Former Fullerton School District Superintendent Duncan Johnson, who led the district for 15 years before retiring in 1995, returned to a district campus before the end of school, but not for a meeting or a ceremony. This time, he was there to fulfill a birthday dream.

As Johnson’s 90th birthday approached, his daughter, Juliet Gardner, contacted the district with an unusual but heartfelt request.

“I don’t know if there is anyone still around who worked with him,” she wrote in an email. “Dad turns 90 next month. He is not asking for a big party, but our family wants to do something special for him. … He has always wanted a rider mower; he covets one. But since we don’t have the need for one, his dream has never come true. So I was thinking, maybe he could have a chance to use a rider mower. Maybe at Pacific Drive or Hermosa Drive some afternoon or weekend?”

With help from the district’s Director of Facilities, Maintenance and Operations Eddie Carbjal and team, Johnson’s dream was brought to life.

When Johnson arrived on site near the district’s maintenance yard, on a grassy area next to Pacific Drive Elementary, he was surprised by his family and school district staff with the news that his birthday wish was coming true. He was given the choice between a modest John Deere 1575 mower and a larger John Deere 5090E tractor.

Johnson selected the lighter, more agile option, and, with a wide grin, he confidently mowed two rows of grass, impressing staff with his natural skill. It was all thumbs-up and smiles at the end, with a grateful Johnson and family.

Johnson, who turned 90 on April 29, moved to Fullerton with his wife, Carolyn, in 1962. He began his educational career teaching English at Buena Park High School, eventually moving to an assistant principal job at Troy High School.

His leadership journey continued as principal of Nicolas Junior High and, finally, as superintendent of the Fullerton School District, where he served with distinction until his retirement.

– Submitted by Fullerton School District

Santa Ana elementary school receives garden center upgrades

Dozens of volunteers from The Home Depot Foundation and 365 Connect came together to upgrade the garden centers at Greenville Fundamental School in Santa Ana.

The joint volunteer force cleaned and planted fresh flowers in the school’s six gardens and constructed a new garden center with raised beds to cultivate large fruits and vegetables.

The upgrades will enhance learning opportunities and help instruct students in year-round garden care. The gardens help students learn about responsibility, teamwork and the plant sciences through hands-on experiences.

All students take an active role in maintaining the garden centers, with responsibilities shared among different classes throughout the school.

– Submitted by The Home Depot Foundation and 365 Connect

Orange County students inspire a greener future

Orange County elementary school students are looking into the future, and it’s looking green.

The Orange County Power Authority, a not-for-profit community clean energy provider, announced the winners of its “Picturing a Better Tomorrow” art contest, intended to inspire a brighter, greener future.

The contest encouraged K-6 students from across the organization’s member cities – Buena Park, Fullerton, Irvine and Fountain Valley – to share their vision of a sustainable future through original artwork.

The following are the winning artists.

Adrita Pal, a second-grade student from Springbrook Elementary in Irvine, created her work, “Preservation,” with color pencils. In her artist description she wrote, “To preserve our environment we should keep it clean, plant more trees. We can use windmills for generating electricity. It will help to keep our atmosphere clean.”

Josiah Kim, a third-grade student from Charles E. Emery School in Fullerton, submitted “Underwater Hospital,” created with pencil, colored pencils and watercolor paint. He wrote, “This is me, helping the animals in the ocean. We need to take care of the sea animals because it is our duty to preserve the ocean life.”

Chloe Hayi Kim, a fifth-grade student from Laguna Road Elementary in Buena Park, created “Brightening Tomorrow” with color pencils and watercolor paint. She wrote, “My art shows the sun shining and beaming on the Earth to make a cleaner and greener tomorrow. Using solar energy helps us improve our environment by producing clean, renewable power from the sun.”

To see the students’ pieces, visit OCPA’s blog at ocpower.org/newsroom.

