Recently in Good Kid Category
Mayfair Academic Program (MAP) students are in front of Harvard University in Boston. On this trip students also visited NYU and MIT. Each year junior and seniors students have an opportunity to take a different college tour. Students accepted into MAP take a rigorous course of study including a minimum of five AP classes. The college tours help students make an informed decision about where they apply.Submitted by Ellen Swieck
Lakewood
Lakewood
This very lovely young lady, Audrey Takamiyashiro, and her mother, Alice Takamiyashiro at St. Pancratius School in May celebrating St. Mary with flowers and prayers. What a great mother-daughter moment, especially since Audrey graduated from the school in June. Audrey is an active altar server for the church, a Girl Scout, does volunteer work at an animal shelter, is a good citizen of the school and good citizen of the community. I have been their, across-the-street, neighbor and friend for years. They are a wonderful family and their first child, Audrey is now beginning her journey into high school. God bless them and people like them for taking care of their children so well, providing for their educational, religious and citizenship training and for being plain, good people. We salute Audrey and wish her well.
Submitted by Ellen Mizoguchi
Lakewood
Lakewood
Making a Difference
On May 22, Girl Scout Cadette Troop 2943 held a "Cover Girl Culture" workshop at the Long Beach Service Center. The workshop brought attention to how advertising, media and peer pressure affect your body image, health and self esteem. The troop accomplished their goals of informing younger girls, building self-esteem and passing it forward through a variety of activities like round table discussions, creating collages from teen fashion magazines to recognize positive vs. negative advertising messages, and participating in self-esteem building exercises. Girl Scout troops from 4th grade through 7th grade participated.The girls from Troop 2943 were inspired to select this topic for their Cadette Amaze Journey Take Action Project after watching "Cover Girl Culture - Awakening the Media Generation." After contacting the video's producer, Nicole Clark, a portion of her video was included in the workshop. The girls researched, planned, prepared and ran all activities to fulfill their requirement.
Pictured left to right are: Ruby Pittman, Molly Rosenfeld, Arielle Schultz, Emily Jackson, Maddie Liu, Emma McCullough, Alex Shambayate, Tory Simpfenderfer and Kristyn Bath. Troop leaders: Elissa Jackson and Debbie Bath.
The 8U Gold Long Beach Bombers played in five tournaments and went to five championship games, winning three of them. They qualified for State and are headed for Lancaster. Softball rocks and the Bombers are the bomb.
Joshua G. Slavin, 19, graduated from Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX on July 1. He is currently attending Technical School in Maryland where he is receiving training as a military photographer. His family is very proud of him and wishes him the best of luck in his new endeavors. Submitted by Kimberly Jbeili, mother
Long Beach
Long Beach
The students in my daughter's class had gathered donations for the Red Cross for Japan and the mid-West from the disasters that had happened there. They were so worried about the people in those locations they wanted to send some help. They had lemonade stands, asked neighbors for donations and gave their allowance money. In total, the donations came to $200.05. We contacted the Red Cross and they had a representative stop by to receive the check. His name is Phil Wendel - a long time volunteer of the Red Cross. The school is Fremont Elementary in Long Beach and this is Mrs. Durazzo's 4th grade class.Submitted by Tina Barry
The Long Beach-based Los Altos 10U Red All Star Team "Rampage" won the inaugural Los Altos All Star Beach Bash held at El Dorado Regional Park over Memorial Day Weekend. Front row from left: Georgia Hilleshiem, Karina Ibarra, Amanda Castro, Hannah Buckley and Gabi Reyes; middle row from left: Darby Huff, Ileana Rivera, Alexis Durand, Bri Jewett, Sam Fowler and Danielle Lew. Back row from left: Manager Jill Reyes, Coach Steve Lew, Coach Steve Castro, Coach Don Jewett and Manager Brian Fowler.
Submitted by Don Jewett
This is our 16 and under all star team. We went to States this year and went undefeated 5-0 to take 1st place in Lancaster. We qualified for nationals in Presscot AZ.Submitted by Jesse Hernandez
Alyssa Lopez has worked so hard this year at Lafayette Elementary. She has become a dedicated student who thrives in learning new material. Alyssa we are extremely proud of you! Go Lafayette Lions!!Love Mom and Dad!
