Five recognized as students of the month

Rick Monroe

Special to the Village News

Five students – including one who was unable to attend the January presentation – were recognized at the Students of the Month breakfast Feb. 3 at North Coast Church. The students were Dillon Gard, Naiya Kurnik and Adriana Madrigal from Fallbrook High School, Elley Ahrend from Oasis High School and Gavin Starkweather from Ivy High School.

Ilsa Garza-Gonzales, superintendent of the Fallbrook Union High School District, spoke to the students and audience, saying it was a difficult year for teachers, staff and students, a year of division with COVID-19, but that she felt at peace to come to the breakfast and ignore all the 'noise' of a regular day.

"I also want to thank all these great parents," she added.

Garza-Gonzalez also introduced Eddie Jones, school board president.

Lauren Jones, principal, introduced the students from FHS individually, as well as the teacher or teachers who made the nomination. She noted that all three students from the school achieved a GPA of more than 4.0.

Gard was the first student recognized, nominated by teacher Marin Pinnell and coach Cody Chavez. Pinnell noted that Gard was in her AP chemistry class as a sophomore and there was one word that describes his high school approach – perseverance.

"Dillon is what a FHS athlete should be," said Gard's baseball coach at FHS. "He leads by example and always does the right thing. He's a team player and is the most dedicated and motivated individual. I know he will be a positive force in society."

Gard's parents, Jason and Kimberly Gard, accompanied their son on the stage and both said they were "super proud."

Gard said he is pursuing a college signing in the state, likely Chapman College or Marymount California University.

Jones said Kurnik is also a student athlete. She was nominated by Pinnell and Katherine Stampbach, who was unable to attend the breakfast. Pinnell said Kurnik was in her 10th grade honors chemistry class and she remembers the student would always ask, "How are you?"

"She makes people feel special," Pinnell said. "She always puts in an A-plus effort, and she has grown a lot now as a senior."

Kurnik's parents, Barry and Alicia, both spoke. "I'm proud of how she has stayed focused," Alicia said. "She has balanced academics, social and athletics, growing with a solid group of friends from elementary and Potter (Junior High School)."

As an underclassman, Kurnik participated in volleyball and swimming, and was president of the surfing club on campus.

With a growth of five inches while at the school, basketball was her primary sport, starting for four years on the varsity team. Her dad, Barry, said how proud he was of her scoring 43 points in one game and helping lead the club to the state finals.

Kurnik plans on playing basketball at Vassar College in upper New York next year, saying her career goal is sports management.

Madrigal is excelling in the school's IB film production program, said Adriana Lopez, the teacher who nominated her.

"This is special because I've known her family since she was a little girl," Lopez said. "She is kind, respectful and exceptional. She has an infectious, positive attitude, and is always asking questions."

"Adriana is my pride and joy, '' said Madrigal's mom, Lily. "She's so passionate, and is a really smart cookie."

Madrigal said she hopes to attend UC Irvine or San Diego State University and major in political science. Her career goal is to be a federal agent with the FBI or another agency.

Michael Gray, principal of Oasis High School, introduced Ahrend and the teacher who nominated her, Matt Parker.

Parker said he has taught at the Oasis, an independent study school, for 10 years and that Elley was the fourth and final sibling from the Ahrend family to be named student of the month.

"It's a milestone for the entire family," Gray said. "That's what I like about teaching at Oasis, being able to really know the students and their families."

Parker said he's been a teacher for 30 years and appreciated his student's attitude.

"She will do anything I ask if she believes in it," he said. "She also has a mind and soul that needs convincing sometimes." He also noted that she was "kind, loving and caring."

"She will also be successful in whatever she does."

Parker's mother, Pam, thanked Parker for his involvement with the family, and her father, Troy, said how much he loved Fallbrook – "with events like this."

"Elley has learned to teach herself," her father added, "and with that skill you don't have to worry."

Ahrend thanked her parents for their support and admitted she still needs to conquer time management. She said she plans to attend Palomar College next year and then a four-year college to prepare for a career in sports psychology.

Starkweather, the final student honored, attends Ivy High School, the district's continuation school. "Gavin is a wonderful example of perseverance," said Gray, who is also principal at Ivy.

Kelly Walker, the teacher who nominated Starkweather, said he was collectively chosen by the school staff.

"Covid was really hard for some, but this year when Gavin returned to campus, it was like a switch flipped," she said.

"Gavin really turned things around this year," his father agreed. "He's always been a hard worker."

Starkweather said he plans to enlist in the military after graduation this year, likely in the Marine Corps or Army.

Each of the Students of the Month received a Lamp of Knowledge medal presented by representatives of MAG-39 at Camp Pendleton. The students were selected by the Student of the Month Committee, and each received a bag that included certificates and gifts.

Financial sponsors for the program are the Angel Society, Coldwell Banker Village Properties, Del Rey Avocado, Dr. Ramos-OD, Major Market, Fallbrook Village Rotary, Fallbrook Propane, Fallbrook PTSA, Republican Women of California-Fallbrook, and Youngren Construction.

For more information about the Student of the Month program, contact Lynne Grantham, 760-214-1755 or [email protected].