Kendrick, Pilbin, Rendon, Velazquez honored as FUHSD Students of the Month

Erin Kendrick, Morgan Pilbin, and Maria Rendon of Fallbrook High School and Bethany Velazquez of Oasis High School were honored as October Students of the Month for the Fallbrook Union High School District (FUHSD) at a special recognition breakfast held Oct. 2 at the Fallbrook Community Center.

After opening the program and welcoming those in attendance, emcee Greg Coppock introduced new Fallbrook Union High School District superintendent Dr. Hugo Pedroza, who took over the position 14 days earlier.

“I am really happy and proud to be here,” Pedroza said. “There are a lot of great things going on. This is a great community.”

For a student to be selected for the honor of Student of the Month, he or she must be respected by their peers, have outstanding behavior, significant academic achievements, and an element of community volunteerism.

Bethany Velazquez of Oasis High School, who was nominated by teacher Heidi Fouret, was the first student to be recognized.

“Bethany has taken off at Oasis like gangbusters,” said Fouret, explaining that the school features independent study. “She comes in with completed, impeccably-done work every week. She is a pleasure to work with, and has a kind and positive demeanor.” She explained that Velazquez volunteers at a local animal shelter, her church, and in the community.

Velazquez was also honored by Bonsall Chamber of Commerce representative Kathy Carbone, for volunteering her time to the recent Bonsall Country Festival.

With plans to go into the US Navy after graduation, Velazquez said she would like to ultimately study marine biology.

“I’m so privileged to receive an award like this,” she said. “I didn’t do so hot before this year, and it’s nice to know that my effort has led to this and that if I put in the work, I get this type of outcome.”

Erin Kendrick was nominated for the award by Fallbrook High teachers Heather Smith and Estay Paulsen. Smith represented both.

“Erin has strong leadership qualities,” said Smith. “In Madrigals, she is the one everyone looks to. She is an exemplary student. She can do anything she wants and excel at it.” She described Kendrick as “a brilliant musician” with an “outstanding work ethic” and said she is also involved in community volunteerism.

Kendrick thanked Smith and Paulsen for nominating her for the honor, in addition to her family for their ongoing support.

“I never expected to be nominated for something like this, so thank you,” said Kendrick. “High school has been pretty great so far, with being involved in the clubs and choir. I have applied to UC schools and USD and want to go into engineering, but keep music in my life.”

Morgan Pilbin was selected for the honor based on the recommendation of Fallbrook High career counselor and coach Anthony Morrow.

“Morgan is a great person and a fantastic student. I have had the privilege of coaching her in basketball and she is a four-year varsity softball player as well,” said Morrow. “What stands out about Morgan is her leadership qualities. She is one of the amazing students doing amazing things on our campus.” In addition to her leadership skills, Pilbin’s compassionate nature with others was noted.

“I would like to thank my parents for pushing me to do my best,” said Pilbin. “They have shaped me into the person I am.” She went on to say that after graduation, she plans on attending Vanguard University where she will study kinesiology and play softball. “In the future I would like to be a trainer for a professional sports team.”

Maria Rendon was nominated by Fallbrook High teacher Lita Tabish for the student of the month honor

“Maria is a dream student; she gets very excited about her assignments,” said Tabish. “She is full of creativity and enthusiasm. She also tutors other students. She is very helpful and always has a beautiful smile on her face.” Rendon’s talent in putting together fashion displays was noted as well as her sewing abilities.

“She is an outstanding overall student,” said Tabish.

When Rendon addressed the crowd she explained that she had been a good student all her life, but medical problems that began in her sophomore year of high school had made things very challenging.

“I was diagnosed with lupus when I was a sophomore,” said Rendon. “I missed half of my sophomore year due to chemotherapy, but was still able to keep my grade point average up.”

Rendon said she has continued to stay focused on academics, despite her medical challenges. “Even though I battle my body every day, it shows that when I put my mind to it, I can succeed.” She said after graduation she plans on attending Palomar College to study fashion merchandising and wishes to go into product development as a career.

At the recognition event, each of honored students were awarded a Lamp of Knowledge medal. Four representatives from the Camp Pendleton Air Station were in attendance and conducted the medal presentation ceremony. In addition, the students received many certificates of recognition and gifts from local organizations and businesses for their accomplishments.

In reviewing the merits of the four students, Coppock said, “These students are setting the tone for all of us.”

The Fallbrook Student of the Month breakfast is funded by generous local businesses and organizations, including Major Market, Fallbrook PTSA, Law Offices of Faunce, Singer & Oatman, Coldwell Banker Village Properties, Fallbrook Vintage Car Club, Fallbrook Republican Women Federated, Fallbrook Printing, Friends of Frank Larkin, and Sheri’s Flowers.

To nominate an FUHSD high school student for this honor, email [email protected].