Category Archives: Local School News

Quail Summit Loves on Local Seniors

By Kelli Gile

DIAMOND BAR-Quail Summit Elementary students delivered hundreds of handmade valentines to Diamond Bar senior citizens on February 9.
About 25 students, representing every class on campus, traveled by bus to the meeting at the Diamond Bar Center. The children carried a total of 649 simple messages of kindness, one from every student on campus.
“I think it will make them feel really happy and valued,” shared 4th grader Violet Kieta before the children began mingling from table to table while passing out the Valentine’s Day gifts.
Many of the pink and red heart-shaped cards included read “Be Mine,” “You are Very Special,” and “Have a Great Valentine’s Day” and included sweet personal notes and artwork from the children. The seniors were thrilled to receive the love messages.
“I’ve been looking forward to this,” exclaimed Marjorie Fair. “I’ll put the valentines on my refrigerator!”
“They’ve been so good to us again this year!” said another senior admiring his new cards.
The young visitors are members of the Character Crew leadership group. Elementary learning specialist Leann Legind and teachers Kathy McLean and Pam Leslie work with students during school and community service activities that promote good character. This year, Leslie’s fifth grade class volunteered to make a batch of cookies, including chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, Snickerdoodles, and s’mores, as a gift for the seniors.
“The kids brought in recipes and got a chance to practice math skills while calculating measurements during the baking session,” Leslie explained.
The Diamond Bar Senior Citizen’s Club provides generous support to the school each year, funding recent activities including an author visit, tree dedication, mix-it-up day, and blanket donations for foster children. The Valentine’s Day cards were the perfect way for students to show their appreciation.
“Thank you for being so kind and generous to us and being amazing role models,” Legind said. “You have impacted us in so many ways, and because of you we were able to impact others.”
“It was special seeing all the senior citizens smile!” said 5thgrader Janiyah Hunsaker.
Quail Summit continued spreading a message of kindness and love during an 11 a.m. assembly marking the beginning of a new event. Mr. John’s Day of Kindness will now be held each year in honor of the school’s beloved custodian John Bisaha, who passed away last fall. Bisaha worked at Quail Summit for 25 years and made lasting connections with students, staff, and parents.
“He left ripples of kindness on our campus and we want to remember him,” Principal Jeanette Koh said. “To honor Mr. John, we’ll always have a day in February, near his birthday, as a day of kindness.”
Several family members were on hand for the unveiling of a portrait created by gifted artist and former parent, Margot Bloom. The school will display acts of kindness along with the painting inscribed “The Heart of Quail Summit.”
“Mr. John exemplified that every day,” Koh added.
The student body demonstrated compassion on its first official day of kindness by collecting five boxes of donations for furry friends at the Inland Valley Humane Society. Character Crew members also created cat toys from socks, batting, and cat nip, and painted “You are Paw-Some” and “Adopt Me!” messages on dog bandanas to help touch the heart of someone wanting to adopt a new pet.
“We encourage our students to spread kindness every single day,” Koh said.

$50K in Scholarships Available for Class of 2016

Courtesy of CVUSD

CHINO– Tim Adams, of School Portraits by Adams Photography, provided the Board of Education with the largest check to date of proceeds from the “Hit the Greens for Scholarships” Golf Tournament held every November. Adams has been hosting the tournament for the district for six years. This year’s check in the amount of $31,329.29, added to funds available from previous years, enables the district to distribute $50,000 to students, the largest amount since the tournament began. To date, more than $145,000 has been given to 116 seniors.

“The opportunity to assist students as they choose to continue their education is something that we consider a privilege,” said Tim Adams of School Portraits.

The scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors at each of the following schools: Ayala, Buena Vista, Chino, Chino Hills, and Don Lugo. The application period has begun and will continue through Feb. 29.
Seniors at each of those schools may apply for one of the following:
• Spirit of Chino Valley Unified
Awarded to a student who has volunteered at school or in the community, has embodied school spirit by serving in a student leadership role, has participated in school activities that promote good citizenship, and has an outstanding attendance record.

• President’s Award
Awarded to a student in need of financial assistance to continue their education.

• Superintendent’s Award
Awarded to a student who has embraced academic rigor and excelled by earning an overall grade point average of 3.8 or higher.
The application is available on the District website (www.chino.k12.ca.us) with a cover letter and checklist for submission.

South Pointe Named California 2016 ‘School to Watch’

By Kelli Gile

Photo Courtesy of WVUSD South Pointe 8th Graders Enjoy STEM activities

Photo Courtesy of WVUSD
South Pointe 8th Graders Enjoy STEM activities

DIAMOND BAR—South Pointe Middle School has been designated as a model middle school in the 2015-16 Schools to Watch–Taking Center Stage program.

A total of 11 high-performing middle schools in California will receive this year’s award for academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, and social equity.

South Pointe is now among a select cadre of 78 schools in the state and more than 450 around the nation that are Schools to Watch.

“We are thrilled to have received this recognition,” said Principal Susan Arzola. “Our school community has worked very hard to create an exciting and challenging middle school program that inspires students to achieve their potential and look to their future!”

