North County school briefs: BECA Foundation awards scholarships

By: North County Times | Tuesday, July 26, 2005 11:04 PM PDT ∞

NORTH COUNTY ---- The BECA Foundation recently awarded 44 scholarships to local Latino students. The foundation, which is celebrating its 21st anniversary, honored this year's winners at a ceremony July 23 at Cal State San Marcos. Since its founding in 1984, BECA has distributed more than $1.6 million in scholarships to 507 San Diego recipients. Many of the students overcame significant challenges, going on to become the first in their families to attend college.

North County recipients are: Elizabeth Alvarado, Gregoria Beltran, Andrea Echeveria of Fallbrook High, who will attend Cal State San Marcos; Lirio Balbuena of Fallbrook High, who will attend UCLA; Jose Cruz of San Marcos High, who will attend Palomar College; Rachel Cruz of Orange Glen High, who will attend Washington State University; Bree and Benda De La Cruz of Rancho Buena Vista High, who will attend the University of San Diego;Elizabeth Fox of Vista High, who will attend Cornell University; Jose Gomez of San Pasqual High, who will attend UC Berkeley; Cynthia Macias of Ramona High, who will attend San Diego State University; Jessica Martinez of Foothills High, who will attend Palomar College; Mark Martinez of Escondido High, who will attend Humbolt State University; Ernestina Morales of El Camino High, who will attend UC Riverside; Misael Ochoa of Fallbrook High, who will attend USC; Erica Peterson of San Pasqual High, who will attend UCLA; Krystal Pliego of San Dieguito Academy, who will attend Cal State San Marcos; Jeffrey Reynoso of Orange Glen High, who will attend UCLA; Victoria Salazar of San Marcos High, who will attend Palomar College; and Cindey Zacarias of Escondido High, who will attend the University of San Diego.

RBV alumna earns master's degree

Kristin Terich, a member of the class of 2000 at Rancho Buena Vista High School in Vista, recently completed a one-year master's program at Georgetown University. With a master's degree in physiology and biophysics, she will begin working on a medical degree in August at George Washington University. She earned a bachelor's degree in molecular cell developmental biology in 2004 at UCLA.

El Camino earns national honor

OCEANSIDE ---- El Camino High School recently was chosen one of the 25 model high schools nationwide to participate in a project sponsored by the Council of Chief State School Officers in Washington, D.C. and the International Center for Leadership in Education in Rexford, N.Y.

The project, "Models, Networks and Policies to Support and Sustain Rigor and Relevance for All Students," is gathering information on how outstanding high schools provide all students with rigorous and relevant education.

Criteria for selection as a model high school include a learning environment that promotes high achievement, use of data to make instructional decisions, a rigorous and relevant curriculum, personalized instruction, increased student learning time, and parent and community involvement.

Selected high schools shared their successful practices at the recent 2005 Model Schools Conference in Nashville, Tenn. El Camino also will join the 400 schools in the International Center's Successful Practices network. El Camino's staff will exchange best instructional practices, successful methodologies and peer support with other member schools. The goal is to link educators and district leadership with like-minded practitioners across the country to share their expertise.

Lake teachers seek funding

OCEANSIDE ---- Ranae Mathias and Julie Vivaldi, fifth- and fourth-grade teachers at Lake Elementary School, are seeking funds through the nonprofit, on-line program Adopt-A-Classroom to implement a science and literature project for their classrooms this fall. Kathe Gogolewski, a retired elementary school teacher from the San Francisco bay area, has agreed to write the curriculum, integrating language arts and sciences in a comprehensive unit. Children will use her book, "TATO," a fantasy adventure story, as the inspiration for science experiments and in-depth character and story analyses. Gogolewski will donate her services, but funds are needed to purchase materials.

The story revolves around a boy and magic. Students will perform science experiments dealing with light, colors and mirrors that explain a number of illusions in the story. They will track their experiments in journals using a scientific method. For language arts, they will engage in character studies.

