Quiet, yet determined scholars recognized at Fallbrook Student of the Month

Four students were honored at Fallbrook's Student of the Month Thursday, April 4, at North Coast Church. The Fallbrook High School seniors were nominated by various teachers at their school because they stood out among their classmates as exemplary. Seniors Ishmael Guadarrama, Kelly Hanlon, Jackson Kuran and Carlos Mejia were presented medals by Marines of MAG-39 before they were each brought onstage with their families and teachers for community recognition.

Ishmael Guadarrama was nominated by Stephanie Osowski, Spirit House principal, who said he was an "amazing kid." He is quiet, but determined and self-motivated, she said. The type of student who keeps his head down and gets his work done. Osowski said the young man got a job to help out his family financially and also bought his brother a lap top.

"That to me says a lot about him and his family," Osowski said.

Guadarrama played on the Fallbrook High School soccer team for four years. He plans to attend Palomar College and transfer to either San Diego State University or University of California San Diego, where he aims to major in civil or mechanical engineering. After that, he will likely become a pilot, he said.

Guadarrama said he's not the type who likes receiving recognition, because "I know other people in this world deserve it a lot more than me."

Guadarrama's father, Gregorio, said it's been a challenge for the family, as English isn't their first language and they were not familiar with the school system.

"Maybe that's why he is so self-motivated and self-challenging," he said. Gregorio Guadarrama thanked the roomful of people, and said, "We are proud to be here. We are proud to be Ishmael's parents."

Athletic director and English teacher Patrick Walker had nothing but great things to say about senior student athlete Kelly Hanlon. Walker admired the young woman's strength and resiliency as a newcomer to Fallbrook. As part of a military family, Hanlon and her sisters moved around the country every two years. But Walker said Hanlon adapted immediately after joining the high school's dance team, where she bonded with other student athletes.

"She's just such a great example of a student coming into class, being focused and taking care of business," Walker said.

Hanlon was a three year varsity diver and was named twice as Valley League champion. She worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor, maintained a 4.16 GPA and was involved in equestrian, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the California Scholarship Federation.

Hanlon has been accepted into the honors program at West Virginia University in the fall, where she said she plans to become an elementary school teacher, because she loves working with children. She said she also hopes to ride on the college's equestrian team.

Her father Jay Hanlon said his daughter was angry after she recently fell off her horse and broke her arm, leaving her unable to ride, dance or dive.

"A week later, she's back on her horse," he said. "She isn't afraid of anything. She dusts herself off and gets back in. We are very proud of you, Kelly."

Hanlon's grandfather said he couldn't me more proud of his oldest granddaughter.

"She's focused, determined and she knows where she's going," he said.

Math teacher Debbie Berg nominated senior Jackson Kuran, calling him an outstanding student who is well-liked by his classmates and respected as a person of high character.

"He's honest, respectful and motivated. He is kind to others and cares deeply about their well-being. These personality traits will serve him well through all the things life throws his way," Berg said.

Kuran is the fourth sibling in his family to earn the Student of the Month title. He plans to pursue a career in criminal justice and possibly become a special agent for the FBI.

Berg said she wasn't surprised Kuran chose a career where he would protect people.

Kuran's exceptional character was further emphasized by his high school pastor, the Rev. Spencer Osborn.

"Character is the one thing that consistently shines through with Jackson," Osborn said.

Kuran's family read text messages of encouragement from the young man's siblings who could not all be there. His dad attributed Kuran's solid character to his son's strong faith in God.

"We know the future has a lot for him," he said.

His mother said after Kuran suffered a sports-related injury, he wasn't able to play lacrosse or varsity basketball, but he still went to games to cheer on his teammates and show support.

"He was always the quiet leader and support system for his friends. It's always been important for him to reach out to his friends and be there for people. He's never one to judge," she said.

Kuran said the nomination was a surprise to him and thanked everyone for the nomination, including his parents, siblings, friends, girlfriend, pastor and God.

Marin Pinnell, who could not be present at the ceremony, nominated senior Carlos Mejia. In a letter she wrote that Berg read aloud, Pinnell called Mejia an exceptional student athlete who has completed nine Advanced Placement classes during his four-year tenure. She said Mejia has maintained close to a 4.0 GPA while not receiving a grade lower than a B. More than grades, Pinnell said Mejia is a model student among his peers.

"He collaborates with his peers, is polite to teachers and respectful to everyone around him," she said.

The young man excelled at cross country, track and football since his freshman year, and "dominated on the rugby field." He also served as editor-in-chief of Fallbrook's Tomahawk newspaper.

"Fallbrook should be proud that we helped raise an amazing young man," Pinnell said.

Mejia's older sister, Citli, spoke in high regard of her younger brother.

"He really is a wonderful kid. I'm so excited to see his accomplishments and I'm so proud of him. He's one of my best friends," she said.

Citli Mejia said her brother Carlos is a cool teen who loves the arts and taught himself to play guitar and the keyboard.

Mejia returned the praise for his sister and family.

"They've always supported me in everything I did, even when I doubted myself," he said.

He called his sister his "emotional rock" and "the best thing that's ever happened to him."

The Fallbrook senior said he might attend University of California Santa Barbara, study journalism and try out for the college's rugby team.

Mejia's father said of his son, "He was a blessing for us. Thank you."

Fallbrook High School Principal David Farkas ended the ceremony with a few words.

He said, "I just want to say thank you to everyone that's involved in this. It's very important to recognize and keep momentum in the community. By you coming out every month, it really goes a long way. It speaks volumes about Fallbrook."