Schools to Watch, which are recognized at both the state and national level, become examples for middle schools across the country.  South Pointe becomes the first school in Walnut Valley USD to receive the prestigious award.

“South Pointe is committed to providing students with a strong academic foundation to foster success as they move toward high school, college, and careers,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor.

On Thursday, February 18 at 8:00 a.m., students, staff, administrators, board members, and community members will celebrate the selection as one of California’s newest Schools to Watch in the school’s multipurpose room.

South Pointe prepares students to be globally competitive through the integration of science, technology, engineering, the arts and math (STEAM).  “We are proudly preparing the next generation of leaders,” added Arzola.

All of California’s Model Schools will also be formally recognized in Sacramento and Washington D.C.  The schools will have an opportunity to showcase their accomplishments and network with other middle grades educators from around the state.

South Pointe applied for the designation and was chosen among schools from across the nation.  In order to become a School to Watch, applicants must have met or exceeded the Academic Performance Index (API) school-wide growth target for three of the previous five years.  School administrators must conduct a self-study evaluation and complete an extensive narrative application.  Each site is then reviewed by a team of middle grades experts. In order to retain the designation, each school is re-evaluated every three years.

The California Department of Education and the California League of Middle Schools are the lead agencies in the program, with the support of the California Middle Grades Alliance, a collaborative dedicated to providing policy assistance and encouragement for California’s 1.5 million middle grades students.

California’s Schools to Watch-Taking Center Stage program uses a competitive, rigorous review process to identify high performing, high impact middle schools so that all middle schools may have models of real-world success

 

Ayala Teacher Named to Wrestling Hall of Fame

Terry Martin

Terry Martin

Courtesy of CVUSD

CHINO HILLS– Ayala High School’s Terry Martin will be inducted this spring into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, California Chapter, for his Lifetime Service to Wrestling.  The Lifetime Service award is given in recognition of years of dedication to the development of leadership and citizenship in youth through the sport of wrestling.

Martin coached wrestling for more than 30 years, half of that time at Ayala. He began his coaching career at Oklahoma University after wrestling for the Sooners, and is a proud alumnus of the university.  Coach Martin is a member of the Mt. San Antonio College Hall of Fame and has been named L.A. Times Wrestling Coach of the Year once.  He is a member of the CIF Wrestling Advisory Committee, has 1 CIF Championship, been Runner-Up 7 times, has 11 Sierra League Championships, and has coached 16 CIF Individual Champions and 8 CIF State Champions.  Coach Martin continues to teach at the school but stepped away from coaching last year.

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, headquartered in Stillwater, Oklahoma, pays tribute to coaches, officials, and contributors who represent “the best qualities the sport of wrestling has to offer and who share those characteristics with young people day in and out,” according to Dan Dierdorff, President of the California Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

This year’s induction ceremony will be held May 21 in Laguna Hills.

 

SMS Students Medal in National Math Exam

Photo Courtesy of WVUSD Top award winners Darren Chen, William Lin, and Amber Tsao

Photo Courtesy of WVUSD
Top award winners Darren Chen, William Lin, and Amber Tsao

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT– Fifty Suzanne Middle School students recently participated in the challenging AMC 8 math contest.

During the national event, mathletes tackle 25 multiple-choice questions on the 40-minute timed competition. Questions cover many different topics, which exceed the normal middle school curriculum.  The top three school finishers earned medals.

Darren Chen, grade 8, took home the gold medal with a top score of 23 out of 25. He was also awarded an Honor Roll of Distinction Certificate for scoring in the top 1% in the nation.

William Lin, grade 8, earned the silver medal with a score of 20 out of 25.  He also earned an Honor Roll Certificate for scoring in the top 5% in the nation.

Amber Tsao, grade 8, earned the bronze medal with a score of 17 out of 25. Additionally, she earned an Honor Roll Certificate for scoring in the top 5% in the nation.

Joining the medal winners with Honor Roll Certificates were fellow eighth graders Joseph Xu, Katherine Lee, Tyler Xu, Rongtian Yue and 6th grader Joshua Hsu.

Joshua Hsu was also awarded a Certificate of Achievement for scoring above 15 as a sixth grader.

The top-ten middle school students will also participate in the AMC 10 on February 17.

“I am very proud of the students for all of their hard work, dedication and achievements.  Well done!” commented math teacher Amy Erickson.

“I am very proud of our Math Counts students and the level of success they have achieved this year,” added Principal Les Ojeda. “They have done a great job representing our school and I am proud to be their principal. Ms. Erickson has done an outstanding job as their coach and goes above and beyond preparing them for their competitions.”

 

National Signing Day in the Chino Valley

Courtesy of Facebook Emily Nguyen signs her letter of intent to Finlandia University in Michigan.

Courtesy of Facebook
Emily Nguyen signs her letter of intent to Finlandia University in Michigan.

By Carol Heyen

Chino Valley – Chino Valley Unified had more than two dozen seniors sign with universities on February 3 and 4, as part of National Signing Week.

