Badillo, Cabrera, Mellano named Students of Month

Emily Badillo, Higinio Cabrera and Kathleen Mellano of Fallbrook High School were honored as exceptional students at the Fallbrook Community Student of the Month breakfast held December 6 at Fallbrook Golf Club’s Hukilau Restaurant.

“You are the best of the best,” Superintendent Tom Anthony said to the students. “These students represent Fallbrook High School district in a tremendous way. Their parents, family and friends should be very proud.”

After Fallbrook High School Principal Rod King, who served as emcee of the event this month, introduced each student who was to be honored, Frank Larkin and Carl Fekete of American Legion Post 365 presented the trio with keepsake medals to recognize their outstanding achievements.

Emily Badillo was nominated for the Student of the Month honor as a result of a nomination by FHS field hockey coach Kathy Waite.

“[Emily] started our team off on the right foot this year,” Waite said. “She is very inspiring with the other girls. She was named Most Inspirational on the team this year.”

Badillo has served as a team captain for field hockey and helped with both summer league and camps for younger players. She is a student (athletic) trainer at the school, is a volunteer Sunday school teacher and enjoys horseback riding.

An outstanding player for the offense, Badillo was named to 1st Team All-League for CIF this year in field hockey and also played on the highly competitive FUTURES team.

As far as her future, Badillo plans to continue playing field hockey while pursuing her college degree.

“I will be visiting Slippery Rock in Pennsylvania to see about playing field hockey there,” Badillo said. “I want to major in athletic training and one day I hope to work with the NFL.”

Higinio Cabrera was honored as Student of the Month based on the recommendation of Fallbrook High teacher Lauren Trown.

“Higinio is a leader in class and sets a positive example,” Trown said. “He is helpful to other students and they admire him.”

Cabrera is said to be a responsible, mature student who has served as a teacher’s assistant. In addition to his studies, he is a hard-working young man who is employed five days a week.

Trown said Cabrera has expressed an interest in becoming a teacher in the future.

“I plan on going to college to become a teacher,” Cabrera said. “I am working to save money to help with expenses. I want to thank my mom and dad for always being there for me.”

Kathleen Mellano was also recommended for the Student of the Month honor field hockey coach Waite.

“Kathleen carries a 4.1 grade point average and a co-MVP [Most Valuable Player] of our field hockey team,” Waite said. “She is an excellent role model with a fun sense of humor.”

Mellano, also a soccer player, is a defensive player in field hockey and served as a team captain. She was named to the National Indoor Tournament and is an excellent team motivator, Waite said.

In addition, Mellano is a member of the California Scholastic Federation and a Ticktocker with the National Charity League’s San Luis Rey Chapter, through which she volunteers time to philanthropic causes affiliated with that organization.

“I want to thank Coach Waite for nominating me and my parents and family for always being supportive of me,” Mellano said. “I plan on attending college and studying pre-med. I’m looking toward becoming a doctor.”

Friends, family and members of the business and service communities attended the Student of the Month event, during which the honorees were presented with many gifts and items of recognition.

Representatives of State Senator Dennis Hollingsworth and Assemblyman Kevin Jeffries were in attendance as well to present certificates of achievement to the students.

The Fallbrook Community Student of the Month program is organized by a committee of the same name and is funded by generous local businesses and organizations, including the Angel Society, Dr. Thomas Aspel, Bonsall Rotary, Bonsall Woman’s Club, Dr. Randy Carlson, Coldwell Banker Landmark Group, Fallbrook AAUW, Fallbrook High PTSA, Fallbrook Republican Women Federated, Fallbrook Village Rotary, Fallbrook Woman’s Club, Dr. Daniel Flores, Garret Group, Dr. Richard Goble, Kiwanis Club of Fallbrook, Major Market, Pala Mesa Resort, Dr. David Plocki, Rally for Children, Rotary Club of Fallbrook, Soroptimist International of Fallbrook, Dr. Charles Taft, American Legion Post 365, Pacific Western Bank, Fallbrook Golf Club and Hukilau, Fallbrook Printing, the North County Times and the Fallbrook/Bonsall Village News.