Submitted by Irma Lopez
Submitted by Irma Lopez
For the past eight years, Boyscout Troop 140 of Lakewood has been meeting at Forest Lawn Memorial Park over Memorial Day weekend to place flags on the graves of Veterans. This was taken at this year's event.Submitted by Kevin Hogan
The Lakers' Summer Camp's first session kicked off on June 28 to July 1.The Boys & Girls Club received an late request for two of their kids to attend the camp. The choice was made by the branch Director Keith Lilly along with the help of Councilman Dee Andrews. The choices came down to first cousins Adofo Thomas and Terry Deville.
"I'm a very proud grand father. These are two amazing kids and I wasn't surprise when I walked into the gym, to hear my grandson's name being called as the winner of the championship and the MVP award for ages 9 to 12," said their grandfather Leonard Adams, a former director for the Boys & Girls Club. With about 150 kids from France, Spain, Germany, Israel, and almost every State in America, he was voted number one in his age bracket. Terry Deville received honorable mentions for being most improved and winning 3rd place in his age bracket. Pictured are: Terry Deville, John Fenton, director of Lakers' Summer Camp and Adofo Thomas.
Submitted by Leonard Adams
Camryn Sparrevohn has had perfect attendance from kindergarten through 5th grade. Camryn's teacher, Mrs. Fedak had a plaque made for her and presented it to her at the graduation ceremony. We would like to thank Mrs. Fedak for being such an outstanding teacher and for recognizing Camryn's accomplishment.
Long Beach's newest soccer champions who participated in their first Flex Tournament, Oaks Polo Fields Classic, in Orange County on July 30 and July 31. They took second place in a nail-biting match with a local, seasoned team. They brought along their Press-Telegram for inspiration. Pictured left to right: back row: Coach Micah King, Calista Kirk, Morgan and Lindsey O'Malley, Kelly Stump, Ella Hiveley, Sidney Matas, Asst. Coach Erica Matas; front row: Emma Harper, Molly Dostalek, Angela Bigham, Morgan King. Submitted by Kathleen O'Connell
California 'Warrior'
Semisi Tupa of Long Beach is a member of the 2011 East Central Community College Warrior football squad. Tupou, a defensive lineman, is a product of Orange High School. The Warriors are led by third-year head coach Brian Anderson. East Central is located in Decatur, MS.Submitted by Karen Robertson
Administrative Assistant to the
Vice President for Public Information,
East Central Community College
Decatur, MS
Administrative Assistant to the
Vice President for Public Information,
East Central Community College
Decatur, MS
Carson Scholars win big in San Francisco!
Pictured left to right: Alicia Goodall, Corrine Adams, Brianna Goodall, and Ronald GoodallStudents of the Young Black Scholars program, an educational activity of the 100 Black Men of Los Angeles, participated in the 100 Black Men of America's National African American Challenge Bowl Competition held in San Francisco June 10. In its 15th year, the competition is designed to test the knowledge of students in African-American history. The students were responsible for orally answering several questions related to African and African-American history from the 15th Dynasty to modern times. The Junior High School Division, consisting of Corrine Adams and Brianna Goodall from St Philomena School in Carson, defeated more than 10 other teams through the local and national rounds of the competition and brought home the Championship. Those teams represented various other states. Congratulations to 100 Black Men of Los Angeles, Young Black Scholars, and the student participants. Special recognition to the YBS coaches Latrice Jordan and Ronald Goodall who coached our students to victory. This was the third consecutive year that the 100BMLA have won the Jr. Division with is the first "Three-peat" in Jr. Division history.
For more information on Young Black Scholars go to www.youngblackscholars.com or www.100bmla.org.
Commencement Celebration at Miller Children's Hospital Long Beach From left, Blanca Casillas, high school graduate, Pablo Lazo, middle School graduate and Maraiya Gomez, middle school graduate were able to celebrate their success at a surprise graduation party.
A collaboration between Miller Children's Hospital Long Beach's in-house school teacher, Angelica Nunez-Lindsay, music therapist, Laurel Terreri, child life therapist, Allison Singhi, and community partner, Discovery Arts, all worked together to recognize patients' hard work throughout the school year while battling cancer.