The annual event allows America’s most talented high school senior student-athletes their first opportunity to sign a binding letter of intent to a NCAA school.  The event has become well-known as major colleges such as USC, Michigan, Alabama, Ole Miss and others sign their football recruits during this time.   The letter of intent restricts a recruit to signing with only one school in the NCAA.   National Signing Day is typically on the first Wednesday in February, according to Sports Illustrated.

Football is the big topic when talking about National Signing Week, but other sports are included as well.  Chino Valley Unified had several recruits sign this year in different sports such as softball, water polo, baseball, gymnastics and soccer.

Chino Hills High School’s Emily Nguyen, who will be majoring in Criminal Justice at Finlandia University in Michigan, said this week that while she will miss her family and friends in Chino Hills, she is excited for the change of scenery and the adventure that college holds.   “Signing day was one of the biggest days of my life; it meant that I knew I was going to do what I love while learning at the same time.”  She also said that Signing Day was especially sentimental because she got to sign with her best friend, Emily Luna, who will be attending Wilmington University in the fall.  The duo started playing together on a 8U Chino Hills Girls Softball team, and have been friends since.

Congratulations to all CVUSD student-athletes!

Walnut Valley Now Registering for 2016-17 School Year

 By Kelli Gile

 

WALNUT–The Walnut Valley Unified School District is currently registering for the 2016-2017 school year for those elementary children new to the district, at any grade level.

You may register your child for transitional kindergarten if he/she turns 5 years old between September 2nd and December 2nd.  Students must be 5 years of age on or before September 1, to enroll in kindergarten for the 2016-2017 school year.

At the time of registration, parents will be asked to present a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate or passport, proof of the child’s immunizations, and for kindergarten and 1st grade, proof of an oral health examination.  For residency verification, parents will also need to provide either final escrow papers, mortgage statement or lease/rental agreement, along with a current utility bill (gas, water or electric bill) and a driver’s license (or California I.D.) with current home address.  Enrollment is ongoing, and your residence address determines the elementary school where you should enroll your child.

The Walnut Valley Unified School District offers quality day care programs at all elementary sites, for both before and after school hours.  You may contact the Child Care office at 909-444-3460 for additional information and fees.

 

CVUSD Seniors Perform Community Service

Photos courtesy of CVUSD Caitlyn Broad surrounded by Navy sailors and the goodie bags she made them

Photos courtesy of CVUSD
Caitlyn Broad surrounded by Navy sailors and the goodie bags she made them

Courtesy of CVUSD

As part of a literary unit on heroism, 12th grade students from across the Chino Valley Unified School District devoted several volunteer hours in community service over the winter break. Projects varied from volunteering at food banks and homeless shelters to cleaning up trails and parking lots across the city. Students were asked to “pitch” a proposal to a panel of their peers and suggest projects that would be classified as heroic. As part of a culminating experience which emphasizes effective oral communication, students prepared and delivered five-minute speeches sharing their experiences and addressing major societal issues.

Caitlin Broad, an Ayala High senior, traveled to the Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach with 40 goodie bags she prepared as thank you gifts for active duty sailors. Caitlin’s experience was especially meaningful to her as she was escorted by her father and grandfather, who are both Navy veterans.

Another Ayala senior, Diane Eckstrom, relieved her relatives in the daily care of her 94-year-old grandmother and delivered a speech on the need for loving elder care.

Priceless Pets, a pet adoption and care facility in Chino Hills, was a favorite organization of the volunteers, who exercised and cared for the animals. Ayala senior Terrance Seki walked dogs for Priceless Pets as part of his volunteer experience.

Ayala High senior Jake Sears, who cleaned up litter at Chino Hills State Park, told his classmates, “It shouldn’t be that difficult to clean up after yourself.”

Ayala students Jacob Axton and Calista Ho worked at a local food bank.

Most of the students involved in the program said they did not believe their efforts should be labeled heroic but rather just the actions of responsible citizens.

The curriculum unit writers included this project as part of the District’s implementation of Common Core State Standards to create real world experiences to develop 21st century skills. Teachers were impressed with their students’ passion towards the less fortunate and their appeals to their classmates to do the little things to show care for their community.

Congressional App Challenge Awards

By Carol Heyen

 

YORBA LINDA– U.S. Representative Ed Royce invites the community to attend the Congressional App Challenge 2016 Exhibit & Awards Ceremony, to be held 7:00 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Nixon Library & Museum in Yorba Linda.

The Congressional App Challenge is a competition aimed at encouraging U.S. high school students to learn how to code by creating their own applications. The Challenge is intended to highlight the value of computer science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education and encourage students to engage in these fields. By encouraging and recognizing our nation’s young programming talent, Congress hopes to shine a light on the growing importance of these skills.

High school age students are eligible to compete.  Students are required to create an original web app, a mobile app, or a tool, for whatever topic they are passionate about.  Students can enter an app on their own or as a team of up to four. A panel of local computer science professionals and congressional representatives judges the apps, and the winners in each district have the honor of being recognized by their Congressional representative.

