Clark, McClellan, Delong, Cyran, lauded as exceptional

At a special breakfast program held at Fallbrook Golf Club on January 6, four exceptional high school students were lauded for their personal accomplishments in academics, leadership and service to the community.

Danielle Delong of Oasis High School and Chase Clark, Brad Cyran, and Jamie McClellan of Fallbrook High School were honored by school administrators, members of the business and service community, and elected officials as Fallbrook Community Students of the Month for January 2005.

“We are always amazed to hear these students’ incredible stories,” said emcee Sue Johnson. “They set fine examples for all of us.”

Danielle Delong was nominated for the distinction of Student of the Month by Oasis instructor Dave Major.

“Danielle is a student that has made successful choices,” Major said. “She will graduate in two weeks and plans to attend Mt. San Jacinto College and then transfer to California State University, Fullerton. She is very responsible and reliable.”

Described as an individual that has overcome many obstacles to succeed, Delong works full time at Albertsons grocery store to support herself while obtaining her education. She serves as a teacher’s aide at Oasis and volunteers her time at a local convalescent home. She is a member of the FHS Avenue Singers and plans to pursue a career in early childhood education or nursing.

“I would like to thank Mr. Major for this award and opportunity,” Delong said. “I also want to thank my aunt and uncle for all the support they have given me. Everything I have done, I have done myself, for myself.”

Chase Clark was recommended for the honor of Student of the Month by FHS Football Coach Dennis Houlihan.

“Chase is a great two-sport athlete and a great student,” Houlihan said. “He is the product of great parenting. I am privileged to know him.”

Clark was described as a leader amongst his peers and an individual that stayed focused on his goals. A student athlete on both the varsity football and tennis teams, Houlihan said he sets a good example for others to follow. Chase Clark said he plans to attend either University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) or University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) in the fall.

“I feel very honored to get this award,” Clark said. “I want to thank Coach Houlihan for nominating me and my parents for their trust in me.”

Brad Cyran was selected for the Student of the Month honor based on the recommendation of Fallbrook High ASB Director Josh Way.

“Brad has led by example,” Way said. “He has a wealth of knowledge. He is what I call my ‘lesson closer.’ When no one else in class knows the answer, I know I can call on Brad. I wish him luck in everything he does.”

Cyran holds the distinction of being in the top one percent academically of the Class of 2005 in addition to being involved with CSF, Habitat for Humanity, Key Club, and the Mayflower Society. He is also a member of the Fallbrook High School tennis team.

“I’d like to thank my entire family and everyone here this morning,” Cyran said. “In the future I plan to attend UCLA and study history. I would like to become a college history professor.”

Jamie McClellan was recommended for the honor of Student of the Month by Fallbrook High Chorale Director Kelley Bell.

“I have had the pleasure of knowing and teaching Jamie since she was in third grade,” Bell said. “How special it is to be able to meet people like her. She is truly amazing. She inspires me.”

McClellan holds the honorable position of being in the top twelve students academically of the Class of 2005, in addition to performing with the Fallbrook High School vocal ensembles. She is a Ticktocker with the San Luis Rey Chapter of National Charity League and volunteers her time to numerous charitable endeavors. She serves as an SIA tutor to other students at Fallbrook High School.

“I’d like to thank you all for this award,” McClellan said. “This is like a Christmas present to me. I hope to do more musicals and will be traveling to Carnegie Hall this spring. I plan on attending Brigham Young University in the fall.

To date, the non-profit Fallbrook Community Student of the Month program has honored 265 outstanding high school students. It is financially supported by numerous generous sponsors including Coldwell Banker Landmark Group, Community National Bank, Major Market, Angel Society, Dr. Tom Aspel, Bonsall Woman’s Club, Fallbrook AAUW, Fallbrook High PTSA, Fallbrook Republican Women Federated, Fallbrook Woman’s Club, Dr. Daniel Flores, Kiwanis Club of Fallbrook, Rally for Children, Rotary Club of Fallbrook and Soroptomist International of Fallbrook.

The American Legion Post #776 presents each Student of the Month with a specially engraved keepsake medal. In addition, many local businesses provide gift certificates and other awards to the honorees.

For more information on this program, or to learn how to nominate a student for the honor, contact Linda Promack at (760) 728-6308 or Linda Sarette at (760) 723-5502.