BHS students commit to higher education

BONSALL – Bonsall High School’s College Signing and Senior Scholarships and Awards Ceremony took place May 16. Many students were recognized for various achievements and honors before those headed for college in the fall ceremonially committed to their choice destinations. Over two-thirds of BHS graduates will immediately continue with higher learning, 11% higher than the California state average, according to http://www.higheredinfo.org.

The University of California-bound include Calvin Hamilton at University of California Los Angeles, Phoebe Anderson at University of California Berkeley, Daniel Bertschy at University of California Irvine and Joshua Santiago at University of California San Diego. Attending California State Universities are valedictorian Gunnar Streich and salutatorian Cheyenne Laurance, who will both attend San Diego State University, Antonio Garcia at California State Polytechnic San Luis Obispo, Tanner Dugas and Caitlyn Eckert at California State Polytechnic Pomona, Leslie Aguilar-Diaz, Mariana Ayala-Ortiz, Sophia Blount, Daniela Ibara, Christopher Kawakara, Elmer Libed, and Erick Montejo at California State University San Marcos and Sara LaRussa at California State University Maritime.

Joseph Contreras will attend Providence Christian College in Pasadena on a golf scholarship. Those heading out-of-state include Julia Anderson at Utah Valley University, MiaCai Meluat at University of Hawaii Manoa, Ethan Gates at University of Nevada Las Vegas, Christopher Gagnon and Claudia Herrera at Arizona State University.

Many graduates will take advantage of the free higher education available through the Palomar Promise, and most plan to transfer to a four-year university upon completion of general requirements. Representatives from California State Universities and Palomar College attended the event to personally welcome the students.

Besides college, some Bonsall High School seniors have decided to pursue missionary work, trade programs and employment following graduation. There are students who are strategically building their resumes before enrolling in universities in the spring of 2020.

Of note, Anasofia Vazquez has been offered a position as lifestyle photographer and writer for “Equestrian Confidential Magazine” and will establish clientele for her Capture Moments Photography business, while Jillian Burnett is pursuing a medical assisting program through International Health Group to further her physician assistant goals.

Some seniors were honored with certificates for substantial community service, academic and athletic achievements and other awards of distinction. The Bonsall Woman’s Club, Bonsall Rotary, Rainbow Water District, the Fallbrook/Bonsall Philanthropic Educational Organization and Heiser Hilton Servant’s Heart awarded scholarships to Remy Arnold, Joshua Santiago, Daniela Ibarra, Sara LaRussa and Tanner Dugas for significant accomplishments.

“The students from the second graduating class of BHS have distinguished themselves through trailblazing work, determination for success and steadfast compassion,” Jason Fowler, Ph.D., principal of Bonsall High School, said. “I am in awe of the tight-knit family environment established with unwavering support for one another.”

Submitted by Bonsall High School.