North San Diego County School News Briefs: Essay contest announced

By: North County Times | Tuesday, October 30, 2007 7:32 PM PDT ∞

NORTH COUNTY -- High school students in their sophomore, junior or senior year are invited to enter the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution's George S. and Stella M. Knight Essay Contest.

Sponsored by the San Diego chapter of the SAR, the contest is open to students attending public, parochial, private or accredited home schools in San Diego County. The contest is designed to give high school students an opportunity to explore events that shaped American history.

The local winner will be awarded $150, and their essay will be submitted for state-level consideration. Second and third prizes also will be awarded at the local level.

The state winner will be awarded $500 and move on to the national contest. A $2,000 first prize and certificate will be awarded to the winner of the national contest, with second and third prizes also awarded at the national level. In addition, the national winning essay will be submitted to the SAR magazine for publication, and air fare and one night hotel stay will be provided for the winner and a chaperone to attend the SAR's annual Congress in Sacramento in July.

Contest entries must be original essays written in English on a topic relating to an event, person, philosophy or ideal associated with the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence or the framing of the Constitution. All entries will be judged for historical accuracy, clarity of thought, organization, proven topic, grammar, spelling and documentation. Contest entries are due by Dec. 31.

Entries postmarked after that date will not be accepted. Rules and other information about the contest can be obtained at http://www.sandiegosar.info or by e-mailing KnightEssay@sbc global.net.

French-American School plans Open House

NORTH COUNTY -- Prospective students and their families are invited to attend an Open House at San Diego French-American School from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Nov. 7 at the campus, 6550 Soledad Mountain Road, La Jolla. Attendees will meet teachers, visit classrooms, tour the campus and learn about the school's two-way immersion program. The school serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade. R.S.V.P. to (858) 456-2807, Ext. 306.

$10,000 grants available to schools

NORTH COUNTY -- Hidden Valley, based in Oakland, recently announced its expanded Love Your Veggies Nationwide School Lunch Campaign for the 2007-08 school year.

The campaign, offered in conjunction with the School Nutrition Association and the Produce for Better Health Foundation's "Fruit and Veggies: More Matters" program, will award $10,000 grants to 51 elementary schools in the United States. One school in each state will be awarded, plus one school in Hidden Valley's hometown of Oakland. Grants must be used to support increased access to and consumption of fresh vegetables, including using creative and innovative ways to get kids excited about eating healthfully. The grant also must help fund equipment toward a vegetable station, as well as nutrition training for school faculty and staff members.

Schools can apply for grants by visiting http://www.loveyourveggiesgrants.com. Applications will be accepted until Nov. 30.

ECHS to present Shakespeare classic

OCEANSIDE -- El Camino High School's drama department will present the Shakespeare classic "Much Ado About Nothing" at 7 p.m. Nov. 2, 3, 8, and 10, and 2 p.m. Nov. 10 in the Truax Performing Arts Center on campus, 400 Rancho del Oro Drive. Tickets cost $7 general admission, and $5 for senior citizens and students. For more information, call (760) 757-8550 or (760) 757-1954.

Teen conversation classes offered

ENCINITAS -- "Making Conversation for Teens," a class for 13- through 17-year-olds, will be held on three consecutive Saturdays, Nov. 4, 11 and 18 at The Grauer School, 1500 S. El Camino Real.

Ages 13 through 15 will attend from 1 to 3 p.m., and ages 15 through 17 will attend from 4 to 6 p.m. Classes are designed to help teens learn about their communication style and how to adapt to others; discover fast and easy conversation starters, continuation and exit tips; maximize their listening skills and ability to demonstrate empathy; learn about body language; understand the importance of positive attitude and networking; improve social skills for college and job interviews; and be their best self with adults and others. Cost is $329, which includes materials. Call Peggy Wallace at (760) 803-2641 or e-mail peggy@makingconversation.com.

Grauer School plans forum, open house

ENCINITAS -- The Grauer School will hold its annual Forum and Open House from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 4 on campus, 1500 S. El Camino Real. The school will be open for touring, and teachers and administrators will be on hand to answer questions about college preparatory education.

At 1 p.m., the school will offer a reserved-seating forum featuring Stuart Grauer, Fulbright award-winning educator. Visitors will have an opportunity to hear Grauer speak on "How the Right School Can Change Your Child's Life -- and Yours!" A longtime North County educational leader and head of the school, he will share his insights on the importance of a nurturing educational environment to learning in adolescence. Grauer founded the school in 1991.