The care team and their extended family surprised the three hospitalized teens with a graduation celebration. Blanca Casillas, Pablo Lazo and Maraiya Gomez all graduated from their respective schools, but because of their conditions were unable to attend their own graduation ceremonies.
The Miller Children's team wanted to make sure these kids had a well-deserved graduation experience. The playroom was decorated with many colorful balloons, graduation decorations and music. A look of awe and smiles were on the kids' faces as they walked down the hall and headed towards the decorated playroom that served as their commencement grounds.
Noteworthy student on the rise
Aaron A. Hill, an upcoming QUEST senior at Robert A. Millikan High School, recently returned from China with the Global Youth Leadership Conference (GYLC). Aaron was initially nominated through his school to attend Congressional Youth Leadership Conference (held in Irvine, 2010)in preparations for GYLC. As a QUEST student, he has received numerous awards including Merit of Scholar, Student Character award (English), and MVP Offensive Line just to name a few. He is also a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. With college in the horizon (2012), Aaron is looking to major in Business Management and minor in Computer Science. Universities like UCLA, Duke, Yale and Stanford keep Aaron focused on maintaining an excellent grade point average as well as completing his 4th year in football. He is a grounded young man on his way to make a difference in society.GYLC made a huge impact on Aaron in the area of International Business. While in China, he visited Hong Kong, Beijing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai.
He interacted with key leaders and newsmakers with powerful influence over politics, finance, culture and diplomacy, and took part in a carefully designed curriculum, which included thought-provoking simulations that build leadership skills. According to Aaron, meeting Zhu Haiquan, director of Department for North American & Oceanic Affairs and going to the Great Wall of China, were major highlights of the trip.
GYLC's theme this summer is "Leaders of Tomorrow Preparing for the Global Challenges and Responsibilities of the Future". We find Aaron Hill to be a global leader of our future and a noteworthy student on the rise!
Submitted by Tonia Hill, mother
Long Beach
Long Beach
2011 Jerome Richardson Memorial
Scholarship Awardees
Scholarship Awardees
The Jerome Richardson scholarship was set up in 1988 in memory of Jerome Richardson, a 1986 Poly High School graduate and Long Beach City College student, who was killed in 1987.
Today, 23 years later, the scholarship is still committed to encourage and award students who are socially conscientious, morally and spiritually focused and academically sound.
Name: Tyna ColenChurch: Divine Deliverance Bible Church, Los Angeles
School: Paramount High School, Paramount
GPA: 3.51
Prospective College: University of California, Riverside
Major: Psychology, Law
Name: John AmalfitanoChurch: Mary Star of the Sea, Lomita
School: San Pedro High School, San Pedro
GPA: 4.08
Prospective College: University of California, Los Angeles
Major: Political Science
Name: Nancy HingosChurch: St. Peter's Catholic Church
School: San Pedro High School, San Pedro
GPA: 4.17
Prospective College: Georgetown University
Major: Science Technology and Environmental Affairs
Name: Kaleah Patterson
Church: Westside Baptist Church
School: Polytechnic High School, Long Beach
GPA: 3.17
Prospective College: Cal State University, San Diego
Major: Public Health/Human Services
Name: Christopher Maye
Church: Grace Memorial, Long Beach
School: Polytechnic High School, Long Beach
GPA: 3.09
Prospective College: Cal State Long Beach
Major: Undecided
Name:Kerbe Kelbisow
Church: Figueroa Church of Christ, Los Angeles
School: Crenshaw High School, Los Angeles
GPA: 3.07
Prospective College: Haverford College
Major: Economics
The Pacific Flute Ensemble of Long Beach performed on July 17 at the Orange County Fair under the baton of Renee Bhatia.
The Long Beach based group has been together for ten years under the leadership of Darrin Thaves. The PFE also performed at the National Flute Convention in Anaheim the summer of 2010.
This is the First Congregational Church of Long Beach Youth handbell group "Beloved Bells" at the first Congregational Church of Santa Barbara.
