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Allen, Chaney, Jones, and Scott honored

Rebecca Allen, Ashley Chaney, and Rachel Jones of Fallbrook High School, and Sky Scott of Pala Ivy High School were honored May 1 as Fallbrook Students of the Month. The four students were presented by school staff members at a special breakfast held at the Fallbrook Community Center. Students were selected for the prestigious honor based on their academic achievements, service to the community, peer respect, and leadership qualities.

“You students are incredible role models and set examples for other students,” said Adam Dawson, assistant principal at Fallbrook High School. “We are very proud of you and thankful to have you.”

Event emcee Greg Coppock pointed out that the May breakfast would be the last of the school year.

“I want to thank the committee members that organize this event,” said Coppock.

Fallbrook Union High School District superintendent Dale Mitchell told the crowd how the program “in essence, died” at the end of the 2011-2012 school year and has been “resurrected” by volunteer Lynne Grantham and new committee members.

“Otherwise, we wouldn’t be here to appreciate and acknowledge these students,” said Mitchell. “It’s also important to note that local businesses and organization choose to support this program and our local youth.”

Recognition began with keepsake award medals presented to the students by American Legion Post 365 representatives Frank Larkin and Karl Fekete. Depicting the Lamp of Knowledge, the medals, which were displayed on patriotic ribbons, were placed around each student’s neck.

Rebecca Allen was nominated for the student of the month honor by Fallbrook High teacher Dan Bachman.

“Rebecca is hard-working, self-motivated, and respectful,” said Bachman. “Throughout the year I have found out that she carries five Advanced Placement classes each semester; that’s not an easy load. Her GPA (grade point average) has been 5.0.”

Allen said she plans to attend Azusa Pacific University and major in biology, pre-med studies.

“Then I want to go to medical school and become a pediatric oncologist,” she said. “I also want to do short-term missionary work.” Allen has made one mission trip to Africa thus far.

Ashley Chaney was recommended by Fallbrook High teacher Heather Smith for the student of the month honor.

“Ashley is dedicated and very hard-working in the vocal ensemble,” said Smith. “As a sophomore, I invited her to be part of the Madrigals and she is completing her third year. I have seen her mature and balance all her classes, the vocal ensemble, and madrigals very well.” Smith added that Chaney has done very well in the school’s Advanced Placement Music Theory class, which she said was “very difficult.”

Chaney also has the distinction of being selected to the Regional Honor Choir, All State Choir, and has just been accepted for an international tour.

“I want to thank all of you who made this breakfast possible, my family, they are my support system; and Ms. Smith, because she has been a huge part of getting me to this point,” said Chaney. She added that she plans on attending Cal Baptist University and carrying a double major – vocal performance and music education. “I want to perform and ultimately teach,” she said.

Rachel Jones was nominated for the student of the month honor by Fallbrook High teacher Dave Evans.

“Rachel exhibits a special demeanor and a humility that is rare,” said Evans. “She is a solid, centered, mature young woman; and a scholar athlete in field hockey, cross country and track and field. She is as diligent and hardworking a student as I have ever had. She carries a 3.66 GPA and is in the top 10 percent of her class, with all Advanced Placement and Honors classes.” Evans added that Jones volunteers her time to the homeless, helped renovate homes for the needy, assists with the REINS therapeutic horsemanship program, and “demonstrates all-around student excellence.”

Jones future plans include becoming a third-generation teacher, following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother.

“I am going to Cal State Northridge and plan to major in deaf studies and speech pathology to ultimately help elementary school-age kids.”

Sky Scott, a student at the Pala unit of Ivy High School, was recommended for the student of the month honor by teacher Greg Fleming.

“Sky came to me right after the start of this school year, from Great Oak High School (Temecula),” explained Fleming. “She was missing credits and Great Oak was not a fit for her, but I could tell academically she was a top-notch student.” Fleming said Scott “dove into her academics, worked hard, and was meticulous,” earning 135 credits. She will graduate this month.

To earn her final credits, Fleming said, Scott has been working with second grade students at Vivian Banks Charter School at Pala.

Scott said she was unsure of her future plans and indicated that she was too shy to speak in front of the audience.

In attendance at the event were representatives of governmental agencies, local businesses, and community service organizations.

The non-profit Fallbrook Student of the Month organization and breakfast is funded by generous local businesses and charitable groups, including Major Market, Pedro’s Tacos, Robert P. Mohr D.D.S./M.S., Fallbrook PTSA, Fallbrook Vintage Car Club, and Sheri’s Flowers. A special gift bag, filled with certificates of recognition and donated gifts were presented to each honoree. To nominate an outstanding local high school student for the honor, send an email to [email protected].

 

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