RBV to hold Stussy Sale

VISTA -- Rancho Buena Vista High School's Grad Nite committee will hold a Stussy Sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 10 in the teachers' parking lot of the school, 1601 Longhorn Drive. In addition to Stussy items, brand names including Paul Frank, World Industries and DC will be featured.

Canyon Crest plans Holiday Bazaar 2007

CARMEL VALLEY -- More than 15 vendors will offer famous designer products for a fraction of retail prices at Canyon Crest Academy Foundation's Holiday Bazaar from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Star of India restaurant, 3860 Valley Center Drive. Admission is free to the event, which will feature designer products from Juicy Couture, Rock 'n' Roll Republic, True Religion, L.A.M.B. and other labels. Other vendors will include Golden Treasures Jewelers Del Mar, which will offer a One-Day-Only Sale, and Truly Noteworthy, which will offer custom note cards, trendy fashion jewelry and unique gift items. The foundation will sponsor a Holiday World Market, which will sell cookies, preserves, handcrafted table decorations, candles and other items.

Judo tournament planned

VISTA -- The Pacific Southwest Judo Association will hold its annual tournament starting at 10 a.m. Nov. 11 at Rancho Buena Vista High School. Competitors from 5 to 75 will compete under IJF rules on three mats. Spectators, especially those interested in the Olympic sport of judo, are encouraged to attend. For more information, call (760) 675-8274.

OPE seeks volunteer tutors

CARLSBAD -- Olivenhain Pioneer School, an Encinitas Union School District campus, needs adult volunteers to tutor students for the Everyone a Reader tutorial program. Tutors will be trained and will volunteer for about 90 minutes weekly. Call Elaine Feuer-Barton at (760) 943-2027.

OHS launches commemorative tile project

OCEANSIDE -- Supporters and alumni of Oceanside High School are encouraged to participate in a commemorative tile project, which will decorate the walls of the campus senior fountain area with tiles bearing names and messages. The project is sponsored by the OHS Foundation/Alumni Association. The tiles and tile displays come in various sizes and are guaranteed for life. The first display will be opened for public viewing after spring break 2008, but orders must be placed by Feb. 5. For more information and order forms, go to the foundation Web site at http://www.ohsfoundation.org or contact Rita Gray (760) 518-0798.

Vista residents earn degrees

Two Vista residents recently graduated from Whitworth University in Spokane, Wash. They are: Megan Duff, who graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in psychology; and Bethany Jose, who earned a bachelor's degree in English.

Del Mar student studies abroad

Lindsay Claire Blodgett, a Dartmouth College student from Del Mar, is studying Italian in Rome during the fall 2007 term as part of the college's Language Study Abroad Program. She is the daughter of Edward and Betsy Blodgett.

Carlsbad Newcomers donate to schools

CARLSBAD -- The Carlsbad Newcomers Club recently presented checks to local schools as part of its ongoing efforts to support the community. The donations were made possible through a variety of fundraisers. Known as the Phyllis Demy Memorial checks, the donations are distributed in memory of Phyllis Demy, 1970-71 president of the club. Checks went to Lacy Metcalf, the Carlsbad Unified School District's language arts facilitator, who will purchase books for district schools; Carol Van Voren, principal of Jefferson Elementary School, who will use the funds to support the school's French program; Jose De Anda, principal of Buena Vista Elementary School; and Sandy Hoasis, artist in residence, who will use the money to buy art supplies.

Guidance department plans parent information meeting

FALLBROOK -- The Fallbrook Union High School Guidance Department will present the "10th Grade Four-Year Plan" parent night from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 13 in Room 201 by the clock tower on the school campus. Topics covered at the presentation will include information on developing a four-year plan, course selection and post high school plans. Parents of tenth-graders and students are encouraged to attend.

FFA has final plant sale

FALLBROOK -- The Fallbrook High School FFA will have its final plant sale of the year from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 3 in the ag department of the school campus at 2400 S. Stage Coach Lane. The sale will feature trees, shrubs, ground covers, house plants and bedding plants.

Final tri-tip dinner scheduled

FALLBROOK -- The Fallbrook High School FFA will serve its tri-tip dinner before the final home football game this year on Nov. 2, which is Senior Night. Dinner will be served from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Ag department, which is located at the east end of the football field. Each meal includes tri-tip, beans, salad, dinner roll and a drink. Cost is $8. Call the ag department at (760) 723-6300, Ext. 2509 for more information or just show up. This is a fundraiser for FFA leadership development activities throughout the school year.

