Eighteen outstanding students in the Hart District's Regional Occupational Program came away from the annual ROP awards ceremony, held Monday, with medals attesting to their excellent academic achievement and positive attitudes in the career-oriented ROP classes in which they are enrolled. As a highlight of the program, Florencia Camargo, a Golden Valley High School senior, was named to the ROP Hall of Fame as this year's top ROP student. Hart District ROP served more than 2,200 students in the 2010-2011 school year. The award ceremony was held at Rio Norte Junior High School MPR.
Instructors in all 94 ROP classes chose the outstanding student in their class, according to criteria established in advance. The selected students were then invited to participate in interviews before a panel of professionals in one of six industry clusters, and to submit an essay about their experience in ROP. Eighteen students were then selected as medalists. Once the gold, silver and bronze medalists were chosen in the six clusters, the gold medalists' essays were reviewed by Rob Challinor, Hart District Superintendent and Rob Gapper and Vicki Engbrecht, Assistant Superintendents, to determine the Hall of Fame winner.
Camargo, the Hall of Fame winner, is the gold medalist from the Public Services sector. As the gold medal winner, she went on to be considered for Hall of Fame status. Camargo was selected by teacher Sgt. Michael Waldman as the outstanding student in the ROP Law Enforcement class. "Florencia possesses excellent communication skills, outstanding writing abilities, and presents a positive self image," Sgt Waldman noted.
The other medalists in the Public Services sector are, Silver: Elizabeth Casique, Golden Valley senior, Law Academy-Sheriff Explorer, instructor, Sgt. Jonathan Melville. Bronze: Gabriella Iacovetti, Golden Valley senior, Forensics & Crime Scene Investigation, instructor, Lt. Mark Hershey.
In the Building Trades & Transportation sector, the gold medalist was Dale Herbert. His instructor of Automotive Technology, George Reeves, states that D.J. displays good character and sets a great standard for all students. He is always punctual, very helpful to his fellow students, and is willing to help out whenever asked. Silver medalist: Ryan Bernstein, Canyon High School junior; Bronze medalist: Isaac Walker, Golden Valley High School senior. Both Bernstein and Walker were enrolled in Construction Technology, with Rick Villalovos, instructor.
Robert Nichols earned the gold medal in the Design, Marketing & Finance sector. Nichols is a Golden Valley High School senior. Bryan Kerness tells us Robert has shown enthusiasm to learn from the first day of Exploring Engineering Technology class. He showed leadership and technological ability in projects that have been assigned. Other medalists in the Design, Marketing & Finance sector:
Silver: Sonia Sanchez, Golden Valley senior, Virtual Enterprise Class, instructor: Summer O'Brien. Bronze: Colette Vartanian, Saugus junior, Banking Occupations, instructor: Kathy Stone.
Luzita Pineda earned the gold in the Health & Child Development sector. Pineda is a Canyon junior, enrolled in Tammy Damon's Child Care Occupations class. Damon states that while Pineda is at her preschool on the job training site with the kids she is "very attentive, respectful and very hard working." Damon goes on to state, "While Pineda is working in the class with the children she seems at ease with them not afraid to talk to them or help them." Silver: Karla Aguirre, Golden Valley senior, Dental Assistant program, instructor, Pamela English. Bronze: Justin Santillan, Valencia senior, Physical Therapy, instructor Dr. Chris Faldmo.
Jake Keller is the gold medal winner in the Hospitality, Tourism, & Natural Resources sector. Keller is a Golden Valley junior, enrolled in the ROP Culinary Arts program with Chef Fred Jean-Marie. Chef Jean-Marie states that "Jake is clearly passionate about food and is willing to try anything. He follows directions and has no problem working independently. Academically Jake always receives top scores, but more importantly he has a natural talent for the Culinary Arts." Silver: Riley Combs, Valencia senior, Culinary Arts (Advanced), instructor, Chef Fred Jean-Marie. Bronze: Kendall Dusenberry, Hart junior, Floristry, instructor, Diana Causey.
Zachary Gee is the gold medalist in the Media, Product Development & Information Technology sector. Gee is a Valencia senior, in the ROP Screen Printing with instructor John Whalen. Whalen states that Gee has taken his knowledge from the beginning silk screen class and formed a business. He has created, marketed and sold his own clothing brand from scratch! He has a creative side that draws in continued peer support of the product and he is very driven and motivated. When his projects are done he will help others with their projects or create new designs for his business. Silver: Marcus Connors, West Ranch senior, Entertainment/Performance Occupations, instructor, John Moskal. Bronze: Carli Bjerke, Saugus junior, Digital Photography, instructor, Art Balena.
All six gold medalists will be recognized by the Olympic Chapter of the California Association of Regional Occupational Centers/Programs (CAROCP) and will given a $100 scholarship on May 24. Hall of Fame winner, Camargo will have her name engraved on a perpetual plaque proudly displayed for one year at her school. Golden Valley High School Principal Sal Frias attended the awards ceremony and is very proud of Camargo's accomplishments. She will receive an additional $100 scholarship from CAROCP.
The awards ceremony carried an ocean theme, "Let ROP Put YOU in the Captain's Seat of Your Future," with tropical themed entertainment by students in the ROP Entertainment Performance class. The show was co-written and directed by Valencia High School junior Bree Lopez and class instructor John Moskal. The winning poster was designed by the ROP Virtual Enterprise class, depicting a sail boat with a ROP logo sail charting the ocean. Kaitlin Boka from Saugus High School and Cole Barker from West Ranch High School were mistress and master of ceremonies.
The Hart District's Regional Occupational Program offers a wide array of career-driven classes designed to meet industry needs and offer students skills that will provide them with meaningful jobs during and after high school and, in many cases, inspire them to pursue higher education within their chosen industry. ROP classes are open to students 16 years and older. They are free to high school students and available at a nominal charge to adults on a space-available basis.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Gail Pinsker - Community Liaison Officer - (661) 259-0033 Ext. 227 |