Lake Elementary School in Oceanside is part of the Vista Unified School District. Anyone interested in supporting the effort may adopt one or both classrooms by visiting the Adopt-A-Classroom Web site at www.adoptaclassroom.com. The program fosters community involvement in schools by harnessing resources of the community and the Internet to enrich the classroom.

Fallbrook Ag Boosters award scholarships

FALLBROOK ---- The Fallbrook Ag Boosters recently awarded scholarships to local youths who were active in 4-H or Future Farmers of America and are pursuing an agriculture-related major in college. They are:

Kariann Torres: She is majoring in agriculture education at Fresno State and plans to be a teacher. She has been active in 4-H and FFA, and held local and county offices in 4-H and was Teen Council president. While attending college, she has been on the livestock judging team and has judged several livestock shows, including the Los Angeles County Fair.

Nicole Grable: She was active for nine years in the Bonsall 4-H and FFA. She won 12 blue ribbons at the San Diego County Fair and was a teen leader in the sheep group. She is pursuing a degree in animal science at UC Davis and hopes to pursue graduate work to become a veterinarian.

Nicolina Prestininzi: She is a sophomore at Chico State, where she is majoring in agricultural business. She plans to be in agricultural sales and marketing after she graduates. She was active in 4-H and FFA. She held regional and chapter offices and was elected California State president. She was selected by State Sen. Dennis Hollingsworth to receive a woman of the year award in 2004. She also was recently recognized by the College of Agriculture as outstanding sophomore of the year.

Anna Rosa Villalobos: She is a senior at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where she is majoring in animal science. She plans to be an agricultural teacher after she graduates. She was involved in 4-H and FFA, was a Greenhand president and chapter president. She has been an exchange student at Tuskeegee University and conducted research at the George Washington Experimentation Center.

Glen Hughes: Is a junior at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he is majoring in business administration, and plans to be involved in the business world after graduation. He was active in the Bonsall 4-H Club for nine years. He was club president and competed in public speaking at the state level.

Karese D. Metzler: Attends Palomar College and wants to obtain a degree in animal science. She was active on the FFA and received first place at the National Science Fair. She plans to become a veterinarian.

Donations sought for ECHS girls softball needs

OCEANSIDE ---- The El Camino High School girls softball program is seeking donations to improve its facilities. Building materials for a new storage shed, fertilizer to refurbish the outfield grass, volunteer labor and cash donations will be greatly appreciated.

For more information, call head coach Ron Mizushima at (760) 757-4871 or e-mail Ron-Miz@sbcglobal.net. Monetary donations can be sent to ECHS Booster Club, 400 Rancho del Oro Drive, Oceanside, CA 92054. Earmark checks "SOFTBALL."

Sale to benefit CHS cheer team

CARLSBAD ---- A garage sale featuring a variety of donated items and benefitting the Carlsbad High School cheer team will be held from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 30 in the senior parking lot of the campus, 3557 Monroe St. The event will be hosted by Carlsbad High School's Cheer Boosters. For more information, call Kelli Strawhun at (760) 434-1123 or (760) 522-9949.

CHS students are scholarship finalists

CARLSBAD ---- Jillian Porter and Juli Yamanaka, students at Carlsbad High School, will soon leave on an all-expenses-paid trip to the state finals of the California Junior Miss program in Sonoma. The competition, to be held Aug. 11 through 13, gives finalists the opportunity to earn more than $30,000 in cash scholarships. Jillian and Juli distinguished themselves in March at the University of San Diego, when they became two of five winners of the San Diego Junior Miss competition. The high school juniors competed in talent, academics, fitness, self-expression and interview competitions, and shared more than $4,000 in college scholarships. The program's goal is to honor young women who excel in those areas, and encourage them to complete their college educations so they can assume roles of leadership in their communities and professions.