The group, under the direction of Tracy Halter Balin, rode the Blue Line to the Red Line to Union Station boarded an Amtrack Surf Liner to Santa Barbara for the 4th of July weekend.
We kayaked, paddle boarded, sailed, went to the zoo and watched the the fireworks from the beach. It was a great trip and really fun.
Submitted by Debbie Bond
I want to share two of our Good Kids. Nicholas Whetstone and Makayla Hernandez recently received a $1000 tuition grant as winners of the William H . Hannon Memorial Scholarship Contest. The students demonstrated creativity and enthusiasm in writing about Fray Junipero Serra. Also pictured by our statue of Fray Serra is principal, Mary Ann Fitzpatrick.Submitted by Mary Ann Fitzpatrick
St. Maria Goretti School
St. Maria Goretti School
Tina Sehremelis was recognized on Sunday May 22 with the presentation of a $500 scholarship from Rossmoor-Los Alamitos Republican Women Federated at the 10th Annual Friendship & Flowers Scholarship Luncheon at El Dorado Park Golf Course. Tina is graduating Los Alamitos High School in June with a Golden State Seal Merit Diploma and a 4.1 GPA. While attending Los Alamitos High School, she made the Principal's Honor Roll all four years and is an active member of California Scholastic Federation and National Honor Society. Tina played JV and Varsity Tennis where she was awarded the Scholar Athlete Award, Griffin Award and Top Scholar Athlete Award, 2010-2011. She also found time to participate in Student Site Council, Greek Culture Club, Founder & President, Adventure Crew, Spanish Honors Society, Students of Sustainability, Link Crew Leader, Link Crew Commissioner, and Actions for Africa. Outside of school, Tina was active in National Charity League, earned the Mission Bell Award from the Boys & Girls Club of Cypress,Greek Orthodox Youth Group, and Maids of Athena Charity League.
She plans to attend the University of Southern California in the Fall. We are proud to have Tina as one of our scholarship recipients for 2011 and wish her continued success in her endeavors.
Submitted by Cathie Salai
VP, Membership
Rossmoor-Los Alamitos Republican Women Federated
VP, Membership
Rossmoor-Los Alamitos Republican Women Federated
The Long Beach Little League Minor B Dodgers won the All District Championship. The began the tournament as the number three team for Long Beach, and went undefeated in the tournament. They beat out teams from Bellflower, Long Beach, West Long Beach, and Lakewood Village. The Long Beach Dodgers beat out the Long Beach Reds with a score of 10 to six. Go Dodgers.
This is a celebration picture of the Long Beach Poly Boys and Girls Track Team who won the State Championship in Clovis, Ca on June 3rd and 4th. My husband Elvie Howard Jr. is holding the Press-Telegram. Everyone on the team worked so hard during their track season, on and off the field. That hard worked paid off. It was so worth it to be there to share in their celebration. Go Long Beach Poly Trackrabbits!Submitted by Sharon Howard
The Los Alamitos Girls Softball Leagues' 12 and Under Red All Star Team has made it to the championships in three straight weeks. Pictured left to right are: Coaches Brett Wood, Ted Holcomb, and Rod Austin; back row: Hayden Wood, Mariah Ponce, Allison Young, Madison Shipley, Paige Austin, Kylie Otake; front row: Jasmine Melgoza, Jenna Holcomb, Brianna Flynn, Olivia Blossey, Jade Loe, and Madison Jones.
The Long Beach 8U Gold Girls All Star team has battled and won three tournaments in a row. The Long Beach Bombers whose team song is, "You Dropped A Bomb On Me," recently won in La Mirada and La Habra and Cerritos. Long Beach 8u Gold All Stars are in the house and coming to a tourney near you. Submitted by a member of Bomber Spirit Team
The Minor A Red Sox of Greater Bellflower Little League are the Champions of the Inner League Tournaments. The Red Sox were undefeated in the two-game elimination tournaments. They won the inner league tournament against the Minor A Rays on May 26. They had an amazing season. Way to play ball! Pictured left to right are: top row; Coaches Hank, Oscar, Rob, and Miguel; 2nd row; Team Mom Sole, Players: Javier, Angel, Cesar, Miguel, Nick, and Jose; 3rd row; Dontrell, Steve, Alex, and Isaias; 4th Row; Brody, Antonio, Gabriel, and Aaron.
