Madrigal, Barrett, Donnelly, Souza receive special honor

Lidia Madrigal of Oasis High School and Demi Barrett, Andrew Donnelly and Kyle Souza of Fallbrook High School were honored as the Fallbrook Community Students of the Month for May and lauded for their outstanding achievements at a celebratory breakfast held May 5 at Fallbrook Golf Club’s Hukilau restaurant.

“You really are a select group of students,” Dale Mitchell Ed.D, superintendent of Fallbrook Union High School District said to the honorees. “This means you are doing exceptional work.”

After each student was introduced to attendees of the breakfast, they were presented with a special, engraved medal depicting the Lamp of Knowledge by representatives of American Legion Post 365.

Lidia Madrigal was selected as a Student of the Month based on the recommendation of Oasis High School teacher Bennielyn Verrett.

“Lidia is a special young lady who has triumphed and conquered, although her life has been difficult,” said Verrett. “She has not dwelled on the hardships she has endured; her positive attitude and hard work have prevailed.”

Described as a student with perfect attendance, a great attitude and an eagerness to learn, Madrigal has earned a spot on the principal’s honor roll. She was described by Verrett as “sweet, caring, and dedicated to helping her family.”

“I want to thank Ms. Verrett, my mom, and my sister for everything,” said Madrigal. “I am really grateful for this honor today and won’t forget this.”

Demi Barrett was named a Student of the Month following the recommendation of Josh Way, director of the Associated Student Body (ASB) of Fallbrook High School.

“Demi is our ASB president and I don’t know any student that has put in more hours of effort in the past than she has,” said Way. “She doesn’t just do what her job title says – she does whatever she can and does it with a smile. She can also inspire and mobilize others.”

Barrett has served in ASB for all four years in high school and coordinated multiple large events including dances, Homecoming floats, fashion shows and community service projects. Way said. She has played water polo and field hockey and is described as an assertive leader who motivates others.

“When I went into high school, my goal was to get involved and be a leader,” said Barrett. “In becoming a leader, I learned that it meant creating relationships.”

Barrett said she will be attending Virginia Military Institute on a water polo scholarship in the fall.

Andrew Donnelly was recommended for the Student of the Month honor by Fallbrook High teacher and coach Marco Arias.

“<Andrew> has developed into a quiet leader,” said Arias. “The character of a man is not what he does when everyone is watching; it’s what they do when no one is looking. I think the world of Andrew. He has outstanding character.”

Donnelly has achieved a 4.2 grade point average and has a “calming” effect on his cross country and track team, Arias said, adding, “He is one of the top runners in FUHS history.”

“I want to thank the committee for this great reward and want to say that my parents are the greatest role models,” said Donnelly. “In addition, [Coach Arias] has inspired me to continue track in college.” Donnelly said he plans to attend University of California, Santa Barbara or Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and study bio medical engineering.

Kyle Souza received the Student of the Month honor after being nominated by three Fallbrook High teachers – Larry Koch, Remy Kirkham, and Paula Kuhn. All three teachers attended the event to speak on Souza’s behalf.

“The fact that three teachers nominated Kyle says a lot,” said Koch. “I have never had a student like him.”

“Kyle has the biggest heart I know,” said Kirkham. “He is determined to succeed and never gives up. He is a top quality student.”

“Kyle is a gentleman; a rarity,” said Kuhn. “He greets me every morning and throughout the day when he sees me.”

Souza, who has played four years of football and rugby at Fallbrook High, was described as “dedicated, diligent, responsible, appreciative, compassionate, and loyal to his peers.”

“I have had a wonderful time at Fallbrook High,” said Souza. “I want to thank my parents and family and all of my teachers; they are like family to me.” Souza said he plans on attending Palomar College in the fall.

Family members and friends of the honorees attended the recognition event in addition to members of the local business and service community. Christi Knight was on hand representing County Supervisor Bill Horn’s office and read a list of all the certificates that elected officials were providing for the students. In addition, numerous gifts were donated by businesses and clubs for the students being honored.

Now celebrating its 14th year, to date the Fallbrook Community Student of the Month program has honored 465 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, Dr. Randy Carlson, Dr. Richard Goble, Fallbrook AAUW, Fallbrook High PTSA, Fallbrook Republican Women Federated, Fallbrook Village Rotary, Fallbrook Vintage Car Club, Fallbrook Women’s Club, Major Market, Rally for Children, American Legion Post 365, Fallbrook Golf Club and Hukilau, Fallbrook Printing, Pacific Western Bank, and the Village News.

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