– Submitted by Orange County Power Authority

OC Theatre Guild Awards celebrate vibrant theatre scene

The Orange County theater community gathered recently to celebrate excellence in live performance at the fourth annual OC Theatre Guild Awards. The awards ceremony took place in the Samueli Theater at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, where the house was packed with artists, designers, technicians and supporters from across the county.

This year, the guild recognized outstanding work across 21 categories, including four gender-neutral acting categories, with two recipients honored in each by design.

A rare tie in Direction of a Play led to both Katie Chidester (“Tiny Beautiful Things,” Chance Theater, Anaheim) and Michael Martinez Hamilton (“The (Expletive) With the Hat,” The Wayward Artist, Santa Ana) receiving the award.

In total, 26 awards were presented throughout the evening.

“The (Expletive) With the Hat,” from The Wayward Artist, earned the most honors of the night, taking home six awards, including Outstanding Production of a Play. Close behind was “Jane Austen’s Emma, The Musical,” from Chance Theater, which received five awards, including Outstanding Production of a Musical.

Leading the night in recognition was Chance Theater, earning 11 awards for “Jane Austen’s Emma, The Musical,” “Tiny Beautiful Things,” “Sweeney Todd, The Musical,” “Gloria” and “Alma.”

The Wayward Artist followed with seven wins.

Curtis Theatre in Brea took home three awards for the production of “Once,” while Costa Mesa Playhouse, Alchemy Theatre Company, STAGEStheatre, Yorba Linda Spotlight Players and JStage Irvine were also recognized.

State superintendent  announces 2025 classified school employees

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond honored nine outstanding classified school employees for their dedication to California’s public school students. Three of the honorees are from Orange County.

The annual Classified School Employees of the Year program honors outstanding classified school employees in the following categories: Clerical and Administrative Services, Custodial and Maintenance Services, Food and Nutrition Services, Health and Student Services, Paraprofessional Services, Security Services, Skilled Trades Services, Technical Services, and Transportation Services.

This year’s recipients were chosen from 135 nominations statewide.

The Orange County 2025 Classified School Employees of the Year are:

Custodial and Maintenance Services: Kurtland Lucas, Head Custodian; Crosby Elementary, Garden Grove Unified School District. Lucas has worked for the Garden Grove Unified School District for 45 years, and seven of those years have been at Crosby Elementary.

As head custodian, Lucas consistently goes above and beyond to ensure district facilities are maintained to the highest standards, creating a clean and welcoming environment for staff and students.

He arrives at work an hour before his scheduled shift begins to ensure school facilities are ready for the day. His early start ensures that Crosby Elementary is spotless and everything is in place, allowing for a smooth start to the day for everyone.

Lucas takes great pride in his work, particularly in maintaining the cafeteria floors to a pristine

He has additionally been nominated to be recognized as Recognizing Inspiring Schools Award (RISE) recipients.

Food and Nutrition Services: Melissa Erman, Nutrition Operations Supervisor, Food and Nutrition Services Department; Huntington Beach Union High School District (seven years of service in current position).

Since becoming the operations supervisor Erman has been adamant about participating and being involved with school nutrition associations to keep up with ever-changing trends, policies and other operators whom she leans on for answers and support.

Over the past few years, Erman has not only attended state and national conferences, but also has been involved in training sessions in which she educated other nutrition services operators on some of the best practices at the district, allowing others to potentially use the shared knowledge to better their districts.

Skilled Trades Services: Gina Matz, Painter; Fullerton School District (18 years of service in current position)

While visiting school sites as a painter, Matz is very cautious and attentive to student safety as she navigates campuses. Matz also brings a smile and positive attitude everywhere she goes. Students are excited to see her, and she serves as a role model for them.

In an industry dominated by men, Matz will outwork, outhustle and outlast all her colleagues, serving as an example to not only female students but all students.

– Submitted by California Department of Education

The Bravo! section highlights achievements of our residents and groups. Send news of achievements for consideration to ocrbravo@gmail.com.

