father. Even so, Curiel stuck with his goal while honoring his father’s memory as he persevered.

Curiel credits the support of staff for his many successes at LOMS. Especially, 8^th grade Math teacher, Cruz Gutierrez and retired 6^th grade teacher, Mrs. Manjit Jhutti. Along with teachers, Curiel also found inspiration through his mom. “She always helped me study, helped me with projects, and even talked to teachers when I needed help with everything I was dealing with. The biggest thing though is she taught me how to set goals and stick to them until I achieved them.”

Live Oak Middle School has undoubtedly helped strengthen and prepare Curiel for a bright future. Vice Principal, Erin Walton, compliments Curiel by saying, “Noah exemplifies our Tiger core values– responsibility, respect, and pride. He is a natural leader on the court and in the classroom. Excellence is a habit for Noah; and he’s fortunate to have the support of his mother and other family cheering him on every step of his successful journey.”

While Curiel prepares to attend Live Oak High School in the fall, he has already begun setting new goals for himself. “I want to continue to get a 4.0 GPA and become the Valedictorian of my class. I want to play football and basketball in high school and get a scholarship to play basketball at a university.” Curiel is also scheduled to begin taking college courses as early as this summer. Clearly, Curiel has a golden state of mind and with his current success, there is no doubt he will only continue building upon his empire of academic excellence.