Local residents earn college honors

NORTH COUNTY ---- A number of area residents earned college honors at their respective colleges. They include: Lauren Harris of Encinitas, Connecticut College, who earned dean's high honors; Karin Barklis of Solana Beach, Connecticut College, who earned dean's honors; La Costa Canyon High School alumnus Brent Webster, Lewis College, who made the dean's list; Melissa Goldman of Cardiff, Washington University, who made the dean's list; Holly Lynn Johnson of Carlsbad, Texas Christian University, who qualified for the dean's list; Julie Wolf of Cardiff, Gonzaga University, who earned a spot on the president's list; and Tara Geary of Carlsbad, Liberty University, who who made the dean's list.

The following local residents were named to the dean's honors list at UC Santa Barbara: Natalie Brechtel, Macaire Kilkenny, Bret Hanifin and Troy Voltmer of Carlsbad; Joseph Bingham, Steven Christensen, Grady Keefer, Megan Marshall, Preston Parrett and Ryan Spink of Encinitas; Lauren Allison and Mark Ninyo of Rancho Santa Fe; and Jessica Lynn Brower and Elizabeth Wells of Solana Beach.

RSF residents earn Bishop's School honors

Several Rancho Santa Fe residents recently graduated from The Bishop's School in La Jolla and received recognition at the Awards and Commencement Ceremonies.

David Bardin, the son of Lorraine and John Bardin, received the Bank of America Plaque for science and mathematics. At commencement, Bardin received the Stephanie Blankenship Award for being on the honor roll for all six years. Bardin, who was inducted into the Cum Laude Society earlier this year, will attend Duke University.

Lindsey Dodge, the daughter of Dr. Larry and Sally Dodge, received the Head of School Award at commencement. The award is presented to people whose contributions to the school are recognized as exceptional and worthy of praise. Dodge, the class agent for the class of 2005, will attend Wake Forest University.

Ashley Geier and Lindsay Geier, the daughters of Kathy and Brad Geier, were both recognized. At commencement, the Richard and Margaret Pharr Award was given to Ashley for embodying the qualities of perseverance, dependability and concern for others. At Awards Day, Lindsay received the Upper School Dance Award. At commencement, Lindsay received the Bishop's Medal, given to the senior who has been most exemplary in his or her involvement in the total life of the school.

At Awards Day, Jordan Kisner, the daughter of Daniel Kisner and Rosette Garcia, received the Bank of America Achievement Award in Music and the Upper School Choral Award. A National Hispanic Scholar, Kisner will attend Princeton University.

Jieun Paik, the daughter of Kye-Hyung and Inkyung Paik, received the Upper School Visual Arts Award. Paik will attend Vassar College.

Benjamin Pedley, the son of Kim and Martin Pedley, received the Carl Saunders Visual Arts Award at Awards Day. Pedley will attend Connecticut College.

Susanne Saxten, the daughter of Dana and Sandy Saxten, received the Upper School History and Social Science Department Award at Awards Day. At commencement, Saxten received the Stephanie Blankenship Award for being on the honor roll for all six years. Saxten, who was inducted into the Cum Laude Society earlier this year, will attend Stanford University.

Manya Scheps, the daughter of Richard Scheps and Nancy Spieczny, received the Bank of America Achievement Award in Communications. Inducted into the Cum Laude Society earlier this year, Scheps will attend the University of Pennsylvania.

At Awards Day, Travis Torbati, the son of Deborah and Emanuel Torbati, received the Bank of America Achievement Award in Government/Economics. At commencement, Torbati received the Stephanie Blankenship Award for being on the honor roll for all six years. Elected to membership in the Cum Laude Society, Torbati will attend Yale University.

Gretchen Wright, the daughter of Alice and Archie Wright, received the Bank of America Achievement Award in Dance and the Upper School Spanish Award. At commencement, she received the Stephanie Blankenship Award. Wright, who was inducted into the Cum Laude Society earlier this year, will attend Duke University.

OG alumnus graduates from military academy

Cadet Jared G. Graham, the son of Greg and Sharon Graham of Escondido, recently graduated from the U.S. Military Academy. He is a 2001 graduate of Orange Glen High School in Escondido. At West Point, he concentrated on studies in mechanical engineering and was commissioned a second lieutenant, branched armor and will attend an officer basic course at Ft. Knox. He may soon join an active Army unit.