Four deserving cadets in the Lakewood High School Navy JROTC (NJROTC) were recently recognized for their outstanding leadership and academics by the Gen. W. S. Rosecrans Camp 2 of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. They are:1st year Cadet Seaman Brian Bordeaux
2nd year Cadet Petty Officer Jessica Mercurius
3rd year Cadet Ensign Brandon FitzGerald, not pictured
4th year Cadet Ensign Victor Mendoza
Pictured left to right are: Camp Commander Loran Bures, Bordeaux, Mercurius, and Mendoza.
The Long Beach "Bombers" 8U Girls All-Star Fastpitch Softball team recently won their first tournament. Their second win was at the La Habra Field of Dreams Tournament, rain and all. They are tough, spirited competitors and exciting to watch. Go Long Beach Bombers! Pictured left to right are; bottom row: Ariel Romero, Jocelyn Avila, Anissa Ramos, Kaycee Sarno, Zaida Puni, Kaylynn Cebula, Mia Nordgren; middle row: Maya Espinosa, Thessa Malauulu, Makenzie Hutchinson, Johanna Rodriguez, Cassie Camou; top row: Andre Camou, Jose Rodriguez, Robert Mummert - Not shown, Ana Rodriguez - team mom.
At the annual Los Angeles Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Scholar Athlete awards dinner. Each year, 3,000 scholar-athletes are selected by 119 local chapters of The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame for their superior academic and athletic performance as well as for their leadership and community service. These Long Beach Poly seniors received the award this year.Submitted by Chip Whalen
Congratulations to our local 7th and 8th grade boys Beach Cities Lacrosse team! This talented group of boys recently won an exciting playoff game against Donny Lax in overtime in the Adrenaline Lacrosse League. Pictured left to right are: front row: Chris Gallegos, Kevin Rivas, Noah Hanson, Jake Householder, Holden Edmondson, Matthew Fanelli, Edwin Hernandez; second row: Coach Rob Woodley, James Campion, Matthew Taylor, Sam Hite, Trevor Replogle, Kevin Whalen, Spencer Varalyai, Austin French, Sam Fournier, not pictured is Ben Kaplan
Stephens Middle School students recently took a field trip to the El Dorado Nature Center. We had a wonderful morning hiking and exploring nature. These wonderful students are members of the Walking Club, Gardening Club or Spanish Club.Pictured are left to right: Martin Guerrero, Davis Sarabia, Mrs. Rebecca Robbins (Librarian), David Ruiz, Martha Ramirez (parent), Athzari Perez, Alexis Rodriguez, Alan Rodriguez, Ms. Breton (counselor), Ms. Pech (counseling intern), Miguel Mercado, Veronica Mercado (parent), Luis Regalado, Lucia Linares, Vonnae Williams (seated). Also in attendance, but not pictured: Maribel Guerrero (parent), Mrs. Cagnolatti (teacher) and Mr. Alba (teacher).
Submitted by Rebecca Robbins
Sean Simonet donated the toys he collected during his birthday month to The Interval House, which provides crisis intervention and assistance to victims and individuals at risk for domestic and sexual violence, dating violence, and stalking.
This is the second year that Sean has collected and donated toys for his birthday. The Interval House was thrilled to receive such riches for the children who have nothing. Sean would like to thank all of his very generous friends and family. You helped make a difference!
Submitted by The Simonet family
Del Amo Elementary School in Carson donates to Soles4Souls Shoe Drive for Japan. In April, some members of our Student Council sorted and prepared over 180 pairs of men's, women's, and children's shoes that our school collected for Sports Chalet's Soles4Souls campaign.
Submitted by Ms. Fa'auliulito H. Meni
5th Grade Teacher
5th Grade Teacher
Pictured are 135 QUEST 9th graders at CIMI in Catalina. Also pictured are 13 adult parent chaperones, two Millikan teachers, myself, Dave Poerschke and nine camp counselors.
QUEST is an established GATE program with a community of highly motivated, gifted, and talented college bound students. The rigorous curriculum includes accelerated, honors and five required Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The mission of QUEST is to provide a course of study which will engage, motivate, and prepare students for the competitive admissions standards of the UC system and other top universities throughout the nation.
