Graduation Session & more: Clarissa Gonzalez

I have known Clarissa since I was a junior in high school and she, a first year varsity cheerleader as a sophomore. Since the beginning I knew Clarissa was a very hardworking, sweet girl with a awesome personality. It was very easy to get along with Clarissa, and to see that little sophomore turn into the beautiful young lady she is now is amazing :') It was even more amazing when I saw her at her own Indian Sweetheart ceremony later last year.


Now for those of you who may not know the traditions of Donna High School, here is a little summary of the Indian Sweetheart. This prestigious honor is given to one girl of the cheerleading squad (originally any girl in the school) who runs a campaign at the end of the school year to become the Indian Sweetheart of the school and town of Donna, Texas. This tradition has been around for 77 years with many girls from different backgrounds and who can represent their community with respect and honor. Apart from getting the title, the girls have to get their traditional IS<3 outfits that they get to wear the first home football game of year. This special girl is given a ceremony and reveals to the whole community her overlay, headdress, arm band, and leg band and is given these items by 6 football varsity football players on the team. It is a very high honor that one of my best friends has had the privilege to have gotten ( Carmen Hernandez 75th) and Clarissa was given the honor after her making her the 76th Indian Sweetheart in Donna's history.


I know the explanation was kind of long but deal with it, us Donna people are very proud of our traditions :)


Clarissa has done a great job of making her senior year wonderful and fufilling. I hope that she has enjoyed her senior year and I would like to wish her luck in her future. Remember that this is only the beginning! Congratulations Claire!