Greenwood, Bell, Poole, Richelieu honored

Malary Greenwood of Oasis High School and Nicole Bell, Karen Poole and Sydney Richelieu of Fallbrook High School were honored as the March Community Students of the Month. The four students, selected based on their academic performance, community service work, and other noteworthy achievements, were recognized at a special breakfast held in their honor on March 1 at Fallbrook Golf Club’s Hukilau restaurant.

“We’re elated to have this opportunity to celebrate you in the present,” Superintendent Dale Mitchell said to the honorees, “and with the optimism that great things will happen .”

After the student honorees were introduced at the breakfast, they were each presented with a special medal depicting the Lamp of Knowledge by Karl Fekete of the American Legion.

Malary Greenwood was nominated for the honor by Oasis High teacher Linda Poznanter.

“Of the 2,300 students I have taught over the years, Malary is one of the top three,” said Poznanter. “She has been my student of the month for three years and I decided I am going to have the pleasure of nominating her before I retire [this year].”

Greenwood, a junior, plays on the varsity softball team, participates in church activities, writes a column for the Village News as an intern, and helps homeschool her younger siblings. She was described as “bright, inquisitive, creative, compassionate, and fun to teach.” It was also said that she has an incredible family and “the vast majority of credit goes to them.”

“Oasis has been the greatest time at school ever,” said Greenwood, who is already taking some classes at Palomar College. “Miss P.

has really helped me prepare for college and is my best friend.”

Nicole Bell was recommended for the student of the month honor by Fallbrook High cross country coach Marco Arias.

“Nicole came to cross country as a way of staying in shape for rugby,” said Arias. “She showed glimpses <as a freshman> of what she could be… sheer determination; that is what she is when she sets her mind on something.”

Bell served as girls’ cross country co-captain, also runs track, helps other students, and does volunteer work. She was described as dedicated and goal oriented, with a big heart and “no quit in her.” As a junior, she won the league championship in the 3200 meter race.

“I would like to thank Coach, the community, and the Student of the Month committee,” said Bell, adding that she doesn’t know what she wants to do in college but plans on attending a four year university in California. “I want to continue running cross country and track in college.”

Karen Poole was nominated as a student of the month by FUHS economics teacher Dave Evans.

“[Karen’s] been a wonderful student; she demonstrates a sense of joy in those around her,” said Evans. “She is a mature young woman; when she makes a decision, get out of the way, she is going to do it right.”

Poole serves on the prom committee, is a member of the Key Club, and is president of Fallbrook High FFA, San Diego Section FFA and Southern Region FFA, besides being a volunteer in several community service projects. She was said to be a hard worker with a sense of humor and a great laugh.

“Thank you for being here. I find it rewarding to work hard and be recognized for it,” said Poole. “I plan on going to a junior college because I have no idea which direction I want to go in. Everything sounds good.”

Sydney Richelieu was recommended for the student of the month honor by Fallbrook High field hockey coach Kirstin Mueller.

“Sydney is amazing; she has a 3.7 GPA, excellent citizenship and is a hard worker,” said Mueller. “It’s not just about her; [she does it] for the team. She is going on to Missouri State having already committed to the Division I [school].”

Richelieu is a member of the Fallbrook High Link crew, takes stats for the football team and is captain of both the girls’ soccer and field hockey teams. She was described as goal-oriented and as being quiet but giving 110 percent on the field, and also being a leader through hard work and dedication.

She thanked everyone for coming to the breakfast and said, “I plan on getting a degree in psychology.”

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

In closing the ceremony, Grantham followed up on the leadership theme, citing the investment teachers have made in their students lives, and, “Parents, you have invested well – look at your investment.”

The Fallbrook Community Student of the Month breakfast 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.

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