San Juan Capistrano’s Kevin Skvarna won the open division at the 2025 Kneeboard Surfing USA Titles and Festival, becoming the first to win three U.S. titles in a row.

The event was held at Oceanside Harbor’s South Jetty in head-high surf with occasional rain showers.

Huntington Beach’s Wayne Kopit won the AA division.

The 2025 Kneeboard Surfing USA Titles and Festival served as an important qualifier for the next world titles event in Saquarema, Brazil, in 2026.

The Kneeboard Surfing USA event was originally scheduled for Feb. 14 at Huntington Beach, but it needed to be rescheduled due to stormy conditions. The event was last held in Oceanside in 2017, a contest won by Huntington Beach legend Tom Backer.

Kneeboard Surfing USA President Jack Beresford said the event is as much a gathering of friends as it is a competition.

“We compete hard, but in the end, this is a celebration of kneeboard surfing, which has a rich 60-year history,” Beresford said. “How many sports can you come out and see the best in the world going head-to-head with true legends?”

– Submitted by Kneeboard Surfing USA

Irvine native earns Interior Design Magazine award for his chair ‘Shmello’

An Orange County native is making headlines in the design world.

Bryce Moon of Irvine has been recognized as a top emerging furniture designer in Interior Design Magazine’s Best of Year Awards. He was one of five students globally to be honored in this prestigious selection for his innovative chair design “Shmello.”

Moon, who is pursuing an M.F.A. in Furniture Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), is making waves on the national stage with his innovative and eye-catching furniture design.

Interior Design Best of Year Awards are a definitive symbol of excellence, honoring today’s most remarkable design achievements while paving the way for the next generation of design innovation.

– Submitted by Savannah College of Art and Design

La Palma students win honorable mention in C-SPAN’s national documentary competition

Mollie Saddul, Giselle Guillermo and Arya Patel, students at Walker Junior High in La Palma, are 2025 honorable mention prize winners in C-SPAN’s 21st annual StudentCam competition and will receive $250 for the video “Beyond the Rainbow; Ban Synthetic Dyes.”

C-SPAN also recognized Tina Armijo, an educator at the school, who served as an adviser in the StudentCam competition.

C-SPAN, in cooperation with its cable and satellite television partners, asked middle and high school students to address the theme “Your Message to the President: What issue is most important to you or your community?”

Now in its 21st year, this project-based learning experience asked students to explore and analyze matters of personal, local or national importance.

In response, C-SPAN received more than 1,700 entries, and nearly 3,500 students participated from 42 states and Washington, D.C.

The most popular topics addressed were:

• Climate, Environment, and Land Use (11%)

• K–12 Education Policies and the Cost of College (10%)

• Health Care and Mental Health (10%)

• Gun Violence, School Safety, and Firearm Policies (9%)

• Inflation, Taxes, Government Spending, and the Economy (9%)

– Submitted by C-SPAN

The Bravo! section highlights achievements of our residents and groups. Send news of achievements for consideration to ocrbravo@gmail.com.

Orange County kart racer Trenton Thomas, 11, will compete for a chance to win $8,000 during the K1 Speed United States Championships Junior Division on April 26 at K1 Speed in Ontario.

The K1 Speed US Championship is a nationwide competition that pits the best racers from K1 Speed indoor go-kart locations across the United States against each other. Racers qualify by competing in a monthly race league at their local K1 Speed center. Those who finish in the top three of the final points standings qualify to move on to the state championships.

Trenton, a Huntington Beach resident who races regularly at K1 Speed Anaheim, qualified for the competition after placing third at the K1 Speed California State Championship at K1 Speed Ontario. If he places in the top three of the United States Championship, he’ll progress to the K1 Speed E-World Championship to compete against top racers from K1 Speed centers in Canada.

Should he win that event, he’d take home $8,000, a larger prize than most professional karting series in the country.

