White Sands Middle School all-star headed to New England

By Adriana Salas, Missile Ranger Staff WriterJune 3, 2010

WSMR all-star headed to New England
Joachim Lohn-Jaramillo attempts to score against the opposing team during the 2010 Nationals on April 9. Lohn-Jaramillo has been playing hockey for the past 5 years and was the 2nd highest scorer in his first season with the New Mexico Renegades. He ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M., May 26, 2010 - Joachim Lohn-Jaramillo, an eighth grade all-star student at White Sands Middle School and Las Cruces resident, will be attending one of the most prestigious boarding schools in the nation, recognized for both its academics and its irrefutable record in hockey.

With a flawless school record of straight A's, two years advancement in Mathematics, one year advancement in English and a highly accomplished hockey career, 14-year old Joachim has accomplished what many dream to accomplish within their lifetimes. Joachim has accepted an offer to attend The Governor's Academy, TGA, in Byfield, Mass. for the next school year to begin an even brighter future.

"We are immensely proud of our son and very thankful to the teachers at White Sands Middle School," said Paul Jaramillo, his father.

Having only learned the sport of hockey nearly five years ago, Joachim has become a key player not only locally but nationwide, when he made the cut for the New Mexico Youth State League, the Renegades. He became the second highest scorer in his first season with the team. According to their website, TGA is a Division I school and a member of the Independent School League, one of sixteen teams known as the most competitive high school hockey leagues in the nation, where several players have gone on to play in professional leagues.

"I'd like to get to a point where I can excel in a Division 1 college and at the same time keep my grades up," Joachim said. "They have sports set up in trimesters, so when I'm not playing hockey I can play baseball."

The Governor's Academy was established in 1763 and has been the school of choice for many renowned figures in history, to include Paul Revere, who created the school's seal, and Booker T. Washington, who was an all-star football player.

Under boardingschoolreview.com TGA is listed as one of the top 20 boarding schools with one of the lowest acceptance rate of 25 to 30 percent. Joachim was accepted into three other boarding schools; however the decision to have their son go to TGA was not difficult.

"It's a small school, like White Sands, and we like that you feel like part of a big family here," said Christina Lohn, his mother.

Lohn and Jaramillo said they sacrificed many sleepless nights to get their son to each hockey tournament, whether it be on the other side of the country or as near as Albuquerque. Joachim considered the backseat of his parent's car his second home. He would do most of his school work during the trips back and forth. In an effort to stay close to their son, Joachim's parents, who both hold doctorate degrees, have developed a schedule to visit their son at his new school year round.

"We're going to take a small apartment nearby and fly back and forth," Jaramillo said. "We're still parents, there's plenty of time for the rest of your life."

Joachim attended two private schools prior to arriving at White Sands Middle School. According to his parents, they selected White Sands Middle School because it is the only middle school in the Las Cruces Public School system that met the Adequate Yearly Progress. According to the Las Cruces Public Schools White Sands Middle School is the only middle school in the district that met the AYP for the 2009-2010 school year. White Sands Elementary School also met the AYP for the 2009-2010 school year. AYP is a statewide accountability system mandated by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, which requires each state to ensure that all school and districts make Adequate Yearly Progress.

"The representation of the school is more than just what we see, it's widespread," Lohn said. "It's a good mix between military, family and contractors."

Joachim, who will begin attending TGA Sept. 10, attributes his successes to time management and his parents mentoring. He said it will be difficult to leave White Sands especially because of the friendships he has developed throughout the years.

"(My parents always said) do your best in school and never approach anything half-heartedly," Joachim said.