Torres, Horwin, Ramos, and Madden named outstanding students

Cindy Torres of Oasis High School and Heston Horwin, Danny Ramos and Jenelle Madden of Fallbrook High School were honored for their outstanding achievements and efforts at the January 7 Fallbrook Community Student of the Month breakfast held at Fallbrook Golf Club’s Hukilau restaurant.

Each month during the school year, the program fetes four of Fallbrook’s most accomplished high school students.

“I can’t think of a better way to recognize the excellence and achievements of these students,” said Dr. Dale Mitchell, district superintendent. The students are treated to a buffet breakfast and addressed by political representatives and members of organizations throughout the community. Each student is recognized individually for their specific accomplishments and escorted by their family members to the podium for the honor.

Cindy Torres was honored as a Student of the Month based on the recommendation of Bennielyn Verrett, a teacher at Oasis High.

“[Cindy] is an amazing individual,” said Verrett. “She has grown to be an articulate, responsible young lady with common sense. She also does superior academic work.”

Verrett said Torres is set to graduate early from the Oasis independent study program. It was stated that Torres has had a perfect attendance record at the school and services as the Oasis student representative on the Fallbrook Union High School District board. Torres has volunteered her time to read to younger students and performed community service work for her church. In her spare time, Torres said, she enjoys playing the flute, guitar and creating art. Her future plans include seeking a career in business.

“I want to thank Ms. Verrett for nominating me for this honor,” said Torres. “And I want to thank my family for supporting throughout the years.”

Heston Horwin was nominated for the Student of the Month award by Fallbrook High English teacher Betz Critchley.

“[Heston] has breadth; he is extremely well-rounded,” said Critchley. “He is an extremely moral and ethical young man.”

Horwin serves as the senior class president at Fallbrook High and has a distinct passion for theater. He has been a member of student government for all four years in high school, serving as class treasurer his freshman, sophomore and junior years. His extra-curricular activities have included tennis, drama and marching band. He is a regular broadcaster on the high school’s morning campus newscast. Horwin said he hopes to attend University of Southern California (USC) in the fall semester and study theater.

“I want to thank the committee and Mrs. Critchley for this fantastic honor and I want to thank my family for their support,” said Horwin. “My experience at Fallbrook High has been amazing and enriching.”

Danny Ramos was recommended for the Student of the Month honor by English teacher Connie Fellios.

“Danny has a quiet, unassuming manner,” said Fellios. “He is respectful, intelligent, and has excelled in all his Advance Placement (AP) classes. The other students respect him because he is very determined and has genuine humility.”

Ramos, who just received an appointment to the US Naval Academy, competes on Fallbrook High School’s academic team, and in the cross-country and track program. He has participated all fours year in the high school’s AVID program. Part of a local Marine Corps family, Ramos volunteers his time at the Camp Pendleton animal shelter and to the military outreach ministry.

“I am so proud of Danny,” said AVID teacher Mary Begley. “He has dignity and he brings dignity to his work.”

“It is very humbling for me to be a part of this program,” said Ramos. “Mrs. Fellios has been an inspiration to me. She and Mrs. Begley and the AVID program has helped me make it into the Naval Academy. I also want to thank my parents for everything they have done for me.”

Jenelle Madden was selected as a Student of the Month after a recommendation by Jan Levi, secretary to the principal of Fallbrook High.

“It’s been a joy to watch Jenelle blossom and grow at Fallbrook High,” said Levi. “She has a sweet, sweet spirit and I have seen her excel in many ways. Her future is extremely bright.”

Madden is a member of the Fallbrook High ASB Link Crew and helps students new to the school become acclimatized. She has been a member of the California Scholastic Federation (CSF) since seventh grade, and is a Ticktocker with National Charity League San Luis Rey Chapter. Madden has been involved in track in the past at the high school and has played both varsity volleyball and basketball. She is a member of Warriors for Christ and volunteers her time to coach youth volleyball with the Boys & Girls Clubs. In addition, she has served church mission trips and been a volunteer for her church’s Vacation Bible School.

Frank Larkin and Karl Fekete, representing American Legion Post 365, were on hand for the awards breakfast and presented each of the four students with special keepsake medals depicting the Lamp of Knowledge.

Of the outstanding students presented to the community each month at the breakfast event, Connie Fellios said, “These students bring us so much hope for the future.”

Now in its thirteenth year, the Fallbrook Community Student of the Month program has honored 417 outstanding high school students.

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 the Angel Society, Coldwell Banker Landmark Group, Fallbrook AAUW, Fallbrook High PTSA, Fallbrook Republican Women Federated, Fallbrook Village Rotary, Fallbrook Vintage Car Club, Fallbrook Woman’s Club, Kiwanis Club of Fallbrook, Major Market, North County Orthodontics – Dr. Michael Allen, Rally for Children, Village Kitchen, American Legion Post 365, Pacific Western Bank, Fallbrook Golf Club & Hukilau, Fallbrook Printing, and the Fallbrook/Bonsall Village News.

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