Submitted Leslie Appel
Garden Angels
On a Friday morning in May a group of garden angels, disguised as freshman students from Valley Christian High School, descended on McKinley Elementary School. Their mission - to beautify our campus in time for Open House. The day before Director of Service Learning, Jeff Westrup, delivered a multitude of beautiful plants and flowers. After planting, and with a little time left over, the students from VCHS challenged Ms. Shearin's class to a kickball game. Of course the McKinley 5th graders showed the high school students what kickball is all about. Our students took the opportunity to ask the VCHS students about high school and they in turn discussed the importance of beginning a scholarly attitude in elementary school. Thanks to Mr. Westrup and the freshman student's from Valley Christian our campus looks beautiful and our 5th graders have made some new friends.Submitted by Christy Cleveland
Counselor at McKinley Elementary
Counselor at McKinley Elementary
The culmination of a long and hard fought season for the Beach Futbol Clubs Girl U10 team ended on March 12, 2011 where they became the Sports Authority State Cup Soccer Tournament Champions in the President's Division. The tournament started with a 41 team bracket playing over the course of several weeks. The team, coached by Richard Perez, played eight games, scoring 15 goals, giving up only five goals, with a total of five shut outs. Go Beach!!!Pictured from left to right: Front row: Natalie Almeida, Sara Rubinelli, Faith Ells, Analisa Gjonovich, Saige Simean; Back row: Biffy Tosti, Amaya Gonzalez, Coach Richard Perez, Kara Buono, Lauren Garcia, Rebecca Didonato, Lindsey Kellog, Skylar Herrera
Submitted Jill Rubinelli
Good news, good kids! "United for Others": United Water Polo Club of Los Alamitos held a shoe drive to help the victims of the Japan disasters in March. The players gathered about 400 pair of shoes which Sport Chalet Corporation will ship directly to Japan. The club conducts a quarterly "United for Others" campaign with a focus on giving back to our local and global community.
Submitted by Susan Shey Dvonch
Cub Scout Pack 208 of Lakewood, enjoying a day of Space travel on a trip to the Columbia Memorial Space Center in Downey.
At the "Art of All Ages" fundraising event on May 5, in addition to "grownup" artists lending their talents to support quality early childhood education programs at Comprehensive Child Development (CCD), many "emerging talents" were included in the art making for a good cause. Funds raised from the sales of artworks will directly support needed classroom supplies and the fresh food served to children each day for breakfast and lunch.Children, as young as 3, diligently worked over several weeks to create nearly forty paintings, sculptures, and imaginative abstract art. With gentle guidance from teachers the boys and girls later worked in their own way, inspired by the artwork they'd seen in books and on the walls of their Centers. Using "found" and recycled materials such as twigs, cardboard tubes, pieces of foam they brought to life a variety of objects of all sizes, shapes, colors and textures, even three-dimensional scenes. It was a creative lesson in recycling and giving new purpose to everyday objects.
Pictured here is 4-year-old Juan Cerritos, who said he wanted to paint a picture of the ocean after seeing one in a book. That is how he learned to hold his paints "like an artist in a picture." He attends preschool at CCD's New Harbor Vista Child Development Center in Wilmington. In addition, CCD has three centers in Long Beach, and one in San Pedro, serving more than 500 children of low-income working parents.
Tyler Barnett
Tsipporah Christopher
Jared Grimes
Rajan Hoyle
Morris Jackson
Students from eight area high schools were recently awarded nearly $14,000 in scholarships from the memorial fund of Star Achievers Dollars for Scholars, an affiliated chapter with the parent company, Scholarship America.Each year scholarships are given in memory of pre-teen Adrienne J. Dugas and Rev. Henry Ford, longtime pastor of St. Mark Baptist Church in Long Beach. In their own way, both made a positive difference in the lives of those they came in contact with.
Adrienne was a 12-year-old honor student at Artesia's Faye Ross Middle School, active in band and girl's basketball, when she died suddenly from a brief illness in 1992.
