Pacific Lutheran University has chosen two A.C. Davis seniors as recipients of their Act Six Scholars full ride Scholarship award; Olivia Gonzalez and Elizabeth Cruz. Heritage University has chosen one A.C. Davis senior as a recipient of their Act Six Scholars full ride Scholarship award; Maira Valencia.

 

All three students were selected after a rigorous three month selection process that included a day-long in-person interview with university campus representatives. The three students competed among 2,000 applicants across several schools in Washington state and were chosen based on their community involvement, communication skills, and academics.

Act Six is a prestigious award in which universities search for students who not only exemplify academic success and are leadership-minded, but who have the desire to give back to their communities after college. A virtual celebration to recognize the scholars was held on March 30, 2022. Congratulations to these students for their incredible achievements and best of luck in your future endeavors!

The steel drum bands housed at Barge Lincoln Elementary have been playing since 2014. The pandemic shut down rehearsals for a very long time and the bands have performed in chamber groups virtually while Pandemonium was able to play outside. 

April 21 at 7 p.m. is the first "real concert" that these students will perform in two years! This is also the very first time performing for several students in BALIKI. We're excited to be back and to see where this will lead us!

 

It’s been one week since local band Yahritza Y Su Esencia officially released their single that gained a lot of attention seemingly “overnight.” Adriana Martinez, the band’s manager and eldest sister explains that since their single, the band has felt a rollercoaster of emotions. In a matter of days, “Soy El Unico” went viral, ranking #1 on Apple Music’s Latin Music chart, #4 on USA’s Top 100 chart, #7 on Global Music chart, and #1 on Youtube's Trending Music. 

“It’s an amazing feeling, and the kids are overwhelmed with so much love and support, and we are grateful…so we are just trying to take it day by day,” Martinez shares.

 

The Yakima native group is made of current A.C. Davis students, Jario and Yahritza Martinez, and graduate Mando Martinez. Although their music recently launched them into fame, it was clear that the group is still focused on school as a priority. Adriana explains that they have to have a set schedule to get homework done before they practice and travel for music. She noted that creating a routine and set plans have been important because they are still students first.

 

When asked about advice for students also interested in music, Adriana shared that the most important thing is not giving up. “Social media can go a long way but don’t let social media affect you in a negative or positive way. Always be grateful for the support you have but use that to your advantage to grow with the love people have provided you because you’re making a difference in their life...so just don’t give up,” Adriana says. 

 

As far as what is next for the Yakima-based band that signed on to a major record label, Adriana teases that an EP will be out sooner than many may think. “They're (the group) trying very hard to keep their fans, and people that have shown love, happy.” The community can look forward to another three songs coming out on an EP soon, and each song is a piece of a love story that ties to the music and video from the recently released single, “Soy El Unico.”