Conner, Harrison, Lopez, and Massey honored

Brendan Conner, Bridgette Harrison, and Miguel Lopez of Fallbrook Union High School (FUHS), and Sheena Massey of Oasis High School were honored as the Fallbrook Community Students of the Month for November. The four students, selected based on their academic performance, community service work, and other noteworthy achievements, were feted at a special breakfast held in their honor on Nov. 3 at Fallbrook Golf Club’s Hukilau restaurant.

This month’s event emcee, Greg Coppock, of Fallbrook Presbyterian Church, introduced each student to the audience, which was comprised of members of the local business and service community as well as family members and friends of the honorees.

The first award the students were presented with was a personalized engraved medal from American Legion Post 365, represented by Karl Fekete.

Brendan Conner was selected as a Student of the Month based on the recommendation of FUHS English teacher Pam Munro.

“

is a musician, scholar, leader, volunteer and all-around good guy,” said Munro. “He is a person that quietly goes about being excellent.”

Brendan was described as an “academic star” and an Advanced Placement (AP) scholar with distinction who volunteers his time to the Fallbrook Library. He is a second-degree black belt, has been a four-year member of California Scholarship Federation (CSF), plays the marimba in the band, and is a member of the Fallbrook High Interact Club. A member of the school’s academic team, he served as captain in his junior year.

“I would like to thank everyone for this honor,” Brendan said. “Swarthmore College (in Pennsylvania) is my top choice for next year, but I am also applying to some of the University of California schools, like UCSD. I plan to major in physics or engineering and minor in music.

Bridgette Harrison, who was nominated by retired FUHS teacher Betz Critchley, was also honored as a Student of the Month.

“Bridgette is absolutely an independent thinker,” said Critchley. “She really thinks about things and gives her perspective. She has also proven herself to be a great leader.” Critchley mentioned that her nominee has talked about possibly attending Northwestern University or Penn State.

Brigette has been involved in FUHS swimming and water polo, cheerleading, National Charity League and Girl Scouts. During summers, she works as a lifeguard and teaches swimming. In National Charity League, she has volunteered her time to multiple causes for the needy.

“I am hoping to go to an East Coast college and major in engineering,” Bridgette said. “I would like to thank Ms. Critchley and everyone who put this breakfast on for this honor.”

Miguel Lopez was selected as a Student of the Month based upon the recommendation of FUHS English teacher Connie Fellios.

“Miguel is diligent, quiet, consistent and respectful,” said Fellios. “He is a person who has faced challenges, shown his resiliency and continued to strive to meet his goals. He is an exemplary student and has met the highest expectations of his teachers.”

Miguel is an Advanced Placement (AP) student who participates in the AVID program. Fellios said he has performed over 200 hours of community service while in high school, primarily as a volunteer for the thrift shop run by the Angel Society of Fallbrook. The shop helps raise funds for needy causes within the community. He has also volunteered at the annual Health Fair sponsored by the Fallbrook Healthcare District, at the Fallbrook Hospital Skilled Nursing Facility, and with the GANAS mentoring program. It was mentioned that Miguel has grown up in a non-English speaking home, but that he is “courageous and meets challenges without hesitation.”

“I would like to say thank you to Mrs. Fellios, who has been like a second mother to me,” Miguel said. “[Fellios] has helped me a lot. I would also like to thank my Mom who has been an inspiration to me and everyone here at the breakfast for this honor. I am not sure yet where I am going to college but I plan on applying to some University of California schools and applying for financial help.”

Sheena Massey was honored as a Student of the Month based on the recommendation of Oasis High School (home study) teacher Kevin Kent.

“Sheena is one of the most positive students I have ever known,” said Kent. “She will graduate one full semester early and start at Palomar College. She enjoys history and learning about cultures. She is an excellent writer, always very well prepared, and a very humble person.” Sheena was also described as “an avid runner and a diligent and well-organized individual.”

“I want to say thank you to Mr. Kent, my parents, and everyone who put this event together,” Sheena said.

Gift bags filled with numerous donations from local stores and organizations were presented to the four students.

The award breakfasts for the 2011-2012 school year have been paid for by the Angel Society of Fallbrook, Dr. Daniel Flores, Dr. Richard Goble, the Fallbrook Republican Women Federated and 2K for Kids.

To nominate a high school student for this honor, contact Kim Olsen at (760) 723-8400.

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