Rev. Ford was the Pastor of St Mark Baptist Church from 1964 until his death in 1987. He was devoted to Long Beach and serve in many areas including Chairman of the Poly High Redevelopment Project Area Committee and President of the United Ministerial Alliance of Long Beach.
In 1993, the Dugas and Ford families collaborated and founded the Star Achievers Dollars for Scholars. The motto adopted by the Star Achiever's Chapter, "If I can help somebody along the way, then my living will not be in vain," epitomizes the short life of Adrienne and the life of Rev. Ford.
This year marks the 19th year Adrienne's parents, Edmond and Lenora Dugas and Rev. Ford's widow, Arbedella Ford, have given scholarships for more than 150 college-bound high school students.
Recipients of this year's scholarships are: Cera Smith, Tyler Barnett and Tsipporah Christopher of Cerritos High School; Rajan Hoyle, Rebekah Oragwu, Anthony Welch and Taijhe Kelly of Poly High School; Christopher Odudu of Mayfair High School; Jared Grimes of Wilson High School; Morris Jackson of Norwalk High School; Violett McClay of Jordan High School Marcel Jones and Tierra Moore of Lakewood High; and Alvinisha Joseph of Pacific Palisades High School.
The Star Achievers is grateful for the continued financial support of family, friends and corporate sponsors: Southern California Edison, Employees Fund of Boeing California and The Chesterfield Home Depot.
Marcel Jones
Alvinisha Joseph
Taijhe Kelly
Violett McClay
Tierra Moore
Christopher Odudu
Rebekah Oragwu
Jazmine Epperson graduated from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Explorer Class 85 on January 29. She was one of 122 recruits who endured mental and physical training at the STARS Center in Whittier.Recruits trained every Saturday at the STARS Center for 18 weeks. The recruits come from various Law Enforcement agencies, including Long Beach, Pasadena, Monterey Park, West Covina, Huntington Park, Baldwin Park School, Pomona, Irwindale, Whittier, Bell Gardens and Montebello. During the 18-weeks, the young men and women, ages ranging from 14 to 20 years old, are taught the history of Law Enforcement and expectation of Explorers.
The program is designed to show students how to be Explorers, work with deputies and possibly embark on a law enforcement career. Recruits were given different responsibilities and were divided into groups called platoons. There were 27 recruits in each platoon. By the 4th week Jazmine was Platoon Sgt., one of eight. She was responsible for attendance and ensuring her platoon was squared away. By the 12th week, Jazmine became Class Sgt. During this time she acquired more responsibilities. If the Class Sgt. was not on point, he or she was removed from the position.
Jazmine remained Class Sgt. until graduation. What a privilege it was. Jazmine graduated as an Honor Recruit. An Honor Recruit is the individual who has demonstrated leadership traits. She was most squared away (meaning appearance was together, shoes shined, well groomed). She was at the top of the class academically. When you are Honor Recruit, you are asked back to Academy to be a Drill Instructor to train new recruits.
Jazmine is a Junior at Cerritos High School. She has been a Honor student since ninth grade and is currently enrolled in an AP class. On March 10 the City of Cerritos honored her with a Proclamation for her achievement from the Sheriff's Academy. Jazmine is the first Honor Recruit the Cerritos Sheriff's Department has ever had.
Submitted by Deborah Epperson
On February 17, Jefferson Leadership Academies held an exciting and fun filled women's basketball game. Female teachers, staff and alumni from Jefferson went head to head with the ladies of the Long Beach Police Department. The standing room only audience of students and parents cheered enthusiastically for both teams and for the excellent half-time show featuring student talent. All proceeds raised went towards the 8th grade class trip to the Museum of Tolerance. The final score was LBPD 43, Jefferson 31.Submitted by Kimberly Dalton
Assistant Principal
Jefferson Leadership Acadamies
Assistant Principal
Jefferson Leadership Acadamies
Jammies for Japan!
Lewis Elementary School, in Downey, participated in a wonderful activity, called "Jammies for Japan," on March 24. Students who wanted to come to school in their pajamas donated one dollar to help out the earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan. A lot of kids came in pajamas and so did some teachers.
