Kuran, Person, Zinniger, and Ayala honored as Students of the Month

Zach Kuran, Emilee Person, and Gabrielle Zinniger of Fallbrook Union High School (FUHS) and Rosalyn Ayala of Ivy High School were selected as the May Students of the Month for the Fallbrook Union High School District (FUHSD). The students were honored at an awards breakfast held May 7 at the Fallbrook Community Center.

Of the excellence demonstrated by the students being honored, FUHSD superintendent, Dr. Hugo Pedroza, said "This is what we work so hard to do at the school site."

Zach Kuran was nominated for the student of the month honor by lacrosse coach Paul Morgan. Since Morgan was unable to attend the breakfast, due to a work conflict, Amy Bartz (lacrosse booster club president) and Kirk Jones (of North Coast Church) spoke on Kuran's behalf.

"Paul Morgan said that Zach has developed into being a key part of a very successful [lacrosse] program," explained Bartz. "Zach is a remarkable young man."

Jones, who has interacted with Kuran in the church youth group, said, "It has been amazing to see this boy turn into a man."

Kuran was described as being "very influential," and in all Advanced Placement (AP) classes, carrying a 4.0 grade point average. He has been on the Principal's Meritorious Honor Roll and volunteered in the community in many capacities.

Accepting the honor, Kuran said, "Thanks a ton for hosting

this [event], putting this together, and thank you to the sponsors. This award is a huge honor for me." Kuran said he has been accepted into the honors program at San Diego State University, where he will study civil engineering.

Emilee Person was recommended for the student of the month honor by FUHS teacher Connie Fellios. Person was unable to attend the breakfast event due to a mandatory AP exam, but Student of the Month committee chairperson Lynne Grantham read information provided by Fellios on Person's selection.

"Emilee is conscientious, determined, diligent and courageous," wrote Fellios. "She is a strong and vibrant individual. She never gives up and has a strong desire to give back to her community." Person has volunteered over 100 hours to community service projects over her four years of high school.

Recently, Person was selected Miss Fallbrook Second Princess and serves the community as an ambassador at special events. Over the past few weeks, she has also won first place in a Rotary speech contest and second place in the AAUW Speech Trek competition.

According to Fellios, Person will attend MiraCosta College for two years and then transfer into a four-year university to complete a degree in nursing.

Gabrielle Zinniger was nominated for the student of the month honor by Fallbrook High girls lacrosse coach Bri Poteet.

"[Gabrielle] works her butt off, on and off the field," said Poteet. "She has earned a lot of respect from her teammates. She is a leader, role model, and encourages others to give their all." Poteet said that Zinniger played on the boys lacrosse team in her first two years of high school, since a girls team was not available at the time.

In addressing the audience, Zinniger said, "I want to thank everyone so much for this amazing award. I plan on going to San Diego City College for two years and then to San Diego State University to get a degree in nursing."

Rosalyn Ayala was selected for the student of the month

honor based on the recommendation of Ivy High School teacher Dana Smith.

"[Rosalyn] follows her own path, like an artist," said Smith.

"She has quiet confidence. She is a good student and a good

person. She has great talent."

Smith described Ayala as "brave and strong" and "quiet and humble."

In accepting the notable award, Ayala thanked the student of the month committee and her mother. "I have never gotten a big award like this before. This is great. I especially want to thank my Mom; she's amazing."

Ayala said she plans on attending Palomar Community College and would like to study psychology and photography.

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

At the breakfast event, each of the students was awarded a Lamp of Knowledge medal by active duty Marines Cpl Andrew M. Morgan, LCpl Jason W. Reed, LCpl Shelby L. Robey, and LCpl Jose L. Carvajal. In addition, the students received many certificates of recognition and gifts from local organizations and businesses for their accomplishments.

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].