Students will have the opportunity to meet experts in computer application development and engineering at the awards ceremony.  There will also be exhibits of computer applications developed by high school students.   Competition winners will have their work displayed in the United States Capitol.

Representative Royce is the U.S. representative for Chino, Chino Hills, Diamond Bar, Walnut and some surrounding cities, and he is a strong supporter of the App Challenge.  For more information, and to find out about next year’s contest, visit www.challenge.gov or www.congressionalappchallenge.us.

Lonzo Ball Named Mc Donald’s All American

Lonzo Ball receives his Mc Donald’s All American Jersey Photo credit: Mc Donald’s All American Game

Lonzo Ball receives his Mc Donald’s All American Jersey
Photo credit: Mc Donald’s All American Game

Staff Reports

Chino Hills– The McDonald’s All American Games unveiled the official rosters for the 39th annual boys game and 15th annual girls game during the McDonald’s All American Games Selection Show on January 17.  The final rosters include the top talent from 14 states.  Chino Hills’ own Lonzo Ball made the cut, and will be representing the West team in the game.

Lonzo, a 6’6” senior from Chino Hills, has already committed to UCLA, as have his two younger brothers, junior LiAngelo and freshman LaMelo.

“I want to thank my family and teammates because through the journey we all travel together,” Ball said during the McDonald’s All American Game Hometown Heroes tour presented by American Family Insurance. “Hopefully it doesn’t stop here.”

Lonzo says that the pressure of being a good example doesn’t affect him too much, as he has been out front his whole life as the eldest of the trio.  “I just go out and lead by example, and hopefully they follow.”

The nation’s premier high school basketball All Star event will take place for the sixth consecutive year March 30 at Chicago’s United Center.  The boys’ game starts at 8 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN.

“The future of basketball will again be on full display in Chicago on March 30,” said Douglas Freeland, director of the McDonald’s All American Games. “The McDonald’s All American Game is the one game all high school age and younger, hoops players aspire to reach.”

Since 1978, more than 1,200 players have competed in the McDonald’s All American Games.

They form an elite group of some of the top names in basketball history, including Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Candace Parker, Maya Moore and Elena Delle Donne. Alumni include current college standouts Ben Simmons of LSU, Melo Trimble of Maryland, and UConn’s Breanna Stewart.

Net proceeds from the Games benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). Since its inception, the McDonald’s All American Games have raised more than $11 million for the Charity.

Walnut Valley Trustees Honor Students, Community Members

Photo courtesy of WVUSD Quail Summit Elementary 2nd grader Jonathan Chen was recognized with the Super Star Student Award. Jonathan is shown with Principal Jeanette Koh and Board President Helen Hall.

Photo courtesy of WVUSD
Quail Summit Elementary 2nd grader Jonathan Chen was recognized with the Super Star Student Award. Jonathan is shown with Principal Jeanette Koh and Board President Helen Hall.

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT—During the January 20 regular meeting, the Walnut Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees paid tribute to star students and valued volunteers who are making a difference in schools.

CJ Morris Elementary 4th grader Alejandra Urrieta won the 2015 “Holidays around the World” greeting card contest.  The talented young artist was recognized with a certificate and framed copy of her entry by Board President Helen Hall. She also received a family gift pack to Chick fil-A restaurant courtesy of owners Bob and Michelle Sun.

“Alejandra is a wonderful young lady. She always has a smile on her face, is kind to others, works hard, and is a really good artist!” said Principal Shehzad Bhojani.

Collegewood Elementary 2nd grader Coben Swanson received the Super Star Student Award. Coben has been fighting cancer since November.  “He really exemplifies bravery and has inspired our entire Collegewood community,” said Principal Joan Perez.

The school, now known as “Team Coben”, created a video get-well message where students, staff, and parents shared special sentiments, words of encouragement, and even a dance from his classmates.

“Coben is my hero,” sang teacher Elvonne Vance during the presentation.  Coben also loves “Star Wars” and actor Mark Hamel recently visited him in the hospital.  “He is battling leukemia like a Jedi,” Perez added.

Parent volunteers Denis and Terry Tamashiro were honored as Collegewood Elementary Partners in Education.  “Collegewood’s Partners in Education wrap their arms around our school community to help us serve our students and prepare them for what’s next in life. Mr. and Mrs. Tamashiro have served for over 10 years and together have provided a level of service leadership that is truly commendable,” said Perez.

The active Community Club members have helped chair numerous events, including staff appreciation luncheons, carnivals, after-school snack sales, and the Night of Giving. For the past several years, they have designed and taken photos for the school yearbook.

Quail Summit Elementary 2nd grader Jonathan Chen was recognized with the Super Star Student Award.   An avid chess player and member of the US Chess Federation, for the past two years Jonathan competed in the National K-12 Championship held in Orlando, Florida. Both years he took 1st place in his grade level division and returned to school with a huge trophy and a heartfelt message for his principal.

“He said, “Look, I what won for Quail Summit!” Principal Jeanette Koh shared.

