Phillips, Alperstein, Leehey, and Sherman honored

Lili Phillips from Oasis High School, along with Jack Alperstein, Shara Leehey, and Sarah Sherman were selected as the January Fallbrook Community Students of the Month and honored for their hard work and dedication at a special breakfast held January 5 at the Fallbrook Golf Club’s Hukilau restaurant.

“On behalf of the Fallbrook Union High School District, we are elated to be a part of this recognition program,” said superintendent Dale Mitchell. “This is truly a time for us to celebrate you as students. You have made exemplary progress to this point, and we celebrate and recognize your work with optimism that your good work is going to continue, and that you will be a positive influence in our local community and on a much larger stage.”

As the students were introduced at breakfast, they were each presented a special medal depicting the Lamp of Knowledge by the American Legion.

Phillips was nominated by Fallbrook Union High School teacher Rebecca McQuestion and Oasis High School teacher Dave Major for her relentless determination and focused energy.

“Lili has surpassed the other students with her self-motivation, personal responsibility and dedication to her directives,” said Major. “She is intent on being totally involved in her higher education, and as a consequence, teaching her to be her own self advocate has not been difficult.”

Phillips has made a name for herself by consistently turning in her 30 hours of weekly homework on time, and for having “truly embraced the academic challenge.” Phillips was also called an outstanding example of “combining ambition with sustained effort to reach her goals.”

McQuestion stated that Phillips is a model student with a servant’s heart, and called her a “genuinely delightful and respectful young lady.”

Currently on schedule to complete her graduation requirements early, Phillips plans on attending Cypress College and becoming a flight attendant.

“I want to be a flight attendant because I would be able to meet new people and have an opportunity to see the world’s different cultures,” said Phillips. “Thank you so much for this award.”

Alperstein was nominated by Fallbrook Union High School Spanish teacher Estay Paulsen after she had him in her Spanish III class last school year.

“Jack was the perfect example of why I loved teaching Spanish III,” said Paulsen. “He would come in for extra help when he did not need it so that he could get the highest grade possible. That shows you what wonderful work ethic he has and how seriously he takes his academics.”

Alperstein was nominated for being an example to his peers, and for his dedication to both the Fallbrook High School golf team and his academic career. In addition, he has also traveled to Africa and Alabama on humanitarian trips, and plans to serve more around the world and in his own community.

Currently a junior, Alperstein is beginning the college selection process, and is hoping to apply to California State universities, UCLA, and Stanford.

“This is a huge honor, but I couldn’t do it without my family,” he said.

Leehey was nominated by Marcos Arias, a social studies teacher for Fallbrook Union High School and the cross country coach.

“Shara is just dynamic, and she is more than just a pillar for her cross country teammates; she is the foundation that goes with the pillar,” said Arias. “She is extremely determined, and whatever she accomplishes, it is because of her almost fanatical determination.”

Arias said he discovered Leehey’s determination and dedication at the first track meet of last year, when she was determined to letter at the meet. Despite being ill, Leehey ran in the meet, and was given her letter for her work, despite her illness.

“It was really special to find out I was going to be honored,” said Leehey, who plans on majoring in liberal arts and becoming an elementary teacher. Planning on still running in college, Leehey is considering attending Concordia University.

“I want to thank everyone for everything,” she said.

Heather Smith, the choir teacher for the high school, selected Sherman as her student of the month because of her outstanding help and her hardworking persona.

“Sarah was very quiet and low-key, and I didn’t get to know her until the past summer,” said Smith, who stated that Sherman was able to make it into the Regional Choir, which selects 250 choir students from the region, and eventually being selected for the all state honor choir.

“She didn’t tell me about the experience, or the fact that she was invited to Greece to sing,” said Smith. “When I asked her about it, she opened up her personality. This year, I have gotten to know Sarah, and she has made a difference.”

“Sarah was able to sing in a holiday performance, and was chosen as soloist for “Ave Maria,” as well.

Sherman plans to attend Northern Arizona University to study opera, and hopes to go to the San Francisco Observatory.

“I want to thank the community for allowing me to be here,” said Sherman.

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.

Now celebrating its 14th year, to date the Fallbrook Community Student of the Month program has honored 481 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 of Fallbrook, Dr. Daniel Flores, Dr. Richard Goble, the Fallbrook High School PTSA, the Fallbrook Republican Women Federated, Rally for Children and 2K for Kids, Fallbrook Printing, Pacific Western Bank and the Village News.

“You are the stars this morning, and you will have to get used to it,” said Lynne Grantham, the emcee for the program. “I know that every student that has gone through here has been a bright, shining character. You should be proud.”