Trenton says he would spend the prize money on a “nice guitar” and save the rest for a car when he is old enough to get a license.

The young racer, who rates Charles Leclerc as his favorite driver, wants to be a car engineer or designer when he graduates from school.

Local racing fans can cheer him on as he competes against the top indoor kart racers from the United States and potentially Canada on the K1 Speed Facebook page during the competitions.

– Submitted by K1 Speed

Buena Park McDonald’s presents $2 million check to Ronald McDonald House Charities

Orange County residents are doing their part to help those in need. McDonald’s of Southern California celebrated Shamrock Shake season by hosting a Shamrock Shake-a-thon.

The event was a way to thank customers and the SoCal community for raising more than $2.3 million in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities Southern California (RMHCSC) through Round Up for RMHC in 2024.

A team from one of the top fundraising restaurants on Beach Boulevard in Buena Park presented a check to RMHCSC.

The celebration included a special visit from Uncle O’Grimacey, a Shamrock Shake-themed dance party, a bubble artist and a magic show for the community and local families supported by RMHCSC.

This Shamrock Season also marks the next chapter of the Gift to RMHC® celebration, honoring the fundraiser that helped open the first Ronald McDonald House® more than 50 years ago.

Since then, McDonald’s and RMHC have had a longstanding partnership to ensure families stay together as their child receives life-saving treatment in local hospitals, including Children’s Hospital of Orange County, with the Ronald McDonald House of Orange County just steps away.

The Bravo! section highlights achievements of our residents and groups. Send news of achievements for consideration to ocrbravo@gmail.com.

The event being offered at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts is meant to help keep items such as clothing, jewelry, house linens and more out of the landfill.

There also will be a compost workshop, eco-friendly crafts for kids and a refill station stocked with soaps, shampoos, lotions and laundry concentrate.

The event is being hosted with Eco Now, a zero-waste store in Orange County, and is free with Plaza Pass, which you can find out more about at scfta.org/shows-events/plaza-pass.

If you go

When: 1 to 4 p.m. on April 19

Where: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Julianne and George Argyros Plaza, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa

Cost: Free with plaza pass

Information: scfta.org

Seven students from Oxford Academy in Cypress participated in the 2024 San Bernardino Forestry Challenge. They were one group of a total of 102 high school students from 13 schools from Southern California. The event took place at Hubert Eaton Scout Reservation in Cedar Glen.

One of the highlights for the students was the opportunity to learn about mixed conifer-oak woodland forest restoration. Students collected data at the Big Horn Camp area to determine species composition and recommended areas of the property to replicate this forest community.

During the challenge, teams of students also completed a field test to assess their technical forestry knowledge and data collecting skills.

“The Forestry Challenge provides students an opportunity to apply the skills they have developed in their STEM courses to solving real-world problems while learning about natural resource management from professional foresters,” said Oxford Academy High School teacher Robert Nguyen.

– Submitted by Forestry Challenge

Students at two LePort Montessori Schools in Irvine collect food, cash for food bank

Students at LePort Montessori School Irvine Orchard Hills and LePort Montessori School Irvine Spectrum donated food and money to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank. The organization provides dignified, equitable and consistent access to nutritious food to those in need, creating a foundation for community health.

For a few weeks, students at the two schools held donation drives to collect more than 64 pounds of shelf stable food and $817 for the organization.

Through this initiative, students learned the importance of helping others, especially during the holiday season.

– Submitted by LePort Montessori School

Anaheim Elementary School District celebrates Lunar New Year

Anaheim Elementary School District, the largest elementary school district in the state, celebrated Lunar New Year’s Eve at Roosevelt Elementary with performances from their Mandarin Dual-Language Immersion kindergarten students.

The student performance was followed by a traditional lion dance. All students received red envelopes, a symbol of good luck for the New Year. The event aimed to educate the greater student body about various cultures and traditions in the area.

