Last Week’s Meeting
Hello Rotarians!! Last week’s meeting witnessed Oxnard Rotary at its finest, as we presented four, $1,000 “Service Above Self” scholarships to deserving students from Pacifica High School and Oxnard High School.
Recipients were chosen from 17 applicants, who provided the selection committee with an autobiographical sketch about themselves, an essay, two letters of recommendation and a transcript. The recipients honored were:
- Julia Behrens, Oxnard High School. Julia is a valedictorian at Oxnard High School, ranked #1 in her graduating class of 613 students. In addition to honors and Advanced Placement courses, Julia has been involved in student government, managing the student store and dance. Her many community service activities include help with “Invisible Children,” and mission trips to New Mexico and Nicaragua. Julia will be attending Franciscan University of Stuebenville in Stuebenville, Ohio.
- Jorge Moncada Hernandez, Oxnard High School. Jorge came to the United States 6 years ago, unable to speak a single word of English. Through hard work and determination, Jorge has excelled in both academics and community service. Jorge has been involved in 9 clubs, including the National Honor Society, Interact, AVID, the Math Club, ROTC and the Academic Decathalon. Jorge tutors other students as well, and will be graduating in the top 10% of his class. Jorge will be attending Thomas Aquinas College, and plans to attend seminary to become a priest.
- John Sampang, Pacifica High School. John pursued the most rigorous courses of study offered at Pacifica High School, including AP Calculus, AP Government, AP English, AP Spanish, AP US History and AP Chemistry. John will be graduating 24th in his class of almost 700 students. In addition to his challenging courseload, John hs volunteered at St. Anthony’s Church, serving as a teacher’s assistant, at St. John’s Hospital and at Maywood Convalescent Center. John will be attending UCSB in the Fall, and plans on pursuing his studies to become a CPA.
- Jeff Borreta, Pacifica High School. Jeff is 10th in his graduating class, which is testament to his devotion to both his studies and extra-curricular activities. John has enrolled in numerous advanced and AP courses over his high school career. He has participated in the band, and received the honor of being the drum major in the marching band. His community service activities included helping at the food pantry, volunteering at the local hospital, the Relay for Life and the Ventura County Fair. Jeff will be attending UCLA in the Fall, and will be pursing a pre-med course of study. Jeff plans on becoming a doctor.
We were also joined last week by Jaimene Nichols, faculty advisor for Interact. Through word of mouth about all the fantastic activities of Interact, the club has grown to over 80 kids. Jaimene filled us in on the upcoming event at Brekke School, where the Interact kids will help the Brekke kids learn how to tie their shoes, and provide them with supplies for school success . . . “Step Into Literacy.”
Upcoming Events
Well, the Demotion dinner of course! If you haven’t alreaday, please RSVP to Patrick ASAP. The event will be Tuesday, June 24 at
The Yacht Club, Wooley Road at Tradewinds Drive. Cocktails at 5:30, followed immediately by dinner and the program.