Montiel, King, Bednar receive awards at festival

On October 25, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Vista Stake, held its sixth Fall Festival of Music and Art to celebrate music, fine arts, homemaking arts and poetry.

More than 70 local artists’ work was on display and entertainment was provided by the Southern California Mormon Choir, classical guitarist Eric Peterson, pianist Hayli Van Wagoner and harpist Lea Bennett.

At the event, three individuals were honored for their exemplary community service and leadership through personal commitment and activity.

Brenda Montiel, PhD, president of the Fallbrook Music Society, was one of the honorees.

“Brenda embodies the values of leadership and community service that are fundamental elements of our culture and values,” said Bob Tavano, who nominated Dr. Montiel for the award. “She takes the time to contribute greatly to the Fallbrook community, focusing especially on children’s music education, while maintaining her considerable responsibilities as Fallbrook Music Society president and executive director.”

Montiel has helped bring music to more than 6,000 students in Fallbrook elementary schools. She was a professor of music and humanities at Palomar College for 25 years, where she held the position of president of the college faculty.

The other two recipients of the Community Service award were Kevin King of Vista, who was honored for giving more than 15 years of service to the Vista High School Band & Pageantry Corp, and Laura Bednar of Corona.

Bednar has been the director the Miss Vista Scholarship Pageant for 14 years and started the little-sister Miss Teen Vista co-pageant in 2003.