– Submitted by Anaheim Elementary School District

Hundreds of Fullerton elementary students get new coats

Hundreds of elementary students at Valencia Park Elementary School in Fullerton are keeping warm with brand-new coats, thanks to a partnership between Ocean Subaru of Fullerton, Operation Warm® and the local charity Giving Children Hope.

As part of the Subaru Loves to Help initiative, Valencia Park students had the opportunity to “shop” for new coats alongside their friends and classmates. They were greeted with pop music and smiling volunteers in their school’s multipurpose room.

“Many of our students face challenges beyond the classroom, and something as simple as a new coat can make a world of difference,” said Valencia Park Elementary Principal Melanie Carmona. “This initiative not only provides physical warmth but also shows our students that their community cares about them.”

She added, “Students were absolutely thrilled to be able to try on and select their own coats.”

Through Subaru Loves to Help, Subaru and its partners have already provided more than 900,000 new clothing items to children and adults in need nationwide. Now, their generosity is making a direct impact in Fullerton.

Operation Warm, a nonprofit dedicated to providing brand-new clothing to children in need, has been instrumental in making this event possible.

Giving Children Hope, an Orange County-based organization that supports vulnerable families, helped coordinate this local outreach and logistics.

– Submitted by Fullerton School District

Orange County teen makes his name as a writer

Orange County High School senior Samuel Parigela is an avid writer who’s been writing original stories ever since he could hold a pen. His inspiration comes from his keen observation of the world and the untold stories of everyday people – those he meets at school, volunteer centers, rescue missions and more.

Samuel’s first book, “Bricks,” which he wrote age 12, was Amazon’s #1 New Sellers in the youth category. It’s available in libraries across the country.

Samuel also wrote “Seek Justice,” a short commentary on the U.S. Constitution, which he shared with U.S. Supreme Court justices. He reminds readers that the Constitution says that to “establish justice” is one of its objectives in the preamble.

Samuel’s “When Paint Dries” captures the story of three immigrants confronting personal struggles, betrayals and shared hardships.

When Samuel isn’t writing, he is editing the high school newspaper and other writers’ books. He is also a pianist and a singer, having performed at Carnegie Hall in New York and the Royal Albert Hall in London. Samuel has been involved in various leadership activities at school and the community.

– Submitted by the Parigela family

The Bravo! section highlights achievements of our residents and groups. Send news of achievements for consideration to ocrbravo@gmail.com.

Josephine Lee, a 16-year-old Irvine student athlete, was named to the 2025 Scholastic Honors Team and was recognized by U.S. Figure Skating at the 2025 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships, held Jan. 20-26 in Wichita, Kansas, as well as the 2025 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships, to be held Feb. 26-Mar. 1 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Josephine, a junior at Connections Academy, was one of 10 student athletes selected to be part of this prestigious award program, which rewards top student athletes in the country who not only excel in their figure skating careers, but are also dedicated students and community leaders.

Out of 60 applications, only 10 are selected based on their competitive achievements, academics, and community involvement and service.

South OC teen appears in new movies

A 15-year-old South Orange County actress continues making her name in Hollywood.

Kayden Tokarski is best known for playing a young Julia Roberts in the TV series “Gaslit.” She is now starring in her second thriller of 2024, “Killer in the Woods,” which premiered via Lifetime Movies on Dec. 6. Previously, she starred in “My Professor’s Deadly Secret,” which premiered on the Lifetime Movie Network on Oct. 17.

On top of that, Kayden will play a mean girl in the upcoming sci-fi feature “Roswell Delirium,” directed by Richard Bakewell and starring Anthony Michael Hall, Dee Wallace, Reginald VelJohnson, Sam Jones and others. Variety recently featured the movie, which premiered Jan. 10 on Apple TV.

“Being part of these films and working with amazing directors and actors has been a dream come true, and I am looking forward to audiences really enjoying them,” she said.

