Martin, Britton, Heimback, and Schmutz named FUHSD Students of the Month

Taylor Martin of Oasis High School and Madison Britton, Jordann Heimback, and Maggie Schmutz of Fallbrook Union High School were lauded as the February Students of the Month for the Fallbrook Union High School District (FUHSD) at a commemorative breakfast event held Feb. 4 at the Fallbrook Community Center.

Honorees and guests were welcomed to the event by emcee Greg Coppock, who told the students, "This is a big deal today; we are honoring four of you out of over 2,000 students in the district."

Students selected for the honor have made impressive strides in academics, community service work, leadership, and more.

"Excellence is not a skill, it's an attitude," said Beverly DeVilbiss, who attended the breakfast on behalf of the Bonsall Woman's Club, a supporter of the awards event.

Dr. Hugo Pedroza, superintendent of FUHSD introduced the honorees and the individual who nominated them for the award. "All the individuals we are recognizing today are young ladies and I think that is very cool," said Pedroza.

Taylor Martin was recommended for the Student of the Month honor by Oasis High School teacher Bennielyn Verrett.

"Taylor came to Oasis as a sophomore and was very shy," explained Verrett. "I was very concerned because she told me she wanted to finish high school early. She has truly kept her word and will graduate in three years this June." Verrett said Martin has great talent in writing, photography, and other forms of art.

"She is always prepared, has perfect attendance, and is goal-oriented," Verrett said. "She is also very passionate about the environment and human rights." Martin has been involved in the school district's choir program as well.

"I want to thank Ms. Verrett, because she has really helped me get through high school," said Martin. "By having my own schedule (Oasis is a home study program), I have been able to find out what I would like to do." Martin said she hopes to attend the California College of the Arts in the future.

Madison Britton was nominated for the Student of the Month honor by Fallbrook High teacher Heather Smith.

"Madison is literally involved in everything," explained Smith. "She participates in ASB, choir, National Charity League, drama club, and balances everything well. She is a wonderful student and a leader of her peers."

Britton told the audience that she plans on attending either Cal Baptist or Azusa Pacific University (she has been accepted to both). "I plan on majoring in psychology in order to become a marriage and family counselor; I want to minor in music."

In addition, Britton said, "I want to thank all the local businesses for supporting this program. It means a lot that you support us students. I also want to thank my Mom, Dad, and Grandma for supporting me and being awesome."

Jordann Heimback was recommended for the Student of the Month honor by Fallbrook High counselor and coach Ken Brower.

"Jordann strives for excellence," explained Brower. "She has competed in both water polo and swimming and she holds the distinction of being in the Top 10 competitors in the school's history in swimming. Teachers have said she is a joy to have in class and inspires others; she passes on a legacy."

Described as adventuresome and family-oriented, Heimback was also said to enjoy recreational activities such as camping and hiking.

When she addressed the audience, Heimback said, "I want to thank Mr. Brower for nominating me for this honor and also for being a person I could always go talk to."

"My future plans include attending Palomar College where I hope to play water polo and study marine biology," she said.

Maggie Schmutz was nominated for the Student of the Month honor by Fallbrook High English teacher Connie Fellios.

"Maggie is respectful, moral, determined, incredibly fun, and a pleasure to be around," said Fellios. "I love Maggie's attentiveness in class. She has a love of reading and when she talks about books, it makes everyone want to go to the library."

Fellios explained that Schmutz has served as co-editor of the school's Kopa literary magazine; on the student senate as a Safe Schools ambassador; and dedicated four years to the Fallbrook High academic team. She has also volunteered her time to charitable causes through National Charity League where, Fellios said, "Maggie has given of her time, energy, and compassion."

Schmutz thanked Fellios for the accolades and said, "Ms. Fellios has been such a source of light in my life."

"I want to thank Fallbrook High School for providing me with so many opportunities and opening so many doors for me," said Schmutz. "In the fall, I plan on attending the University of Nevada at Reno where I will major in journalism and minor in art."

Looking at the achievements of the four students honored as Students of the Month in February, a statement made by Ken Brower summed it up well. "In the case of these students, it's a matter of doing the ordinary extraordinarily," he said.

At the recognition breakfast, each of the four students was awarded a Lamp of Knowledge medal by active duty military representatives Lcpl Clarissa Cuellar, LCpl Danial Chavez, and LCpl Jessica Naylor. 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.

Teachers, school staff, or community members can nominate an FUHSD high school student for this honor. To learn more, email [email protected].