Mina, Allison, Romo, Sommer honored

Graciela Mina of Ivy High School and Ellen Allison, Ashley Romo, and Chaz Sommer of Fallbrook Union High School were honored as the November Students of the Month for the Fallbrook Union High School District (FUHSD) at a special recognition breakfast held Nov. 5 at the Fallbrook Community Center.

Only four students are selected each month from the high school district's population to receive the award. These individuals have earned the respect of the staff and their peers for their academic achievements, leadership skills, community volunteerism and more.

"You encourage us by your actions," emcee Greg Coppock told the student honorees.

Graciela Mina was nominated for the honor by Ivy High School teacher Sheri Ryan.

"I have been honored to have Graciela in my science and garden classes; she is also my teacher's assistant and I love every minute of that," said Ryan. "Graciela has worked hard to make up her credits and will likely return to Fallbrook High School in January." Ryan went on to say that three "H's" come to mind regarding Mina, "humble, helps others, and hardworking."

It was noted that Mina volunteers her time to the youth leadership program at her church, St. Peter the Apostle.

In accepting the award, Mina said, "I'd like to thank Ms. Ryan for nominating me. I didn't expect to be up here. I came into Ivy missing credits and I've worked hard. I will be proud to go back to Fallbrook High, but Ivy has been a good experience." Mina said her future plans include attending college.

Ellen Allison was recommended for the student of the month honor by Fallbrook High School counselor Ken Brower.

"When I see Ellen, 'faith' comes to mind," said Brower. "That's because when I see Ellen, I see hope for the future; that things will be better." Brower also shared what some other teachers thought of Allison, describing her as "busy, easy going, personable, polite, mature, a pleasure to have in class, and a person of integrity."

In accepting the award, Allison thanked her teachers and also the large number of local businesses who sponsor the student of the month program. "I especially want to thank Mr. Brower for walking me through the high school experience and thank my parents and family for always being there for me."

Allison went on to explain that she plans on pursuing a career in photojournalism. "I'm really excited about my future," she said. "I love to travel and would like to help girls find a voice and share their opinions with the world."

Ashley Romo was selected for the honor based on the recommendation of Fallbrook High School counselor Michael Perales. "Ashley has been a great student," said Perales. "She is a leader amongst her peers. She has been going through the Quest Scholars program and is now in the finals for a full-ride scholarship."

Active in the school's swimming and water polo programs, Romo also serves as vice president of programs for the California Scholarship Federation (CSF) chapter on campus, and serves as a Spanish translator. She is also involved in a worship group.

According to Fallbrook High teacher Connie Fellios, "Ashley deserves this honor; she is intelligent and resilient. She offers hope to our society. She has all the qualities for academic and personal success."

Romo thanked the audience, businesses, and committee members for providing and supporting the awards program. "I am honored to be here today," she said. "I want to thank Mr. Perales, my coach Mr. Brower, and Ms. Fellios. Ms. Fellios offered me many things, including opportunities and guidance." Romo went on to say she has submitted applications to universities and wants to eventually become a family physician, serving in an impoverished area.

Charles "Chaz" Sommer, nominated by Fallbrook High School teacher Estay Paulsen, was lauded for being "self-motivated and self-determined."

"He is very competitive, but very humble" said Paulsen. "He always came into my class with a smile and worked hard to get the highest 'A' possible in class. It's rare to have someone so driven, so positive, and joyful." Active in water polo and swimming, Sommer said he was currently applying to University of California schools and is looking forward to going into CIF water polo playoffs with the intent of winning the championship title again this year, as his team did in 2014.

"I really want to thank Ms. Paulsen; she helps put a smile on my face," said Sommer. "She is one of my favorite teachers of all time. I also want to thank everyone for coming out to support me and the other three students being honored. I thank my parents and grandparents as well for everything."

At the recognition breakfast, each of the four students was awarded a Lamp of Knowledge medal by active duty military representatives SSgt Samuel E. Miller, Cpl Harold Burgos, LCpl Shamair A. Hamilton, and LCpl Stacy A. McCoy. In addition, the students received many certificates of recognition and a bag full of gifts from local organizations and businesses for their accomplishments.

The Fallbrook Student of the Month breakfast is funded by generous local businesses and organizations. For the 2015-2016 year, the platinum sponsor is the Angel Society of Fallbrook; gold sponsors are Coldwell Banker Village properties and Law Offices of Faunce, Singer & Oatman; silver sponsors are Fallbrook Republication Women Federated and Fallbrook PTSA; and bronze sponsors, Fallbrook Vintage Car Club and Dr. Daniel Flores.

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