All in a Name: Heaven reflected
At Armijo, Heaven may be closer than you think. Nevaeh Concepcion-Garcia and Nevaeh Henderson both know that all they have to do is look at their own names and they will see Heaven… spelled backward.
It is still a relatively unusual name. “It has become popular as a girls’ name since 2001,” according to babycenter.com and only those two students at Armijo have that name, but Concepcion-Garcia has known someone else that shared her name, back in elementary school. “She was my second grade buddy, but she pronounced it a different way,” she said.
Henderson isn’t so lucky. “When the teacher was taking attendance one day, I heard my name but it was my name with a different last name,” she said. The two Armijo students have not met each other yet. “I wasn’t named after anyone because my mom and dad couldn’t decide what my name was going to be,” Henderson said.
“When I tell people my name, they say it’s a pretty name,” said Henderson. “Then a few minutes later they tell me it’s Heaven spelled backwards and I just tell them I know and smile.” Concepcion-Garcia has had similar encounters and has responded in a similar manner.
Despite their similar names, the girls find different ways to connect with Armijo and the world around them. Concepcion-Garcia was on the volleyball team this year and is currently on the basketball team. Henderson hopes to try out for cheerleading next year and spends her free time listening to R&B and Pop music. Her namesake prefers I like K-pop, Metal, Rap, and R&B
After graduation, the two girls have already decided on some lofty goals. Henderson intends to go to UC Davis and become a pediatric nurse. Concepcion-Garcia wants to start her post-high school education at Solano Community College and then spend her time at a university studying to become a doctor.