Kayden has won more than 30 awards since she embarked on her acting journey in 2020. In July, she won a Young Artists Academy Award for her work in “Gaslit.”

The teen also sings and reached Junior Olympian status on the 1-meter diving board. Her dedication to community service is evident through her keynote speeches at the 33rd annual Walk Against Drugs in Mission Viejo and a Red Cross LA fundraiser as well as her participation in the Joyful Child Foundation’s “Be Brave” pilot and her work as an emcee for Breaking the Chains Foundation’s How to Love YourSelfie Youth Camp.

Irvine artist receives prestigious YoungArts award

Orange County School of the Arts student Ariana Kim of Irvine has been named a 2025 YoungArts winner with distinction in classical music, the highest honor of the organization.

Ariana has been recognized for the caliber of her artistic achievement and joins more than 800 of the most accomplished young visual, literary and performing artists from throughout the country. 2025 YoungArts award winners join a community of artists who are offered creative and professional development support throughout their careers.

As a winner with distinction, Ariana participated in National YoungArts Week, held Jan. 5-12 in Miami. During the week, participants had opportunities to share their own work, which was further evaluated for cash awards of up to $10,000; experience interdisciplinary classes and workshops; and receive mentorship from leading artists in their fields.

2025 winners with distinction had the chance to learn from notable artists such as ballerina Misty Copeland, dance artists Rashaun Mitchell and Silas Reiner, actress Lorna Courtney, multidisciplinary artist Brian Ellison, and national bestselling author and filmmaker Abigail Hing Wen.

Following National YoungArts Week, Ariana is eligible to be nominated to become a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts, one of the highest honors given to high school seniors by the president of the United States. YoungArts, the sole nominating agency, nominates 60 artists to the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, from which the 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts are selected.

This year, YoungArts award winners were selected from nearly 11,000 applications across 10 artistic disciplines – classical music, dance, design, film, jazz, photography, theater, visual arts, voice and writing. Each award winner will receive a monetary award of $250.

For the duration of her career, Ariana is eligible for exclusive creative and professional development support, microgrants and financial awards, as well as presentation opportunities in collaboration with major venues and cultural partners nationwide. She has become part of an intergenerational network of more than 22,000 past award winners.

As a YoungArts award winner, Ariana joins a group of accomplished artists such as Daniel Arsham, Jon Batiste, Terence Blanchard, Camille A. Brown, Timothée Chalamet, Viola Davis, Amanda Gorman, Denyce Graves, Judith Hill, Jennifer Koh, Tarell Alvin McCraney, Andrew Rannells, Desmond Richardson, Jean Shin, Hunter Schafer and Shaina Taub.

The YoungArts competition is open to artists 15-18 years old, or in grades 10-12.

– Submitted by YoungArts

California schools named state finalists in national STEM competition

Samsung named 300 public schools state finalists in the 15th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition, and nine schools in California were selected, including two in Orange County. Each state finalist will win a $2,500 technology prize pack for the school.

The Orange County finalists are Costa Mesa High School in Costa Mesa and Westminster High School in Westminster.

Following the state finalists announcement, the competition advances to its next phase, culminating in April with the selection of three national winners, each receiving a $100,000 prize package as part of a $2-plus million prize pool.

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is a national competition designed to empower students in grades 6-12 to unleash the power of STEM to create innovative solutions addressing critical issues in their local communities. The competition engages Gen Z and Gen Alpha students in active, hands-on learning that can be applied to real-world problems, making STEM more tangible and showcasing its value both inside and outside the classroom.

The 300 state finalists were chosen from thousands of U.S. entries, with 60% from Title 1 schools, showcasing STEM education’s broad appeal. This year’s entries highlight common student concerns nationwide: the climate crisis, mental health and wellness, and school safety.

Sixty percent of the students’ STEM solutions use emerging technologies like AI, 3D printing and robotics to drive meaningful community change.