Sun Valley plans open house

RAMONA ---- Sun Valley Charter School will hold its second open house of the summer at 7 p.m. July 28 on campus, 2102 Main St. The event will give members of the public a chance to hear about the school's academic program, meet some of the faculty, and talk with students and parents. Enrollment packets will be available. Sun Valley Charter High School is a free public school, providing students in Ramona and the surrounding communities with a high-tech, college prep education in a small setting. Class sizes are limited to 25 students. For more information on the school or to attend the open house, contact the school at (760) 788-8008 or log on to www.svchs.org.

BECA Foundation awards scholarships

NORTH COUNTY ---- The BECA Foundation recently awarded 44 scholarships to local Latino students. The foundation, which is celebrating its 21st anniversary, honored this year's winners at a ceremony July 23 at Cal State San Marcos. Since its founding in 1984, BECA has distributed more than $1.6 million in scholarships to 507 San Diego recipients. Many of the students overcame significant challenges, going on to become the first in their families to attend college.

North County recipients are: Elizabeth Alvarado, Gregoria Beltran, Andrea Echeveria of Fallbrook High, who will attend Cal State San Marcos; Lirio Balbuena of Fallbrook High, who will attend UCLA; Jose Cruz of San Marcos High, who will attend Palomar College; Rachel Cruz of Orange Glen High, who will attend Washington State University; Bree and Benda De La Cruz of Rancho Buena Vista High, who will attend the University of San Diego; Elizabeth Fox of Vista High, who will atend Cornell University; Jose Gomez of San Pasqual High, who will attend UC Berkeley; Cynthia Macias of Ramona High, who will attend San Diego State University; Jessica Martinez of Foothills High, who will attend Palomar College; Mark Martinez of Escondido High, who will attend Humbolt State University; Ernestina Morales of El Camino High, who will attend UC Riverside; Misael Ochoa of Fallbrook High, who will attend USC; Erica Peterson of San Pasqual High, who will attend UCLA; Krystal Pliego of San Dieguito Academy, who will attend Cal State San Marcos; Jeffrey Reynoso of Orange Glen High, who will attend UCLA; Victoria Salazar of San Marcos High, who will attend Palomar College; and Cindey Zacarias of Escondido High, who will attend the University of San Diego.

Orange Glen grad earns Ph.D.

Jeffrey Ashley, who attended Escondido schools and graduated from Orange Glen High School in 1981, recently completed a doctoral program at UC San Francisco and received a PhD in nursing. After graduating from Orange Glen, he attended Point Loma Nazarene University's nursing program and enlisted in the army, where he earned the rank of lieutenant colonel. In the Army, he has specialized in critical care and served as department chair of critical care at several medical centers. Ashley earned a master's degree in nursing in 1999 from the University of Maryland. He was selected last spring by the Army to attend the prestitious Army War College and will attend at a future date. His plans include 10 more years with the Army and teaching at the university level.

SPHS student is scholarship finalist

ESCONDIDO ---- Tiffany Chow, a student at San Pasqual High School, will soon leave on an all-expenses-paid trip to the state finals of the California Junior Miss program in Sonoma. The competition, to be held Aug. 11 through 13, gives finalists the opportunity to earn more than $30,000 in cash scholarships. Tiffany distinguished herself in March at the University of San Diego, when she became one of five winners of the San Diego Junior Miss competition. The high school juniors competed in talent, academics, fitness, self-expression and interview competitions, and shared more than $4,000 in college scholarships. The program's goal is to honor young women who excel in those areas, and encourage them to complete their college educations so they can assume roles of leadership in their communities and professions.

San Marcos resident earns honor

Caitlin Caster of San Marcos was named to the spring 2005 dean's list at the University of Notre Dame. The list is comprised of the top 30 percent of students who have maintained a grade point average of 3.647 and above during the semester. She is the daughter of Gary and Lorna Caster of San Marcos.

