Gomez, Kempf named Outstanding Seniors

It was a mild evening when the FUHS band played “The Star Spangled Banner” under the bright stadium lights. After the kickoff, the Fallbrook Union High School Warriors banged helmets with the Carlsbad High Lancers. The night was significant not only because it was the last football game of the season but because the 2006 Fallbrook Union High School Outstanding Senior Boy and the Jackie Vix Outstanding Senior Girl were recognized.

Jackie Vix was a cheerleader and outstanding student who was honored in 1964 as FUHS Outstanding Senior Girl. In 1973 Jackie was killed by a drunk driver. After this tragedy, a memorial fund was established and the Outstanding Senior Girl award was renamed to honor Jackie Vix.

This year, the selection committee, led by Connie Fellios, examined the nominees’ resumes and grade point averages and made their final determination last week. It was not an easy decision to make, as there are many outstanding seniors at FUHS.

The recipient of the 2006 Outstanding Senior Boy Award is Nik Gomez. Gomez has a 4.3 grade point average and is a member of the California Scholarship Federation. He has been a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and has also spent many volunteer hours helping his church, as member of the Student Leadership Team and as a youth leader at confirmation retreat.

In school he has been a part of the ASB Student Council, Model United Nations, Academic Decathlon and Film Club. He is a member of the varsity water polo team and was voted “Most Inspirational” for the team. Gomez is also on the swim team and earned All-CIF Honors for his performance on both teams.

“I was surprised that I won; some of my friends were nominated and they are amazing candidates,” said Gomez. When asked why he thought he won, Gomez replied, “I think that being well-balanced is my strong point. I have a good combination between sports and academics and community service.”

After graduation Gomez wants to study management technology at the University of Pennsylvania. This unique program combines the study of business management with the study of technology.

The 2006 Jackie Vix Outstanding Senior Girl Award was presented to Alyssa Kempf. Kempf has a 4.1 grade point average and is a member of the California Scholarship Federation. She is also a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Warriors for Christ. As a participant in the National Charity League since the seventh grade, she has volunteered enough hours to earn the prestigious National Charity League Yellow Rose Bouquet Award.

Since the seventh grade she has worked with REINS and volunteers at Wild Wonders Exotic Animal Center and Rescue. She participated in the Locks of Love program for cancer patients and is active in her church, Riverview Evangelical Free Church in Bonsall. Kempf has received other honors, such as the A-Team Award, Principal’s Honor Roll and Warriorheads award.

Kempf plans to attend the University of California at San Diego to pursue a course study in physiology and neuroscience and possibly become a veterinarian.