Foos, Meyers, Hernandez, Reyes honored

Mike Meyers, Jessica Foos and Jasmine Hernandez of Fallbrook High School and Elizabeth Reyes of Ivy High School were honored as outstanding students at the Fallbrook Community Student of the Month breakfast held April 5 at Fallbrook Golf Club’s Hukilau Restaurant.

Now celebrating its 11th year, the Student of the Month program has honored more than 335 exemplary high school students.

Mike Meyers was selected for the honor as a result of a nomination by Fallbrook High teacher Veronica Bailey.

“Mike is the best teacher’s assistant I have ever had. Students really respect him,” Bailey said. “He is patient with the students and has a great sense of humor. He goes beyond the call of duty and is an asset to the community, his family and nation.”

Letters of congratulations by some of the students Meyers tutors were read to during the awards program. Meyers’ full load of academic studies includes college courses. A member of both the Fallbrook High School wrestling team and track team, he plans to attend the University of Florida, where he says he would like to study marine biology.

“I would like to thank the community for this honor,” Meyers said. “This is so great.”

Jessica Foos was honored as a Student of the Month by Fallbrook High teacher Carla Crane.

“Jessica is a wonderful person. Her attitude never changes,” said Crane. “She is always upbeat and happy, never down. She is a global thinker; she thinks outside of herself. She is a hardworking, determined young woman.”

Foos was also described as a great help to her family. During a recent family illness, she was said to be a source of strength and comfort. She filled in when others couldn’t with younger siblings and household chores, all while working at Ingold Field and volunteering at different projects in the community.

Foos recently attended the National Young Leadership Teacher Conference, where she competed in and won a debate. She was a Girl Scout for nine years and is a “Peer Buddy” for special needs children, an effort she claims has taught her patience. Foos plans to continue her education with special needs individuals in college.

“I am really honored to be here and would like to thank the community and Carla for this opportunity,” said Foos. “I also want to thank my family for their support, and my mother, who is my inspiration.”

Jasmine Hernandez was recommended for the Student of the Month by Fallbrook High staff member Carmen Montejano and Vice Principal Travis Benintendo.

“This young lady currently carries a 4.06 grade point average and is in honors and advanced placement classes,” said Benintendo.

“She is very enthusiastic in everything she does,” added Montejano. “It has been a pleasure watching her grow the last few years.”

Hernandez is a senior class officer and a tutor and has been involved in many of Fallbrook High’s activities. She is currently an Olympic weightlifter and has placed nationally.

“My goal is to attend either Notre Dame or UCLA, where I want to pursue a career in sports medicine, specifically in sports psychology,” said Hernandez. “Someday I want to work with Olympic athletes.”

Elizabeth Reyes was named Student of the Month based on a nomination from Ivy High School teacher Drew Boruch.

“I have watched Elizabeth make a [180-degree] turn since my first meeting with her,” said Ivy High Principal Lisa Broomfield. “I am so very proud and happy for her. I am honored to be sitting across the table from her today.”

“Elizabeth is the only student in the thousands that I have taught that I have recommended for Student of the Month,” said Boruch. “I am so grateful for Elizabeth and so proud of her accomplishments.”

Reyes is described as a joy to her teachers, polite, respectful and dependable to her peers. When Reyes first entered the Fallbrook school system she could not speak any English. She learned the language and passed the test on the first try. She has evolved into a determined and confident young lady.

In addition, Reyes is a volunteer for the Fallbrook Child Care Center and a classroom teacher’s assistant at Ivy High. She was acknowledged for striving to make life easier for her family.

“I am very proud to receive this honor,” said Reyes. “I am proud of my family and the support they give me.”

Reyes’ career goal is to someday own a full-service beauty salon in Fallbrook. “I love Fallbrook and the people here,” she said.

Friends, family and members of the business and service communities, as well as representatives of elected officials, attended the prestigious event and provided certificates of achievement and gifts to the students honored.

The Fallbrook Community Student of the Month program is organized by a committee of the same name and is funded by generous local businesses and organizations, including 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 Goble, Kiwanis Club of Fallbrook, Major Market, Pala Mesa Resort, Dr. David Plocki, Rally for Children, Rotary Club of Fallbrook, Soroptimist International of Fallbrook, Dr. Charles Taft, American Legion Post 365, Pacific Western Bank, Fallbrook Golf Club & Hukilau, Fallbrook Printing, the North County Times and the Fallbrook/Bonsall Village News.