Koh said she was impressed with his love and passion for the game, which he wants to share with schoolmates. Soon Jonathan, with the help of his parents, will be starting a chess team.

“Now when he goes on these competitions, he will have a Quail Summit team!” Koh added.

Longtime volunteers Jack and Wanda Tanaka were lauded as Partners in Education for Quail Summit.  “They exemplify serving from their heart,” Principal Koh shared.  “They’ve given so much to our staff – we think we are their favorite school!” Koh said as teachers cheered in the audience.

Each year, the Tanakas supervise the set up of a haunted mansion for the school carnival with 30-50 middle and high school Leo Club volunteers.  “They come for the entire week! On the night of the carnival stay after 10 p.m., until the last piece of trash is picked up!”

Last year, Jack didn’t hesitate to step in as a last-minute speaker for the fifth grade promotion ceremony.  “We are so honored and privileged to have this relationship with Mr. and Mrs. Tanaka,” said Koh.  “Giving without the expectation of something in return is the true definition of kindness. Jack and Wanda’s kindness and giving to the community is priceless,” said Board President Helen Hall.

Ron Hockwalt Academies senior Theotis “TJ” Davis received the school’s Super Star Student Award.  “TJ is a model student,” said teacher Frank De Anda. “This young man is a beacon of hope for all students on our campus and I’m really proud to be his teacher.”

De Anda’s leadership students launched a HOPE program at the beginning of the school year.  HOPE stands for heart, optimism, personal responsibility, and excellence.

“Every month we host an assembly that talks about HOPE and brings it personally to our students,” said grade level coordinator Sue McCracken.

“For this last one, TJ put together a HOPE rap for our students – it was awesome!”

“TJ has embraced the concept of choice. He chooses to be a good student and most importantly he chooses to focus all his efforts on the present and keeps working to achieve his goals. He chooses to be hopeful in the face of setbacks and adversity. He chooses success!” said his alternative high school advisor.

The Sanlo Homestay Foundation was honored as the Ron Hockwalt Academies Partner in Education. The award was presented to chairman Ernie Quejado and co-chair Bella Cristobal.

The Foundation recently made generous $1,000 donation to the school’s HOPE program and an additional donation to the Walnut Valley Unified School District.

“We can’t say how much we appreciate you and how much it’s done for the kids,” said De Anda.

Photo courtesy of WVUSD Board President Helen Hall awards Ron Hockwalt Academies senior TJ Davis the school’s Super Star Student Award on January 20.

Photo courtesy of WVUSD
Board President Helen Hall awards Ron Hockwalt Academies senior TJ Davis the school’s Super Star Student Award on January 20.03

What Color Is Your Car?

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

I have heard people say that you can learn a lot about a person by the color of their car.

People with flashy red or bright yellow cars are probably seeking the attention of others.  This may be true.  I read somewhere that people who get the most traffic tickets are people who drive red cars and trucks.

I have also heard that people who desire less attention drive cars that blend in, like gray, silver or tan.  We have a gray car and a silver car.  So that must tell you something about my personality!

As I looked around our neighborhood, I noticed that one neighbor had only white vehicles parked in their driveway.  Every car and truck in their family was white.  Maybe this reflects the unity in their family?  However, I think I did notice a darker color recently.  Maybe more diversity is emerging at their house.

It is also surprising how many dark colored cars there are in our neighborhood.  One member of our family has a black Honda Accord.  Another neighbor has a black pickup truck.  Maybe the darker colors look more expensive and luxurious.

A few years ago, a hot topic in the news was the question, “What kind of car would Jesus drive?” This generated a lot of discussion and controversy.  My answer was that Jesus would probably drive a large passenger van so He could help bring people to church!

Maybe we can start a new discussion by asking, “What color car would Jesus drive?”  I’ll let you ponder this deep question.  I don’t know for sure, but I do know that the two passenger vans at our church are dark green.

There is a verse in the Bible that says, “Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart,” (I Samuel 16:7).  Maybe we should not give as much attention to the color of the cars our neighbors are driving.  Maybe we should focus on what is “under the hood”.

Let’s do the same with the people we meet each day.  Don’t focus on their hairstyle or the clothes they wear.  We should focus on their heart and realize that each person we meet is precious and valuable in God’s sight.

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd.  Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.  For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visithttp://www.efreedb.org

Don Lugo Alumni Honored

Courtesy of CVUSD

CHINO– Don Lugo High honored two of their most famous alumni Friday morning, January 15, during a rally on the Chino campus.
Three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Leah O’Brien-Amico (Class of 1992) and former professional baseball player Chad Cordero (Class of 2000) accepted their framed sports jerseys during the rally. The jerseys will hang in the school’s front lobby at 13400 Pipeline Avenue.
O’Brien-Amico won Olympic Gold Medals in softball in 1996, 2000, and 2004. She is a two-time World Champion softball player (1998 and 2002) and a three-time National Champion (1993, 1994, and 1997) while at the University of Arizona. She was named one of the California Interscholastic Federation Top 100 Athletes for 100 Years in 2013.
Cordero was a first-round draft pick for the Montreal Expos and had his Major League Baseball debut in August 2003. He had 128 career saves and was named a 2005 National League All Star team member. He was named the National League Pitcher of the Month in June 2005, and led the league in saves that year. Following graduation from Don Lugo, he was a three-year starter for Cal State Fullerton, where he was named a two-time All American team member, and a three-time player for the Big West All-Conference Team.