Discovery Bowl Experience on Tap

The Valley of Discovery Education Foundation will hold its annual Discovery Bowl Experience from 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 4 at the Stone Brewery World Bistro & Gardens in Escondido.

Sponsored by FCI Constructors Inc., the fundraiser kicks off a week of festivities leading up to the cross-town rivalry game between Mission Hills and San Marcos high schools dubbed "The Discovery Bowl." In addition to the casino fun, there will be a buffet featuring Stone's unique brand of eclectic menu items, a no-host beer and soft drink bar, and a raffle and silent auction.

Tickets cost $45 per person and can be purchased through parent and booster groups at both high schools or by calling (760) 727-1800. Proceeds from ticket sales and the auction will benefit booster groups at both schools.

Event sponsors will receive a package that can include recognition on school marquees and event printed material, casino night and game tickets, and other forms of acknowledgement, depending on their sponsorship level. Sponsorships still available range from bronze at $500, to platinum at $5,000.

Anyone who wants to sponsor the event or donate auction items should contact their respective school or call (760) 727-1800.

Fundraiser to offset Eveland medical expenses

A golf tournament, dinner and auction to help offset medical expenses for a Mission Hills High School football player who received a critical head injury during a recent football game will be held Nov. 5 at the Escondido Country Club.

Scott Eveland, a senior at Mission Hills High, was injured and collapsed during a Sept. 14 game. He remains comatose and in critical condition at Palomar Medical Center. Organizers of the fundraiser say proceeds from the event will go directly to Scott's family to help defray his medical bills.

The Scott Eveland Golf Tournament will begin, shotgun style, at noon; followed by cocktails and a silent auction at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. and a live auction at 7:15 p.m. One round of golf will include dinner at $125 each. Individual dinner tickets are available at $50 each. Sponsorships of a hole are available at $1,000 each, and include two rounds of golf, two dinner tickets and signage at the hole.

Auction items also are needed in the form of gift certificates, tickets and merchandise. Donors will be recognized in the event program.

Proper attire at the tournament is required. In keeping with the private club's standards, men's shirts must have collars and sleeves, and women's shirts must have either collars or sleeves. No denim, short shorts, cutoffs, running shorts, tennis-length skirts, T-shirts, tank tops or sweatshirts should be worn.

To register, go to http://www.pray4scotty.org. Monetary donations also are being accepted. Mail to pray4scotty.org, c/o Bruce and Cyndy Minnery, 1733 Birchwood Drive, San Marcos, CA 92069. For more information, call (760) 752-1600.

Golf tournament to benefit ECHS programs

The sixth annual American Heritage Golf Tournament, which benefits Escondido Charter High School athletic and extracurricular programs, will be held Nov. 12 at the Maderas Golf Club, 1770 Old Coach Road.

Registration and a putting contest are planned from 10 a.m. to noon. A shotgun start, best ball -- four-player scramble is set for 12:30 p.m., with the tournament ending at 5 p.m. Winners of a lottery will have a chance at a hole-in-one for $100,000. A barbecue dinner and awards ceremony will follow.

Cost for individual players is $175, which includes player spot, golf shirt, gift bag, lunch, dinner and a souvenir foursome photo. Foursome packages are $600. Scratcher cards and a superticket cost $40, which includes two mulligans; five raffle tickets; entry into the putting, long drive and closest-to-the-pin contests; entry into the scratcher game to win a vacation; and entry into the $100,000 shoot-out drawing (four people will be chosen.) Additional dinner tickets cost $35.

Dress code is no denim, shorts no longer than the knee and collard shirts. Sponsorships are available. For more information, to register and for tickets, call Cindy Cochran at (760) 845-1261 or e-mail cindy@judsonrealestate.net.

SPHS Parents' Club meets Nov. 15

ESCONDIDO --- The San Pasqual High School Parents' Club will meet at 8:30 a.m. in the school library. The purpose of the club is to enhance academic excellence and provide service at the school; promote cooperation between home and school; and help provide good communication and an interest in sound education among the district administration, San Pasqual teachers, staff, students, parents and the community. For more information, call (760) 291-6000.

RB resident named to dean's list

Steven Casarez of Rancho Bernardo was named to the fall semester dean's list at Babson College in Wellesley, Mass.