Senior Juan Carlos Martinez is many things: smart, hardworking, talented, and persistent but what makes Juan the person he has become today?
Ms. Brixey, a teacher who has had Juan in class for years, described Juan as a “super learner.” Juan has always had a rigorous course load: he takes college classes and works hard to maintain his 4.0 GPA. Juan is bilingual, he speaks and writes in both Spanish and English. Ms. Brixey said, "Whatever he chooses to dedicate his life and energy to, he will excel at learning.” Ms. Brixey also mentioned that Juan is patient and tends to laugh easily.
Juan loves mechanics and engineering. He once rebuilt a car and car engine and plans to carry this passion for cars and hands-on learning into his future. Juan plans to go to college to study one of the following majors: Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering or Electrical Engineering. Juan wants to attend Central Washington University. He hopes that CWU will provide him with the smaller school community he has learned to love at Cascade High School. He wants to have close relationships with his teachers and get the best education he can. Juan plans to own his own auto shop one day or work in a warehouse fabricating machines. Juan’s goal-oriented nature will ensure that he has a bright future no matter what career he pursues.
During his time at Cascade, Juan has excelled and not only in the classroom. He has been an instrumental member of the wrestling program as well. During his wrestling career, Juan has won both the district and league champion title. His junior year he made it to state where he placed 8th due to a tie. Juan is a talented wrestler; despite the challenges of a very booked schedule, he always found the time and energy to wrestle. He went to practice, then the gym, then home to work on school.
Juan wouldn’t mind living in Dryden for his entire life; he loves the valley and the community and it's what makes Juan, Juan. Juan has many friends and a large social group but chooses not to participate in large group activities, due to COVID-19. Senior Annalise Bowles recalled being in Ms. Brixey’s English class with Juan. She said, “He is probably one of the funniest people I know. He can make anything seem like the funniest thing in the world. He made sitting in class for an hour and a half go by really fast.” Senior Julia Vandel agrees that Juan is hilarious. She said, “[Juan] is so willing to help and listen. Every time I had a question, he would be willing to help me.” Senior Jerome Jerome has been friends with Juan since 4th grade. He said, “ My favorite memory of Juan is when him and I did math is cool together in 4th grade, our team wasn’t the best, but we had so much fun, I still have the picture we took together after the competition on my wall.”
Whether it’s in the classroom, on the wrestling mat or interacting with Kodiak peers, Juan has left a lasting, positive impression at Cascade. There is no doubt that he will find success wherever he goes and that he has helped many at CHS to do the same.
What is your favorite memory with Juan Carlos? Leave a comment below.
He sounds like an amazing student. Anyone would be lucky to have him as a friend and student.
Juan sounds like a great asset to CHS and that he a a very bright future.
Juan sounds like a very funny and genuine person!
Juan sounds like a super hardworking and smart person!