Lackey, Martinez, Patterson, Topete honored as FUHSD Students of the Month

Cesar Martinez of Ivy High School and Taylor Lackey, Jazmin Patterson, and Jesseca Topete of Fallbrook Union High School were honored as the March Students of the Month for the Fallbrook Union High School District (FUHSD) at a celebratory breakfast held March 3 at the Fallbrook Community Center.

After honorees and guests were welcomed to the event by emcee Greg Coppock, FUHSD superintendent Dr. Hugo Pedroza said, "This is definitely what we live for as educators... to see our students succeed."

Students are nominated for the honor and the Fallbrook Student of the Month Committee selects the final awardees based on those who have made significant strides in academics, community service work, peer leadership, and more. Common traits include commitment, perseverance, and excellence.

Cesar Martinez was recommended for the Student of the Month honor by Ivy High School English teacher Kelly Walker, who has special duties pertaining to the students who are seniors.

"Cesar joined us <at Ivy> after being expelled in 10th grade at Fallbrook High," Walker explained. "He was finding himself in trouble, quit school and went to work. Then he decided to make a change and came to Ivy. He has gotten caught up on his credits and will graduate on time this year. He is a very determined person and a hard worker. He is striving to make himself better."

Walker commended Martinez for his "turnaround" and said he is planning on going to Palomar College after graduation to study business. "We are pleased to be here and are proud of Cesar," she said.

Ivy High School principal Melissa Marovich added her pride in Martinez. "I am so impressed with how mature Cesar is now. He is a leader now and a role model. He is very deserving of this honor."

In addressing the audience, Martinez said, "I want to thank my family for pushing me to do better. I was at a hard place, but now here I am and I'm proud of myself. I really want to thank the people at Ivy."

Taylor Lackey was recommended for the Student of the Month honor by Fallbrook High social studies teacher Adriana Lopez.

"Taylor is highly motivated and a kind, generous human being," said Lopez. "I am very impressed with all the hard work she has completed." She said Lackey is on the school's cheer team, carries a 4.0 grade point average, has been on the all-academic team, participated in lacrosse, and was a Miss Fallbrook contestant in 2015.

Lopez said Lackey is planning on attending Grandview University where she will study nursing. "I can see her doing many great things after graduating from Grandview," she said.

In addressing the audience, Lackey said, "I want to thank Ms. Lopez for nominating me; I am truly thankful; my parents for always supporting me; and God for getting me through everything."

Jazmin Patterson was nominated for the Student of the Month honor by Fallbrook High dance teacher Anna Gravenkamp.

"Jazmin is a standout among her peers," said Gravenkamp. "She is one of the most humble and hardworking students I know."

"She is a leader in creating and performing in groups and has a lot of school spirit," added Gravenkamp. "She has been recognized by many as a scholar athlete, carries a 4.0 grade point average, played water polo for four years, is a member of the varsity swim team, on the Color Guard, and played volleyball. "She is an incredible young woman."

Patterson told the audience she wants to attend college in Monterey Bay and study psychology. "I just want to say thank you to my parents for raising me, and thank the community and the committee. It means a lot to me to be a Fallbrook Student of The Month."

Jesseca Topete was recommended for the Student of the Month honor by Fallbrook High teachers Marin Pinnell and Lauren Jones. Pinnell was unable to attend the event, so Jones reviewed Topete's qualities that led to her being an awardee.

"First I want to say that Marin

wanted everyone to know the three reasons she nominated Jessica – her excellence in academics, leadership in serving as president and vice president of the Interact Club, and her contributions to the school and community at large," said Jones.

"I am also Jesseca's English teacher and I can tell you she excels academically," said Jones. "She is already taking classes at UCSD. She is personable and well-adjusted, bright and gifted in so many areas. She has a great sense of humor.

Topete told those in attendance, "I want to thank Ms. Jones and Ms. Pinnell; and my parents for always pushing me to do my best; and the committee for this honor. I plan on going to college and study engineering. I hope to eventually give back to the community."

At the recognition breakfast, the student honorees were each presented with a Lamp of Knowledge medal by active duty military representatives Captain Kevin Penn, Sgt. Samantha Torres, and Cpl. Ashley Singler. In addition, the students were presented with many certificates of honor from organizations and legislators as well as a bag full of gifts from local organizations and businesses for their accomplishments.

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.

Teachers, school staff, or community members can nominate

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