Maple Hill Student Advances to Regional Spelling Bee

By Kelli Gile
DIAMOND BAR -After an exciting competition, fourth grader Eliana Rodarte was crowned the winner of the Maple Hill Elementary Scripps Spelling Bee on January 14. The nine-year-old won the school title by correctly spelling “smorgasbord” during a tie-breaking round.

Rodarte will now represent her school in March during the Scripps Inland Valley Regional Spelling Bee semifinals at Mt. San Antonio College. The regional winner wins a trip to “Bee Week” – the National Spelling Bee Championship in Washington D.C. in May.

“My cheeks are shaking from smiling,” shared the beaming winner after receiving the grand champion trophy.

Rodarte said she had been taking every opportunity to study her words for the past five weeks to prepare for the competition. “At night right after my homework, at the park, at school, or at recess – any time I have a chance,” she said. Her strategy: “For the tricky words, I make up tricks to remember the definition.”

In December, each first through fifth grade class at Maple Hill hosted a spelling bee using official Scripps words. The class winners then received grade-level study guides with 500 grade 1-8 level words to prepare for the finals. The contest was held in the multipurpose room and streamed live into classes.

The top winners from each grade level received medals and then vied for the grand prize in a nail-biting championship round.

Finalists included Jon Wong – 1st grade, Jeremiah Ng – 2nd grade, Bonnie Nien – 3rd grade, Eliana Rodarte – 4thgrade, and Allison Yuh – 5th grade

The savvy spellers breezed through tough words, including “hieroglyphic” and “impervious” from the 8th grade list.

“We had to do a tie breaker or we would have gone all night,” said elementary learning specialist Kelly Morris. “We are so proud of all of our spellers. You guys are warriors!” she added.

Life After Lugo

Photo courtesy: CVUSD Brianna Smith Gunn (right), a 2008 Don Lugo High graduate, talks to Don Lugo seniors about her experience in the Army.

Photo courtesy: CVUSD
Brianna Smith Gunn (right), a 2008 Don Lugo High graduate, talks to Don Lugo seniors about her experience in the Army.

Courtesy of Chino Valley Unified

CHINO– Looking like she was addressing her police officers in a shift briefing, Chino Police Chief Karen Comstock told Don Lugo students that success is theirs if they just have the right mindset. Chief Comstock was among more than a dozen Don Lugo High graduates who spoke to seniors, juniors and sophomores on January 7 about going to college during the annual “Life After Lugo.”

Don Lugo counselors founded the event seven years ago “because they felt that giving students as much information about college as possible would ensure greater success,” said teacher Sophie Yu. She took over coordination of the event three years ago, when original coordinator Kathie Spaun transferred to Chino Hills High. This year, Ms. Yu increased the number of sessions a senior could take from two to three. “All presenters are Lugo grads and my goal is to have more career pathways,” Ms. Yu said.

“Commit yourself to a process of learning,” Chief Comstock said as she walked back and forth among students in the Don Lugo multipurpose room. “Even if you don’t want to go into college after high school, get into a learning environment…Success is all in your futures, if you want it,” she said “…You are from Chino; you’re from Don Lugo. We believe in you.”

Following introductions and the chief’s keynote speech, other Don Lugo High alumni spoke to small groups of students on a variety of college-related topics in different classrooms. Among the subjects discussed were campus life, military experience, engineering, networking, picking the right school, commuting versus dorms, studying abroad, personal finance, the AVID college preparation program, the Dream Act, and time management.

Brianna Smith Gunn, a 2008 Don Lugo graduate, said she managed a hotel for a while before going to college, and then joined the Army 4 ½ years ago. Although she is only 5-foot-3, she worked in corrections for the military at Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp in Cuba, where war criminals and other high profile prisoners are detained. She said at least three of the approximately 30 students in the class she was addressing would go into the military, based on statistics kept on military service. She told the students that many soldiers have lost their lives to ensure the freedoms of Americans.

Don Lugo graduate Albert Perez, who said he was the first in his family to attend college, talked about how three-dimensional printing is used in the bio-medical engineering field he is studying. He passed around two of the items he has made with a 3-D printer: a Batman symbol, and the words “#1 Mom” with a heart symbol behind it. He also talked about the fun he had exploring a new city while attending college.

Graduate Elizabeth Cho said her parents are immigrants who didn’t go to college, so they had a hard time helping her when issues came up about her college experience. She told the Don Lugo students there are resources and people on college campuses that can help new students adjust. She also talked about overcoming the “imposter syndrome” in which students don’t feel like they belong at their college or that they are not “good enough” to be at the school. She said it was a culture shock for her to be attending prestigious Wellesley College in Massachusetts because of the more affluent students who attend that school, the long distance from her home in California, and the colder weather there. “You grow a lot,” she said of attending a college away from home. She concluded her comments by showing a video of students who have experienced culture shock in college. Among those shown were students who were the first in their families to attend college.

