Tovar, Gardner and Warren outstanding students

Jaime Tovar of Oasis High School and Andrea Warren and Bailey Gardner of Fallbrook Union High School found their names “in lights” on the FUHS marquee this week. The three students were honored as November Students of the Month on Thursday, November 2, at the Hukilau restaurant located at the Fallbrook Golf Club. Sue Johnson, emcee, told the three students, “You are the lights of the community.” Frank Larkin of American Legion Post 365 presented each award winner with an attractive bronze medal.

Jaime Tovar was honored because of his tenacious attitude in regards to his studies. In a testimonial by teacher Toni Bongiovanni of Oasis High School, it was mentioned that Tovar is not only a diligent, hardworking student but a great support to other students. Tovar has a goal set on becoming an architect. His mother said, “I know he is going to achieve his goals – I know he is going to get there.” His father lauded him as “…a really good kid.” Jaime Tovar thanked the community for supporting Oasis High School.

Andrea Warren, a student at Fallbrook Union High School, was given a testimonial by Dorothy Hartford, an instructor in the Visual Arts Department. “She lives beyond herself – in every one of her activities it’s not ‘about her,’” Hartford told the audience.

Warren is active in assisting at REINS, the Boys & Girls Club and with Special Olympics. She is a Varsity Cheer Captain, member of the Interact Club and served as Junior Class president.

She is also a member of the National Charity League, from which has won the Ticktocker Award and is also mentioned in Who’s Who Among American High School Students.

At Fallbrook High, Warren helped to start an outstanding program called the “Best Buddies Club,” which is directed toward students who are developmentally challenged. The club pairs the challenged students with “buddies” from the high school student body. Warren is also active in the St. Peter’s Catholic Youth Group.

“I do do a lot,” said Warren, “but I always get something back.”

Carol Warren, Andrea’s mother, said that her daughter has always been tenacious. “But, we are most proud of her love for the Lord,” she noted.

Bailey Gardner, a student at Fallbrook Union High School, was honored for her positive attitude, willingness to help the staff and students as well as for her award-winning equestrian talents. Gardner also works as a teacher’s assistant during first period.

She has overcome physical obstacles to emerge as a confident achiever. Gardner was born with a cleft palate and has endured 18 surgeries to correct the problem, but through it all she has remained positive.

Gardner’s parents moved to Connecticut in 2004, but she moved back to Bonsall to complete her own equestrian training and train younger equestrians at Chestnut Hills Equestrian Center. “She started life with some hardships, but I couldn’t ask for a better kid,” said Gardner’s mother, Kelly, who flew in from Connecticut for the ceremonies.

“She is an exceptional person and the hardest working kid at the barn,” said Shayne Berridge. “She grooms and lunges the horses and encourages the kids. Her day sometimes begins at 4:30 or 5:30 in the morning.”

Gardner has won the first Sportsmanship Award for the San Diego Hunter Jumper Association (English riding) and was also a 2005 and 2006 Champion for the Association. Her career goal is to train horses and to teach children how to ride.

Sue Johnson also recognized two members of the committee who have put many hours of time into the project: Dick Engstrom, who has been with the committee for 10 years, and Linda Promack, who has been a member of the committee since its inception 11 years ago.

Many community members have also been supportive of the program since the beginning. Sam and Ann Logan of Major Market and Chris Hasvold of Coldwell Banker Landmark Group were mentioned as members of this group.

Each student is given a “Red Goodie Bag,” which contains gift certificates, a US Savings Bond, and letters of commendation from legislators. “These letters of commendation are important when putting together a college resume,” Johnson stressed. Johnson also mentioned that the most important part of the Red Goodie Bag is the “thank you” notes.

Donors to the program include: American Legion Post 365, Community National Bank, Fallbrook Golf Club and Hukilau Restaurant, Fallbrook Printing, the Village News and the North County Times.

Sponsors include: Angel Society, Dr. Thomas Aspel, Bonsall Rotary, Bonsall Woman’s Club, Dr. Randy Carlson, Coldwell Banker Landmark Group, Fallbrook AAUW, Fallbrook High PTSA, Fallbrook Republican Women Federated, Fallbrook Village Rotary, Fallbrook Woman’s Club, Dr. Daniel Flores, Garret Group, Dr. Richard Gobel, Kiwanis Club of Fallbrook, Major Market, Pala Mesa Resort, Dr. David Plocki, Rally for Children, Rotary Club of Fallbrook, Soroptomist International of Fallbrook and Dr. Charles Taft.