We raised $1,073.63 to go to the Red Cross Foundation. It was very exciting to see how much money we raised. The student council participated to collect the money and so many people brought even more than one dollar. I think that everybody who brought money showed the Character Pillar of Caring. The special thing about it is that it came from the heart.
Written by Mercy Varela, 5th grade student
Lewis Elementary, Downey
Pictured is Mrs. Dubei's kindergarten class
Submitted by Todd Graves
Lewis Elementary, Downey
Pictured is Mrs. Dubei's kindergarten class
Submitted by Todd Graves
Local Student Named California Geographic Bee Semifinalist by National Geographic Society for Second Consecutive Year
Mathew Taylor, an 8th grader from Mayfair Middle School in Lakewood was notified by the National Geographic Society that for the second consecutive year he was one of the semifinalists eligible to compete in the 2011 California Geographic Bee, sponsored by Google and Plum Creek. Bees were held in schools with 4th through 8th grade students throughout the state to determine each school's Geographic Bee winner. School-level winners then took a qualifying test, which they submitted to the National Geographic Society. In each of the 50 states, as well as District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Dependents Schools, and the U.S. territories, the National Geographic Society invited students with the top 100 scores to compete at state level.
The 2011 California Geographic Bee was held in Sacramento at Cosumnes River College on April 1.
For additional information on the National Geographic Bee please visit www.nationalgeographic.com/geobee.
James Madison Elementary School held it's first technology fundraiser "Fit-a-Thon" on March 17. Madison students, decked out in St. Patrick's Day green rotated through stations of Tai-bow exercises, an obstacle course, ran 1/4 mile, and jumped roped and hulu hooped for aerobic exercise. It sounds like a lot of work, but students were all smiles as they rotated through the fitness stations. Funds raised will be used specifically for document cameras and projectors for Madison classrooms. Principal Duenas, parents, teachers have made a goal of improving education with updated technology at James Madison. Donations can still be made by calling Madison Elementary School at 562-420-7731.
Here are 14 of the 15 Jordan High School students who trained and completed the Los Angeles Marathon on March 20. The students had been training since September to achieve their goal of 26.2 miles. They worked hard in training and on race day in cold rain, hail and wind. Despite the conditions, all students finished and were at school the following day to take this group picture. They are an incredible group of young people and we are very proud of them.
Front Row Kneeling: Brenda Salazar, Elizabeth Hernandez, Diana Martinez; middle row: Coach Sandra Del Cid, Gladis Rivera, Illiana Garcia, Evelin Llamas, Yoselin Chavez, Yessenia Samayoa, Coach Whitney Gomes; back row: Marco Iniguez, Eric Nao, Myrian Lamas, Alfonso Escobar, Jennifer Samayoa, Stacey Walker
Not pictured is Javier Reyes.
Submitted by Whitney Gomes
History/Social Science Teacher
Jordan High School
History/Social Science Teacher
Jordan High School
McKinley Kids Kick It To College!
During the month of April, our 3rd and 5th grade students will be in a kickball tournament with an equal number of fraternity and sorority students from CSULB. The students from "The Beach" will be raising money for new sports equipment for McKinley. When Zeta Beta Tau fraternity president, Ryan Gardner, (Ryan is one of my former kindergarten students, how quickly they grow up!), first approached me with the concept, our McKinley leadership team enthusiastically approved it. Ironically, our 4th grade students will be touring CSULB that day.The sororities and fraternity are also providing each of our students with a small memento complete with CSULB's insignia on it. This is to remind our students that college can definitely be a part of their future.
Go Cougars! Go Beach!
Pictured are: McKinley Students, LeJoy, Rachel, and Deanna help CSULB's Zeta Beta Tau member Tucker "Keanu" Troy, President Ryan Gardner, and member Steve Ueda, plan out our kickball tournament.
Submitted by Christy Cleveland
McKinley Counselor
McKinley Counselor
Each Monday we collect bottles and cans, ink cartridges and drink pouches at Prisk Elementary School to make sure to keep them out of the waste stream, conserve the energy and resources it takes to make them and bring in much needed money for our school and its programs. Submitted by Candy Jennings,
retired science teacher,
now a volunteer at Prisk School
retired science teacher,
now a volunteer at Prisk School
