Valencia Team Earns Science Olympiad Honors
Congratulations to the Science Olympiad team from Valencia High School, which brought home honors from the Los Angeles Regional Science Olympiad. Valencia’s 15-member team earned the Best Sportsmanship Award, given to only one of the 36 high schools in the competition, which included a $100 cash prize. Ryan and Kevin Casey brought home medals in “Remote Sensing” for the team. Chris Cunningham, Jacob Waschak and Zachary Lentz drew attention with the Rube Goldberg device they built for the Technology and Engineering event, “Mission Possible.” Their demonstration ended with the successful raising of a Valencia High School flag as the final step in the sequence.
Arroyo Seco Girls Receive Science Camp Scholarships
Congratulations to Devani Cordero, Haley Buggle, Amy Buffham and Jennifer Buettner, who were awarded scholarships to the American Association of University Women’s Tech Trek Science Camp for Girls. The seventh graders went through a rigorous selection process to receive the grants. They will take part in an exciting weeklong residential math, science and technology camp this summer on a university campus.
Live Interviews Enhance Job Readiness
Acknowledging that the world of work is ever changing, Saugus High School teacher Kevin Miner and Career Visions Transition Adviser Louise Willard wanted their students to be prepared for every eventuality–even when interviewing. They arranged for their students to interview first with a variety of people on campus and then have their official interview videotaped. Each student received a professional copy of their own video, thanks to Placerita Lead Supervisor Joe Willard. Additionally, the class was able to review all of the taped interview and enjoy a bloopers reel complete with special effects.
Dental Students Volunteer at Los Angeles Clinic
Students in the Hart District Regional Occupational Program’s Dental Assisting class got some hands-on experience while participating in the giant Remopte Access Medical (RAM) Free Clinic at the Los Angeles Sports Arena. The free clinic offered medical, dental and vision screening, and the organizers brought in 100 dental chairs to help process the anticipated record number of patients. ROP dental students volunteered their services over and above their class and on-the-job time required by their program, working alongside volunteer dentists and hygienists at no cost to the patients. The clinic was seeing approximately 1200 people in need each day for seven days. The Hart district students received high compliments and several even received job offers from the dentists they were assisting!
West Ranch Students Compete in Business Marketing Plans
Students in Linda Cox’s marketing classes at West Ranch High School used the school’s Open House to launch a competition for the best business marketing plan. Students in the marketing classes were required to initiate a business and display various marketing and advertising strategies. Judges Dan Goetz and Ron Rudzinski scored the projects and questioned the students on their business decisions. Top contest winners were Brittaney Sarmiento for Best Business Plan, Ingred Jelderks and Funke Aderonmu for Top Judges’ Questions, and Melissa Fox for Top Business Name.
Golden Valley Students Support Worthy Causes
Student government leaders at Golden Valley High School have been busy supporting worthy causes, by making a statement and collecting money to help others. ASB leaders make up miniature “blue jeans” to support Denim Day and raise awareness about sexual violence. Students purchased the miniature denims in the student store to wear on Denim Day, and the proceeds were donated to the Domestic Violence Center of SCV. ASB also sponsored a “Couples for a Cure” campaign in which partners collected funds for the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society using specially decorated milk jugs. The school raised $1300 for LLS.
Hart High Dance Team Ends Season with Showcase
Hart High School’s award-winning Dance Team closed their performance year with an “Alice in Wonderland” themed showcase. Local high schools and many private dance studios brought some of their best numbers to share with the appreciative audiences. Biggest hit was the coed closing number featuring the Hart Dance Team girls and Hart High boys dressed as their favorite super heroes. The team recognized this year’s graduating seniors, Melissa Dubron, Kaitlin Flores, Carly Ramsey and Kimmi Scott.
River Hawk Walk Aids P.E. Department
Rio Norte Junior High School students walked and ran to support their own physical fitness and earn funds for their school’s Physical Education Department in their annual River Hawk Walk. The two day, fun-filled event encourages students and parents to walk or run while listening to music. Although rain was predicted, the day turned out fine and students, staff and volunteers enjoyed beautiful weather as they worked on their physical fitness goals. The event raised some $20,000 to support the school’s P.E. program.
Celebs Boost Placerita Test Scores
In an effort to boost STAR scores and student motivation, Placerita Junior High School teacher Paul Kass gathered celebrities to provide motivational messages to students during the Miner Morning television broadcast. Among the famous celebs were BMX Olympic silver medalist Mike Day, actress Tracy Gold, pro football player Manuel White, America’s Next Top Model finalist Mercedes Yvette, actor Creagan Dow and State Superintendent of Education Jack O’Connell. These “shout outs” were presented to Placerita students on the days just prior to STAR testing.