Other Don Lugo graduates who spoke included Megan Johnston, Janette Armenta, Joseph Green, Nick Flores, Jacqueline Dana Valera, Samantha Ochoa, Kendell Langrell, Randall Brakob, and Frankie Torres. A luncheon was held following the event, with muffins, cookies, and water provided by Ms. Yu’s brother-in-law.

Diamond Bar High Water Polo Coach Dies After Practice

Photo courtesy of GoFundMe.com/AlanRuizFamily

Photo courtesy of GoFundMe.com/AlanRuizFamily

Staff Reports

DIAMOND BAR– An assistant coach for Diamond Bar High School’s water polo teams collapsed in the parking lot after Tuesday’s practice and died a short time later.

Alexander Ruiz, 45, a walk-on coach for the Brahmas water polo and swim teams, has been with the school since 2013.  An avid sports lover, Ruiz was also a martial artist and black belt student.

“He (Ruiz) was leaving campus late in the afternoon and he collapsed when he got to the parking lot,” Interim Principal Guy Roubian said. “He was with other assistant coaches who are trained in CPR and they initiated CPR until the paramedics came. He had a heartbeat when they transported him, but he died shortly after reaching the hospital.”

“It’s a terrible tragedy and it shook the whole school and the program,” Roubian said. “It has hit us all pretty hard. It was a shock to everybody.”

Ruiz leaves behind a wife and 3 children, including two sons who attend DBHS.  He was the sole breadwinner in the family, and a GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family with expenses. Donations can also be dropped off or mailed to: Diamond Bar High School, Attention: Water Polo – Coach Alexander Matal, 21400 Pathfinder Rd, Diamond Bar, CA 91765.

Alex Morgan to be Celebrated in Diamond Bar

Photo courtesy: David Blair

Photo courtesy: David Blair

By Carol Heyen

DIAMOND BAR– Star soccer player and Diamond Bar High Alumnus Alex Morgan will be celebrated at an event held at Pantera Park, Sunday, January 24, 2016.  The event will be held from 10 a.m.-12 noon.

Alex was born in San Dimas, but was raised in Diamond Bar. She attended Maple Hill Elementary and Chaparral Middle School before graduating from Diamond Bar High School in 2007, where she was a three-time All-League pick and a NSCAA All-American.

Prior to graduating from U.C. Berkeley in 2010 with a degree in Political Finance, Morgan’s playing time for the Golden Bears was cut short after she was chosen as a member of the U.S. National Team.  She was the youngest player on the U.S. squad during the 2011 World Cup, and she helped the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team in their gold medal win over Japan at the London Games in 2012.

Alex now plays for the Orlando Pride Women’s Soccer Club, the newest team in the National Women’s Soccer League, where she is a forward.

DBHS Pathways Students get Advice from Fox 11 News Anchor

Photo Courtesy of WVUSD Fox 11 anchor Christine Devine shares career advice with Diamond Bar High Pathways students on January 8. She encouraged students to connect via social network.

Photo Courtesy of WVUSD
Fox 11 anchor Christine Devine shares career advice with Diamond Bar High Pathways students on January 8. She encouraged students to connect via social network.

By Kelli Gile

DIAMOND BAR – Fox 11 News (KTTV) veteran anchor Christine Devine slipped away from her news desk to chat with students at Diamond Bar High School on Jan. 8.

About 150 teens from the Pathways Communications Academy gathered in the theater offered an enthusiastic welcome as the television reporter took the stage.

Right off the bat, Devine asked students for something unusual – another round of applause.

“That wasn’t for me, it’s for you guys! Because you’re here today in school, doing your job as students,” she said. “Recognize that you are building the steps to be whatever you’re going to be one day.”

Devine told the group that life is much harder without an education.

“You want to finish this job and get your degree,” she advised.

Devine spoke about her arrival at the Los Angeles station 25 years ago, a typical day in the life of a reporter, and of the “good and bad” in the changing news industry.

When she inquired if students watched the 10 p.m. broadcast, only a few raised their hands.

People are getting the news all day long on their cell phones, Devine said.

“That’s the biggest challenge in our industry – to get you all to watch it and to still be relevant. We’re doing a lot more in social networking and branding.”

Devine’s typical day includes a staff meeting, writing stories, reading scripts, proofing, and fact checking before going on air for the 10 p.m. broadcast.

The news business has unusual hours, with no holidays or weekends off, she explained.

“My treat is taking Christmas off,” she said. “But I worked New Year’s Eve.”

“On every job, you’re going to have stuff you don’t like,” she added.

Devine admitted that she also doesn’t “love” all the violence covered on local news.

She’s found a balance by focusing on the positive, which includes her “Wednesday’s Child” segment that has helped foster kids get adopted for the past 20 years.