Local residents earn college degrees

Two local residents recently earned college degrees and were honored at 2005 commencement ceremonies. They are: Abraham Schwartz of Rancho Bernardo, who received a bachelor's degree from Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. and is the son of Haim and Rochelle Schwartz; and Lasaunta Cruz of Escondido, an Orange Glen High School graduate who earned a degree in biology from St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y.

Orange Glen thanks Grad Nite supporters

ESCONDIDO ---- Organizers of Orange Glen High School's Grad Nite 2005 would like to thank the following event supporters, and ask the community to support them with their patronage: Abbey Carpets, Acacia Animal Health Center, Agrussa's, Anchor Blue, Antonio's, Applebee's, Baja Fresh, Barnes & Noble, Baskin Robbins, Bath & Body Works, Best Buy, Big Lots, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Blockbuster, Boomers, Bradford Baker DDS, Brigantine restaurants, Bright Birthdays, Budget Car Sales, Burger King, Buster Putt-Putt Fun Center, Chasers Deli, Chili's, city of Escondido, Claim Jumper, Claudia Harrington, Cold Stone Creamery, Community National Bank, Crabtree & Evelyn, Domino's North County Pizza, Del Taco, Dixieline Lumber, Eagle Crest Golf, Escondido Rotary Foundation, Escondido Sports Center, Filippi's Pizza Grotto, Fish House Vera Cruz, Food For Less, Frontier Fence Co, Inc., Fry's Electronics, Greg Stathatos, H&M Landing, Hidden Valley Moving & Storage, Hidden Valley Orthodontics, Hogue's Grading & Paving, Hollywood Video, Hornblower Cruises, Hot Shot Burgers, House of Blues, Ice O Plex, In-N-Out Burgers, Islands, J.R. Pulido DDS, JC Penney, Jilberto's, Joseph Holtz DDS, Kenneth Manell, Kent Davis DDS, Kirkorian Theaters, KPRI 102.1, LA Fitness,

La Salsa, Linen & Things, Los Charros, MADD, Major Market, Marieta's, Michael Cooper, Michael Crews Development,

Nemo's, North County Surgery Center, North County Times, Oggi's Pizza, Old Navy, Olive Garden, Orange Glen High School Music Boosters, Pala Casino, Papa John's, Pat & Oscar's, Patriot Productions, Pizza Hut, Preferred Operations, Ralph's, Ruben H. Fleet Science Center, Rock N Jenny's Italian Subs, Rubio's, San Diego Gulls, SeaWorld San Diego, Sav-On, See's Candies, Sharper Image, Signature Stadium 16, Six Flags California, Sizzler, Smart and Final, Sony Electronics Inc., Spy Optics, Christina Stahler, Starbuck's, Submarina, Subway, Sun Diego, Sunglass Hut,

Susan Yates, Taco Bell, The Golden Egg Omelet House, The Loft, The Theater in Old Town, The PZA Guy, Tilly's, Timothy Chatton DDS, Tom Clark, Davies Electric, Toyota of Escondido, Toys R Us, Trader Joe's, Tym & Diana Dancz,

The Wave waterpark, Weir Asphalt & Construction, Wild River Waterpark, San Diego Zoological Society and Waldenbooks.

Thanks also go to 2005 Grad Nite Committee members Barbara Jehl, Craig Rush, Darla Willow, Dennis Tomlinson, Dale Harvey, Diana Dancz, Stephanie Dancz, Brian Letson, Gary Atkins, Georgette Fleuret, Guy Childress, Jane Fox, Jody Braxel, Kay Byrne, Kim Vargas, Laurie Sherman, Leslie McCormick, Margaret Condomitti, Minnettee Nichols-Ray, Nancy and Jim Price, Pam Nelson, Pete Acevedo, Ries Voelkel, Rob Balfour, Sue Yates and Teri Argabright.Ý

Advertisement

First name only. Comments including last names, contact addresses, email addresses or phone numbers will be deleted. All comments are screened before they appear online, so please keep them brief. Comments reflect the views of those commenting and not necessarily those of the North County Times or its staff writers. Click here to view additional comment policies.