Gomez, Leehey, Leslie, and Sehnert are honored as high school students of the month

Wade Leehey, Anthonio Gomez, and Taryn Sehnert of Fallbrook Union High School and Eva Leslie of Ivy High School were honored as the January Students of the Month for the Fallbrook Union High School District (FUHSD) at a special breakfast event held Jan. 7 at the Fallbrook Community Center.

Emcee Greg Coppock welcomed the honorees and guests to the event and explained the distinction of receiving the award out of the large number of students on the campuses. Coppock said the individuals earned the honor based on their leadership skills, school and community involvement, academic achievement, and more. The event was designed to laud their accomplishments.

"This is an important event and worth remembering forever," said FUHSD superintendent Dr. Hugo Pedroza.

Wade Leehey was nominated for the Student of the Month honor by FUHS ASB director Mike Lilly.

"Wade is our ASB president this year, which takes an average of about 30 hours of work after school each week," explained Lilly. "He always sees projects through to the end. He is solid, responsible, trustworthy and sees the big picture. I feel fortunate to have him."

Lilly said that Leehey is a cross country athlete, an Eagle Scout candidate with Boy Scouts of America, and an Explorer with North County Fire Protection District.

In addressing the audience, Leehey said, "I want to thank Mr. Lilly for nominating me. I got involved in ASB because my sister was very involved in it when she was in high school. I love it. We have the greatest kids at Fallbrook High School and I love them." School spirit is very important to him, he said.

Leehey said he plans on attending Grand Canyon University

in Arizona in the fall. "They have a big spirit feeling on that campus," he said, adding that he will study business administration with a minor in public safety and fire service. His career plans include going into the fire service.

Eva Leslie was recommended for the Student of the Month honor by Ivy High teacher Dana "D." Smith, with enthusiasm from Ivy principal Melissa Marovich.

"It would be nice to have more students like Eva," said Smith. "She has great grades and perfect attendance. Eva has taken three of my art classes."

"It was a unanimous decision on behalf of the staff to recommend Eva for the honor; she is absolutely delightful," said Marovich.

Smith explained that Eva Leslie "follows her own path."

"She enjoys taking pictures and writing," he said. "I admire her because she enjoys what she does."

In accepting the honor, Leslie said, "I want to thank everyone who supports this program and my Mom for always being there for me."

"Before I went to Ivy, I hated school, but I found myself again and it's been a great journey," said Leslie.

In the future, Leslie said she would like to attend Mira Costa College, become a photographer and do some traveling. After that she said she might like to attend a university in Oregon.

Antonio Gomez was nominated for the Student of the Month award by Fallbrook High School parent liaison Nicole Webb.

"I wanted to recognize Antonio for all the amazing things he does," explained Webb. "He welcomes new students to the school, playing a major role in the Helping Hands Club. He helps new students make the transition into the high school and leads by example." Webb explained that the club's purpose is to encourage new students to get involved in activities, sports, and more.

"Antonio is a cool kid; a real leader," she said.

Gomez has been involved in both baseball and football, earning a Valley League honorable mention for his gridiron performance. He plans on playing volleyball in the spring season. Gomez told the audience he has benefited from his life's experiences in sports.

"I had knee injuries in football and eventually ended up in physical therapy where I received a lot of encouragement from a physical therapist," explained Gomez. "That experience made me realize what I want to do in life."

Gomez went on to become an Explorer with North County Fire and plans on attending Palomar College in the fall and eventually going on to secure a four-year degree in fire science and physical therapy.

Taryn Sehnert was honored as a Student of the Month upon the recommendation of Fallbrook High teacher Kathy Beal.

"I have had the privilege of having Taryn as a student this year and last year," explained Beal. "Taryn is a leader. She would be hired in any field; she is full of integrity."

"I always read what my students' write and I find out what is in their hearts," said Beal. "Taryn has written about her family's strength and how they handle things together. She is really an adult."

Beal said Sehnert has clocked over 600 volunteer hours to benefit charitable causes as a Ticktocker with National Charity League, San Luis Rey Chapter.

"She makes the most of opportunities she is given," said Beal. "She helps both her family and her community." Sehnert is also actively involved in the school's Future Farmers of America (FFA) club.

When Sehnert addressed the audience, she thanked the Student of the Month Committee for hosting the function and "choosing me and the three other students" for the honor.

"I am so grateful to be here," said Sehnert. "My high school experience has been different than most. Instead of my Dad (Doug Sehnert) dropping me off at school in the morning, he stays at school with me." The comment brought chuckles from the audience as Doug Sehnert is a longtime, well-known agricultural department teacher on campus.

Sehnert said her future plans include completing her 2016 FFA goals, which include raising two animals for the San Diego County Fair in June.

"Then I plan on attending Mira Costa College, and ultimately a four-year university such as Cal Poly or others and getting my degree in agricultural education. "I am following in my Dad's footsteps," she said.

At the recognition breakfast, each of the four students was awarded a Lamp of Knowledge medal by active duty military representatives Lcpl Robert Halk, Sgt. Harold Burgos, Sgt. William Stock, Sgt. alexander Skulpin, and Cpl. John Lake. In addition, the students received many certificates of honor as well as 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].