North County School News, June 6

ESCONDIDO

Classical Academy honors seniors

Several Classical Academy seniors recently received scholarships from the North County Education Foundation Character Scholarship program. The foundation promotes and supports students who attend The Classical Academies. This was the third year for the scholarships, and this year’s theme was Impact. One finalist was chosen from each high school site after submitting essays and undergoing formal interviews with a panel of judges. Winners were Classical Academy High School seniors Samantha Friedrich and Kyle Jacob, and Coastal Academy High senior Anastasia Tolentino. The winners will each receive a $2,000 scholarship. Visit classicalacademy.com.

OCEANSIDE

DAR chapter honors JROTC cadet

The Santa Margarita Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, recently honored JROTC Cadet First Sergeant Jamie Spiegel from El Camino High School. Sarah Fagen, chapter chair, presented a certificate, medal and monetary award to Spiegel. JROTC instructor retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Craig Raleigh was also on hand for the ceremony. Chapter regent Laura Horn said that Spiegel met all of the qualifications for the DAR award — loyalty, patriotism, dependability and a record of military and scholastic achievement during her JROTC training. Spiegel will attend the University of Oregon in the fall. The DAR is open to any female 18 years or older who is lineally descended from a patriot who helped in the fight for independence in the American Revolution. Visit santamargarita.californiadar.org.

POWAY

Robotics team members earn awards

Several members of Poway High School’s FRC Robotics Team 1622, Team Spyder, were recently honored by the National Center for Women and Information Technology. May He, Madalyn Nguyen, Rosamaria Flores and Isabel Vargas were winners in the 2021 NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Affiliate Awards. Senior He was awarded the National Certificate of Distinction Award, which recognizes students’ aptitude and aspirations in technology and computing. Junior Nguyen won the California San Diego Affiliate Award, which honors students who significantly show interest in and aptitude for computing. Flores, a senior, and Vargas, a junior, each received California San Diego Affiliate Rising Star Awards, which recognize students who are just starting out in the computer field and encourages them to continue in their explorations. Dr. Tracy Nguyen received an honorable mention under the Aspirations in Computing Educator Award for her role as a volunteer mentor.

SAN MARCOS

New VP of university advancement named

Jessica Berger was recently announced as vice president of University Advancement at California State University San Marcos. She will also be executive director of the CSUSM Foundation. Berger is assistant vice president for development at Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, where she oversees all development-related activity in the Office of College Advancement. At the college, she launched new initiatives to strengthen donor stewardship, worked to enhance the college’s visibility and fundraising, and worked with faculty, staff and deans to implement successful giving campaigns. A native of Ohio, Berger earned her Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Wittenberg University and her Master of Social Work from Cleveland State University. Visit csusm.edu.

SOLANA BEACH

District celebrates all employees with picnic

The Solana Beach School District recently honored and celebrated the district’s nearly 500 employees with outdoor picnics. Since reopening schools last fall, district staffers have engaged students through in-person and online learning. “This unforgettable school year is soon coming to a close, and the Solana Beach School District wants to be sure that each and every one of its employees knows how much they are appreciated for their monumental efforts on behalf of our students,” said Superintendent Jodee Brent- linger in a statement. Employees reconnected with their peers at their individual work locations (physically distanced) where the Leadership Team hosted desserts and beverages. Employees brought their favorite individual foods to enjoy (as required by current health and safety guidelines). All employees were also treated to a special online video presentation, notes, and a gift of appreciation from the Leadership Team, thanks to donations from community businesses and organizations, including: Schools First Credit Union; Telecu; Balfour Beatty Construction; Lionakis; Alpha Studio Design Group; Erickson-Hall Construction Company; HMC Architects; Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo; and Mission Federal Credit Union.

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