Avalos, Acosta, King, and Sanchez honored for efforts

Jerardo Avalos of Oasis High School and Stephanie Sanchez, Austin King, and Cindy Acosta of Fallbrook Union High School (FUHS) were selected to be the April Students of the Month for the Fallbrook Union High School District (FUHSD). The four outstanding students were honored at a special breakfast held April 9 at the Fallbrook Community Center.

"You inspire all of us," emcee Greg Coppock said to the honorees.

Students are recommended for the award by teachers, staff, or community members based on the individuals' academic achievements, volunteerism, leadership skills, and positive behaviors. The final selection of honorees is determined by the student of the month committee.

Jerardo Avalos was nominated by Oasis High teacher Bennielyn Verrett.

"Jerardo came as a freshman to Oasis and he has had perfect attendance six out of seven semesters," explained Verrett. "He has maintained a 3.7 grade point average and knows what hard work is," Verrett said Avalos has qualified as a life member of the California Scholarship Federation and has volunteered his time at the Fallbrook Food Pantry, tutoring students at Fallbrook Community Housing Works and is a "really responsible young man."

In accepting the award, Avalos said, "It feels great to receive something like this. I want to thank my Mom and also Ms. Verrett. Ms. Verrett has pushed me to my full potential and that's why I have the grade point average and opportunities I have." Avalos said he intends to attend a community college for two years and then transfer to a four-year university in the Los Angeles area to obtain a degree in international business.

Stephanie Sanchez was selected as a student of the month based on the recommendation of Fallbrook High teacher Connie Fellios and band director Victor Torres.

"Stephanie is conscientious, diligent, sensitive, and inspires many," said Fellios. "I have known her since she was an eighth grade girl going into the AVID program. What distinguishes her is her initiative to pursue challenges." Sanchez took a first place and a third place in recent speech contests within the community.

Torres said of Sanchez, who serves as co-captain of the Warrior Band Color Guard, "Stephanie is very focused and has been the model student. She has a following like no one before. She is a go-getter and an outstanding leader; persistent; focused. Stephanie has always been the example of what I want all my students to be." Torres noted that Sanchez carries a 3.88 grade point average (weighted).

Sanchez volunteers her time to the Fallbrook Food Pantry, the GANAS mentoring program, her church, the Angel Society, and more.

In addressing the audience, Sanchez said, "It is a privilege for me to be nominated for this honor by these two teachers. They are the reason I went from being a little shy girl to an outspoken and outgoing person. They have pushed me and it's because of them that I am going on to college at UCLA."

Austin King was nominated for the student of the month distinction by Fallbrook High School lacrosse coach Paul Morgan.

"Austin is hugely involved in the community," said Morgan. "I have coached Austin since he was an incoming freshman and it's been a rewarding experience. He carries a 4.0 grade point average, is #23 in the senior class and has earned scholarships. He is an integral part of our lacrosse team and this is the best year we've ever had." King, who has served two years as captain of the team is also a member of the school's robotic club, has participated on the academic decathlon team, and coaches a fifth/sixth grade lacrosse team.

"I want to thank the community for putting this <awards program> on, and Paul for nominating me," said King. "Paul Morgan has been a real role model for me. I can't thank him enough for everything he has done." Accepted into a number of engineering programs offered at various universities, King said, "I am still undecided which university I will attend, but my top choices are Arizona State and UC Irvine."

Cindy Acosta was honored as a student of the month based upon the recommendation of Fallbrook High teacher and Key Club advisor Alana Milton.

"Cindy is a very special student," said Milton. "I met her in her freshman year. She is quiet and unassuming and has grown and continued to shine over four years." Milton said Acosta has been a four-year member of Key Club (Kiwanis), and has served as an officer each year.

Fellios also stepped up to commend Acosta on her achievements. "Cindy is an incredible individual; full of integrity," she said. "She has had challenges too. She had to assume a leadership role at home as the oldest of four children."

Acosta thanked her teachers and the student of the month committee for honoring her with the award and said, "I love Key Club; I am excited to go forward, but I got my brother involved in it to carry it on."

She will start college in the fall. "I have been accepted to Cal State San Marcos and am planning on majoring in political science with a global focus," said Acosta. "I also hope to study abroad."

At the breakfast event, each of the students was awarded a Lamp of Knowledge medal by active duty Marines Cpl Gilberto Dionne, LCpl Collin Tschantz, LCpl Luis Ramirez, and PFC Brandi Hernandez. In addition, the students received many certificates of recognition and gifts from local organizations and businesses for their accomplishments.

"High school is what you make of it," Coach Paul Morgan said. "That shows in the diversity of the students we are honoring here today."

The Fallbrook Student of the Month breakfast is funded by supportive local businesses and organizations, including Major Market, Fallbrook PTSA, Law Offices of Faunce, Singer & Oatman, Fallbrook Village Rotary Club, Coldwell Banker Village Properties, Fallbrook Vintage Car Club, Fallbrook Republican Women Federated, and Sheri’s Flowers.

To nominate an FUHSD high school student for this honor, email [email protected].