“My motto is being a cheerleader for children and youth,” she proudly said.

Devine encouraged the students to begin thinking about things that interest them for their own careers.

“There’s a saying you can be whatever you want to be – I’ll never say that,” she said.

She offered the example that a female could never play on the Los Angeles Lakers.

“But you can work with the Lakers,” said Devine, who has interviewed NBA stars Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal.

She even has one of Shaq’s enormous size 22 shoes on display in her home.

“So, I’m not a Laker, but I’m hanging with the Lakers!” she added.

Devine has walked through the doors that opened throughout her career.

Her message to students:  “If you don’t get the things you want, see what other opportunities are happening for you around that.”

Devine currently mentors DBHS sophomore Priscilla Gomez, who launched Full Broadcast Entertainment with interviews, photos, and behind the scene videos last summer.

Gomez reached out for advice after an introduction at a Los Angles event.

Now, the pair often communicates via text and phone calls.
“She’s always really helpful and supportive,” said Gomez, who joined the news anchor on stage during the Q & A session.

“It was an incredible opportunity to have Devine speak with our Pathways students,” English teacher Whitney Prenger said. “We wanted to provide them with the exclusive opportunity to meet a professional from the field. She went above and beyond, answering questions, taking selfies, and allowing the students to have access to interact with her on and off camera. It was a great day for our program.”

 

Students Beat the Odds

Photo courtesy of Chino Valley USD

Photo courtesy of Chino Valley USD

Courtesy of Chino Valley Unified

Chino Valley – A foster youth who had to overcome much adversity is the first Buena Vista Continuation High student qualified to go straight to a four-year college from the high school, according to Principal Rigoberto Vasquez.

Steven Beadle, 17, of Chino, has been accepted at Cal State, Stanislaus, and has also applied to Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State Dominguez Hills, and Cal State Fullerton. Another Buena Vista student, Destiny Miguel,  also recently qualified to go to a four-year college. She and Steven were honored by the Chino Valley Unified School District Board of Education at its Jan. 7 meeting.

This month, Steven will take a Spanish class at Chaffey College’s Chino campus while still enrolled at Buena Vista. Steven plans to major in sociology or criminal justice at a four-year college and pursue a career as a police officer in Texas or Colorado. “I’m very passionate about public safety,” he said. “I’d like to help on the streets.”

He practices Krav Maga, a self-defense system developed for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), that consists of a combination of techniques from aikido, judo, boxing, and wrestling, along with realistic fight training. He also recently took a ride-along with a Chino Police officer to get an idea what it would be like to work in law enforcement. Steven said he is driven to succeed because, as a foster child for the last three years, he has seen a lot of youth in that system fail. “I don’t want to be one of those,” he said. “They don’t take advantage of what they are given to help them.” He also said he’s learned to stay away from drugs, which he believes is often a downfall for youth in foster care.

Steven was behind on his coursework when he transferred to Buena Vista 18 months ago. He was a sophomore with only 158 credits towards the 225 needed to graduate. He is now at 206 credits. Although he is expected to soon have enough credits to graduate from high school, he plans to stay in school until June to make sure he has all the A-G credits required for the California State University system. Principal Vasquez said he believes Steven is the first BV student to qualify for a four-year college because courses taught at the school were not approved as college preparatory until a couple of years ago, when former counselor Anna Fierro-Purcell “took it upon herself to have all of our courses submitted and approved.” Fierro-Purcell is now an assistant principal at Chino Hills High. “As a result, Steven’s courses taken at Buena Vista are accepted now by Cal State and University of California universities,” Mr. Vasquez said. “Steven is the first, and we have an additional two students who may be accepted by late February or early March. Steven turned in his college application very early.”

Mt. SAC Spring Registration Begins

By Mike Taylor, Mt. SAC

WALNUT– Online registration for Mt. San Antonio College’s spring semester credit classes began Jan. 13.  Classes begin on Monday, Feb. 22.
All credit students must register for classes online through the My Mt. SAC Portal at my.mtsac.edu. New students must submit an admission application online. For students who do not have computer access, computers and assistance are available in the Student Services Center during business hours. The Admissions Office is open now Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Before registering, new students are required to activate their personal Mt. SAC portal account through the My Mt. SAC Portal at my.mtsac.edu. Instructions on how to do this, along with a username, are sent to the new student’s email address the student used when applying to the college.  Through the portal.mtsac.edu, students will be able to view their registration date and time but will not be allowed to register before their assigned time. New students must also sign up for their assessment tests at the Assessment Center.  Appointments can be made at www.mtsac.edu/assessment, by calling (909) 274-4265, or in person at the Assessment Center.

Students are urged to prepare for assessment testing by reviewing the information available on the Assessment Center webpage.
In addition, new students must also sign up for the required new student orientation session before registering for classes. For more information about required orientation sessions, call the Mt. SAC Counseling Department at (909) 274-4380.
The enrollment fee is $46 per unit for California residents, and all fees are due upon registration.

For more registration information, call the Mt. SAC Admissions & Records Office at (909) 274-4415, or visit www.mtsac.edu