Abrajan, Gillcrist, Gonzalez and Martin saluted as Fallbrook Students of the Month

Javier Abrajan of Ivy High School, and Madeleine Gillcrist, Aaron Gonzalez and Parker Martin of Fallbrook Union High School (FUHS) were all saluted at the Fallbrook Student of the Month breakfast on May 5 at the Fallbrook Community Center.

Emcee Greg Coppock began the program by having the May Students of the Month come onto the stage, where they were presented with a Lamp of Knowledge medal by active duty military representatives Sgt. Ashley Lendorf, Sgt. Samantha Torres, Cpl. Daniella Jasoska and Lt. Cpl. Christian Rodriguez.

Students are nominated for the honor by teachers, school staff or community members, and the Fallbrook Student of the Month Committee selects the winners based on those who have made significant strides in academics, community service work, and peer leadership.

Ivy High School teacher Kelly Walker nominated Abrajan, who has not only made "significant strides in academics," but significant strides in life choices.

"At Ivy High School, we catch kids who have fallen through the cracks, and we're there to stop them from falling any further," said Walker. "They’re kids who have experienced some hardship and some things to overcome, and they want to get back on the right track. At one point Javier found himself in the back of a police car, and he was detained and was taken to the police station. But he was not locked up, and to this day he is thankful that he was not locked up."

"And it was at that moment in time that he realized a change needed to be made," continued Walker. "He decided to get himself on the right track and applied to become one of our students. And since being at Ivy High School, he has shown a 100 percent turnaround. He is now on the right path to being a successful young man and a professional. He’s decided to become an electrician and this past winter we had the electrician apprenticeship program and he found out exactly what he needs to do to go down that path. We think he’s going to make it happen and we’re very proud of him.”

Abrajan kept his time at podium brief, thanking Walker and expressing a "huge thanks to the committee for putting this together."

After the breakfast, Abrajan was asked about Ivy High School. "It's great," said Abrajan. "They (school staff) helped me out with everything. I got all caught up with my schooling, and now I want to be an electrician."

Gillcrist was nominated for Student of the Month honors by Tony Morrow, college career counselor at FUHS. Since Morrow was out of town, Pam Cain, college career technician at FUHS, pinch-hit for Morrow at the ceremony. Cain read information about Gillcrist that was penned by Morrow.

“Over the past four years I have had many opportunities to work with and talk to Madeleine," Morrow wrote. "The quiet confident young lady who came in looking for information on the Marine Corps devil pups program grew into an astounding leader, student and athlete. She has excelled academically and is a two-sport stud in field hockey and lacrosse, two sports that require physical and mental toughness.

"Madeleine is highly motivated, extremely intelligent and she possesses the level of social and emotional maturity that makes her a natural leader. Her caring attitude towards everyone around her makes a natural fit for her chosen major in college and ultimate professional career. Congratulations Madeleine, you represent everything our great student body and community of Fallbrook has to offer."

Gillcrist took the podium and spread thanks across the room.

"Thank you Miss Cain and Mr. Morrow for nominating me," said Gillcrist. "I am very grateful for everything you have done for me the past four years. The career center is such a great place to be. You guys have always been very supportive. I’d like to thank the student of the month committee for putting on this breakfast and everyone who is here.

"I’d like to thank my family for everything they have done for me, and for their love and support," continued Gillcrist. "I’d also like to thank Mr. Salt (teacher Alan Saltamachio) for having such an engaging class. I would also like to thank Col. Trace Deneke (Ret.). My time in devil pups has only confirmed my desire to serve my country, which I plan to do after graduating from college."

Gillcrist added that she will be attending Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego to study nursing and would eventually like to pursue a career as a navy nurse.

Gonzalez, who was recommended for Student of the Month honors by FUHS social science and history teacher Adriana Lopez, also has his sights set on a career in nursing. Lopez said Gonzalez' career choice isn't surprising.

"Aaron is a great student, devoted, determined, successful and, most of all, he likes to help others," said Lopez of Gonzalez. "He is a member of the CSF membership and the superintendents student advisory committee. He has received honors and awards, such as the Principal's Honor Roll. He has many skills and he uses his leadership skills to participate and help in his community and his church."

"Aaron will be attending Cal State San Marcos in the fall of 2016 and he will be pursuing a career as a nurse practitioner," continued Lopez. "Again, his goal in life is to help others. I’m very proud to present Aaron Gonzalez."

Gonzalez thanked Lopez and the Student of the Month committee – "It’s these recognitions that inspire us as students to keep going" – and relayed his philosophy on life.

"I like helping others, and I believe there is no limit as to what you can do to help others," said Gonzalez, who then thanked those that have helped him. "I want to thank my mom, my dad, and my pastor for being the strong supporters they have been. They have supported me through everything that I have done, and inspired me to do good."

Gonzalez said he works hard to honor his parents.

"My parents didn’t have the same opportunities as I did," said Gonzalez. "So everything that I do, I just want my parents to know, I do it for them.”

Alan Saltamachio teaches science at FUHS and nominated Martin for the Student of the Month award.

"Here’s a young man that in the classroom is professional," said Saltamachio of Martin. "He's kind. He looks out for others. He’s a person of integrity. He’s enthusiastic. It’s those kind of characters that really make a difference in the world. Parker has tremendous qualities, and he will further elevate because of the support of his family, his principal, and the people of the community."

Martin, a running back on the FUHS football team, expressed his gratitude to school staff and his desire to someday work for a professional sports team as an athletic trainer.

“I’d like to thank all the teachers, Mr. Boone, Mr. Salt (Saltamachio), and all my mentors that allowed me to get this and brought me to where I am today." said Martin. "I’m deeply grateful.

"I’m going to attend the University of La Verne to play football and run track," continued Martin. "I am going to major in athletic training and get a master's in that and then a doctorate for physical therapy. So, hopefully, I can work for a sports team."

The Fallbrook Student of the Month breakfast is funded by generous local businesses and organizations. For the 2015-2016 year, the platinum sponsor is the Angel Society of Fallbrook; gold sponsors are Coldwell Banker Village Properties and Law Offices of Faunce, Singer & Oatman; silver sponsors are Fallbrook Republication Women Federated and Fallbrook PTSA; and bronze sponsors, Fallbrook Vintage Car Club and Dr. Daniel Flores.

The May 5 event was the final Student of the Month breakfast of the 2015-2016 school year. The first Student of the Month breakfast of the 2016-2017 school year will be held on Thursday, Oct. 6.