Student standouts: Chaparral graduate to debate for West Point

By: The Californian | Sunday, September 23, 2007 11:05 PM PDT ∞

TEMECULA -- Christopher Nickelson, a Chaparral High School graduate, has been accepted on the 2007-08 West Point debate team.

Nickelson, a freshman, was one of 250 who applied for the team at the United States Military Academy at West Point. The team's first tournament was this weekend at Kings College.

For information on the Army Debate Team, visit www.dean.usma.edu/department/sosh/Activities/debate/index.htm.

Students accepted at aeronautical university

TEMECULA -- Three local high school graduates have been accepted into Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Ariz.

Adam Swanson, son of Tom and Robin Swanson of Temecula, graduated from Chaparral High School and will study aeronautical science.

Felicia Lynn Voegele, daughter of Randy Voegele, graduated from Lake Elsinore High School and will major in aviation business administration.

Stephen Dreibelbis, son of Robert and Diana Dreibelbis, graduated from Temecula Valley High School and will study aeronautical science.

Local grad in scholar program

MURRIETA -- Emily Clay, a graduate of Vista Murrieta High School, has been accepted into the Lycoming Scholar Program at Lycoming College.

Clay is a freshman at the Pennsylvania-based liberal arts and sciences college. She was invited to join the program based on her achievements in high school. This year, scholars will study "American Image."

Class Notes: PTSA starts membership drive

LAKE ELSINORE -- The Lake Elsinore Parent-Teacher-Student Association has launched its fall membership drive, inviting all supporters of children and public education to sign up.

The Lake Elsinore PTSA is part of the California PTA and the national PTA, a 110-year-old volunteer association working on issues affecting education, youth and families.

PTA volunteers work in schools and communities, and lobby for adequate funding for public schools and for laws protecting the health and welfare of children.

To join, contact Laura Girard at thegirard4@yahoo.com.

Essay contest open to prep students

RIVERSIDE -- Assemblyman John Benoit, R-Bermuda Dunes, has launched an essay contest calling for proposed solutions to area problems.

Entries for "There Ought to be a Law" are due Nov. 2, and must be typed and no longer than 500 words. Contestants will be judged on how well they describe the issue, and how well thought-out and organized their solution is.

The winner will receive a tour of the state Capitol, a honorary plaque, lunch with the assemblyman and the chance to introduce their idea on the Assembly floor.

For application forms, visit assembly.ca.gov/benoit. Benoit's district includes parts of Lake Elsinore, Quail Valley, Menifee, Murrieta, Sun City, Temecula, Wildomar and Winchester.

Credit union sponsors essay contest

RIVERSIDE -- "If You Could Invent or Design Anything, What Would It Be?" is the theme of Altura Credit Union's 2007 MyMoney Youth Essay Contest, which is open to students between the ages of 12 and 17.

Winners will be awarded $100 for first place, $75 for second and $50 for third in three age categories.

Entries must be at least 150 words and not more than 450 words. Each entry must be accompanied by a completed application. Essays will be judged on creativity, content, clarity and organization.

Applications are available at Altura's 12 Riverside County branches and online at www.alturacu.com.

The deadline for entries is Nov. 16.

Elks to award several scholarships

TEMECULA -- High school seniors can apply for scholarships to the Elks National Foundation, which will give away close to $3 million next year, based on scholarship, leadership and financial need.

The Most Valuable Student scholarship contest will give 500 scholarships in 2008, with the top awards ranging from $8,000 to $60,000 over four years. The deadline is Jan. 11.

Applications are available at high schools, Elks lodges and at www.elks.org/enf/scholars, or by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Elks National Foundation, 2750 N. Lakeview Ave., Chicago, IL 60614. Locally, lodges are in Temecula and Lake Elsinore.

Clubs, boosters to give away car

TEMECULA -- The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest County and high school booster clubs from Temecula and Murrieta are joining in a fundraising effort to give away a 2008 Chevrolet HHR will be on display at high school functions as well as throughout the community.

The booster clubs will be collecting $10 donations for each chance to win the car with the boosters and Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest County sharing the proceeds.

The drawing for the car is scheduled for Feb. 16 at Paradise Chevrolet Cadillac. Along with the car giveaway, there will be a second-place prize for a mobile video system and 25 third-place prizes, including $50 gift certificates to local businesses.

Booster Clubs interested in becoming involved should contact Kathy McNamara at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest County at 699-1526, Ext. 204.

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