The Fabulous Five Students of the Month (SOM) at North Coast Church!
Everyone became excited at the thought of five students who were overachievers. At the North Coast Church, Sonrise Christian Fellowship Pastor Greg Coppock welcomed all the parents and supporters to the event. Rotarians Don and Jen Weeks were there to cheer on the students and represent our Rotary's sponsorship. Coach Steeves, representing Fellowship of Christian Athletes, led the group in prayer, and Marines of MAG_39/Marine Air Group lead the Pledge of Allegiance. The event recognized the following students: Dillon Gard, Naiya Kurnik, Adriana Madrigal, Elley Ahrend, and Gavin Starkweather.
An Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar with an AP Capstone in progress, Dillon Gard showed perseverance and drive during his first AP class in chemistry. He asked “a billion questions” according to Teacher Pinnell and never gave up at test time. Coach Chavez, who was his baseball coach, saw Dillon lead by example, show up for practice early and always ask for additional drills. This positive and motivated student plans to attend Chapman University focusing on animation to join the video gaming industry.
Naiya Kurnik, who is also an AP Scholar with an AP Capstone in progress, is a caring student. She and her group of friends sat in the front of Teacher Pinnell’s Chemistry class, and Naiya would always greet her with, “Hi! How are you?” Few students ask about the teacher’s well-being, and it made teachers feel special. Teacher Stampbach echoed Ms. Pinnell’s comments about Naiya’s caring nature. When Teacher Stampbach had a rambunctious Biology class full of ninth graders, Naiya was always calm, attentive and interested. She always gave A+ effort, stayed motivated and dealt well with a variety of people. She wants to play basketball at Vassar and study sports management.
Teacher Lopez called Adriana Madrigal an “Achievement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Rockstar” with a 4.0 GPA. Adriana started at Ivy Continuation High School and moved onto Fallbrook High School and AP classes. She got a 5 on the AP Language test — during COVID! Teacher Lopez, who knew Adriana as a little girl, always found her positive and kind. Adriana always thanked her teachers after class. At UC Irvine, she hopes to study political science and Spanish. She has her eye on a Master’s program.
At Oasis High School, Elley Ahrend focuses on academics, keeping her faith, and working at community activities. Teacher Matt Parker, who has taught most of the Ahrend family, saw Elley's SOM achievement as a milestone. She is a vivacious, stubborn and questioning. If she believes in something with her heart, soul, and emotions, she will do it. COVID didn’t stop her because she was still able to get all A’s. Her parents enjoyed watching her fight her way to the top in Rugby; they are glad to switched her focus towards safer basketball. Their daughter puts that same effort into her schoolwork. Elley is interested in sports psychology and will start her college education at Palomar. She will, then, transfer to a four-year college.
Gavin Starkweather is known for his perseverance and respectfulness. He has come a long away to become a hardworking senior at Ivy Continuation High School. With school being rough on him, he was headed to summer school before COVID. He has worked hard coming out of the COVID year as a successful student who doesn’t hesitate to ask questions according to Teacher Walker. Gavin’s parents, who are very proud of him, are happy to see his education move forward. As of right now, Gavin is deciding which branch of the military to join upon graduation.
Seeing these deserving students awarded for their hard work makes our sponsorship worthwhile. They are doing so well they can realize their dreams! It is exciting to be a part of it.