LCSD Grad Gazette presents: Emmanuel Lopez, Future Large Animal Veterinarian

Emmanuel Lopez, Smith Valley High School Class of 2019 and future Chico State University student. 
Photo courtesy of Rockin' Bar C Photography.

LCSD Grad Gazette presents: Emmanuel Lopez, Future Large Animal Veterinarian

Smith, NV, May 30, 2019 – A local, home-grown Smith Valley student sits in Ms. Charmi Pommerening’s classroom with a Chico State University envelope, unsure of what his future holds.  Ms. Pommerening walks over, the student hands her the envelope, “Will you help me, Ms. Pom?”  She opens the envelope and reads “Congratulations, you have been accepted into Chico State University!”  A week later, the same student receives another acceptance letter from California Polytechnic State University.

“Emmanuel being accepted into Chico State and Cal Poly – both elite Ag colleges – is incredible, very rare and I am so proud of him,” states Smith Valley Future Farmers of America (FFA) Advisor and Agriculture Teacher, Charmi Pommerening.  Emmanuel decided to accept his enrollment at Chico State where he will be able to receive status as part of the Western Undergraduate Exchange for tuition purposes and have the opportunity to work in the sheep farm on campus.  In addition, Lopez looks forward to being close to his Smith Valley hometown and his twin brother Rosendo Lopez who will be attending Automotive & Diesel Technical School in Sacramento, CA.  Emmanuel plans to major in Animal Science at Chico State University and eventually become a large animal veterinarian.  After Chico State, Emmanuel hopes to go to University of California, Davis Veterinary School to become a large animal vet tech.

Over the past few years, he has been able to work with Hunewill Ranch in Smith Valley and Bridgeport, CA where he gained exposure to working with large animals, like the steers and sheep, driving his desire to pursue a career in the field.  He will work with the ranch for the next few months after graduation before taking off for school in Northern California.

In addition, Smith Valley High School just had their senior night where Lopez was the recipient of various scholarships including awards from the Smith Valley Youth Foundation, the Pony Express, Junior High Leadership, SkillsUSA and FFA Alumni. 

Lopez was asked a few questions:

1)        Describe your senior year in three words…

“Challenging, motivating and important. Challenging because I took on JumpStart to my schedule this year and that created an extra workload, but I was able to take 8 college courses that will hopefully go toward my undergraduate program at Chico and cut down my school time.  Motivation because I saw my classmates rise up to the occasion; for example, my good friend Riley Urton is graduating early.  A lot of memories are created this year because everyone is embracing the moment and gearing up for our futures.  Important because this year defines your future, this year opens doors and this time it’s real – we are actually going out there and pursuing our dreams.”

2)        Who is your favorite teacher?

Lopez states that he had many wonderful teachers throughout his years in Smith Valley but his favorite teacher is Ms. Pommerening.  He had her as a teacher Ag Science 1 and 2, Animal Science and Vet Science.  He describes her as a very positive motivator who nurtured his passion in vet science.  Lopez is going to the be the first generation of his family to pursue post-secondary education in the United States and he states that his teacher “Ms. Pom” was essential in pushing him to apply where he did and achieve all he has.

Lopez poses for photo with teacher and FFA Advisor Ms. Pommerening. 

3)        If you could suggest one mandatory course for future seniors what would it be?

“For those who love ag (like me), vet science opens doors for FFA and your future.”

4)        “I will always remember…

Ms Pom helping me finish my high school career on top and my best friends Edelin Perez and Riley Urton.”

5)        “In 10 years…

I will just have graduated from vet school, will be coming back to the community that raised me and helping with my new skills. I will also be saving money so that I can open my own practice.”

And although there is much to look forward to in Emmanel’s future, high school will hold onto him a little bit longer as he will spend the summer continuing to study for FFA Nationals in Indianapolis next fall because his veterinary medicine team qualified.

Congratuations, Emmanuel!  LCSD cannot wait to see what you do.  Stay tuned for more student highlights in our LCSD Grad Gazette!

Our vision… Graduate all students to be successful in college and career.

Our Mission… Provide relevant learning opportunities that develop adaptable, persistent and self-directed learners capable of creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking necessary to overcome complex challenges.

Every Student… Every Classroom… Every Day…

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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Erika Cowger at erikagarcia@lyoncsd.org.