The first-ever Tulare County Esports League Winter Tournament took place this past Saturday with 10 teams from across the county participating in the inaugural event.

Teams went head-to-head playing Rocket League in a 3v3 single-elimination showdown, showcasing skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship. After nine matches, teams from Sunnyside Union School (Strathmore) and Sundale Union Elementary School (Tulare) faced off in the championship match with Sunnyside coming out on top as the tournament’s first-ever winner. They received a trophy and medals for their victory.

Read more in the News Gallery Week.

Nominator Erin Elliott says, “Juan can relate so well to others and truly cares about everyone. He understands feelings and makes an effort to pay attention to the feelings of all the other students in the class. He came in one morning and asked if I would like to buy a key chain that he made. I asked him, "How much?" and he said, "$7", which is the exact amount of a school lunch. I asked him if he needed money for lunch, and he said, "No, but I know another student would like it." I am new to this classroom this year. In the morning on the second week of school, he came in early to tell me that he thinks I am doing really well and "handling the behaviors great."  We have one student who has some difficult behaviors at times, and Juan will always sit next to him to make sure he is okay. These are just some examples, but his character shines through every day.”