– Submitted by Sharon Oh

Orange County hotel employees recognized as Hotel All Stars

The California Hotel & Lodging Association (CHLA) honored 144 remarkable individuals at its new and improved Hotel All Stars awards luncheon. Among the honorees were hotel employees from Orange County.

Hotel All Stars, an evolution of the association’s long-running Stars of the Industry Awards, builds upon past traditions by recognizing all top nominees for their exceptional contributions. This new, inclusive format celebrates a distinguished class of professionals who consistently perform at the highest level.

Awardees from diverse categories showcased their exceptional contributions, from maintaining top-notch facilities to creating unforgettable guest experiences.

The Orange County employees are Jesse Hebner, chief engineer at Pasea Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach; Nic Hockman, general manager at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa in Anaheim; Barbara Reyes, chef concierge at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa in Anaheim; Katie Pool, director of events and catering at Balboa Bay Resort & Club in Newport Beach; Eric Smith, bell attendant at The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel in Huntington Beach; Jigna Patel, breakfast supervisor at Homewood Suites Anaheim Main Gate in Garden Grove; Melissa Rodgers, lead barista at Balboa Bay Resort & Club in Newport Beach; Fabrizio Khalona, director of member experience at Balboa Bay Resort & Club in Newport Beach; Julio Flores, engineer at Tiller House A Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott in Laguna Hills; and Sierra Smith, VIP guest services senior guest experience manager at The Hotels of the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim.

Irvine students take part in San Bernardino Forestry Challenge

Students from Cambridge Virtual Academy in Anaheim participated in the 2024 San Bernardino Forestry Challenge, among 102 high school students from 13 schools in Southern California.

One of the highlights for the students was the opportunity to learn about mixed conifer-oak woodland forest restoration. Students collected data at the Big Horn Camp area to determine species composition and recommended areas of the property to replicate this forest community.

Teams of students also completed a field test to assess their technical forestry knowledge and data collecting skills.

“It was my first time here,” said Bara’ah Musa-Alzabin, a freshman at Cambridge Virtual Academy. “Honestly, this experience taught me a lot. I highly recommend the Forestry Challenge to anyone who wants to reconnect with nature or to anyone wanting to experience great teamwork.”

– Submitted by Diane Dealey Neill, Founder and Coordinator, Forestry Challenge

University High School Irvine team wins regional chess championship

Chess players at University High School Irvine came out victorious at a regional tournament. The second annual San Diego Regional High School Team Chess Championship saw a surge in participation, drawing teams from across Southern California and even Arizona.

Building upon the success of the inaugural event last May, the tournament expanded beyond San Diego County, attracting a diverse field of 18 high schools, ranging from experienced competitors such as University High School and Canyon Crest Academy in San Diego to newcomers from across the region.

The opening round saw University High School face off against Canyon Crest Academy. Top board matches, including FM Sihan Tao (University) versus David Liu (Canyon Crest) and Warren Zhang (San Marino High) versus NM Vedant Maheshwari (Westview High), were streamed live.

After five rounds of intense competition, University High School emerged victorious with an undefeated record of 5 out of 5 team score.

Canyon Crest Academy secured a strong second place with 4 out of 5 team matches won, followed by Del Norte High School in San Diego with 3.5 out of 5 and San Marino High School with 3 out of 5. Westview High School in San Diego placed fifth on team tiebreaks also with 3 out of 5 points.

The  University High School Irvine team has been awarded a perpetual golden cup championship trophy as the first-place winners. This prestigious trophy will return to San Diego each year for the subsequent High School Team Championships.

The event not only provided a platform for talented young players to showcase their skills but also cultivated a strong sense of sportsmanship, camaraderie and leadership among all participants.

– Submitted by Irina Nizmutdinova, SDCC Board Member, SCCF Board Member

The Bravo! section highlights achievements of our residents and groups. Send news of achievements for consideration to ocrbravo@gmail.com.

Dragon Kim Foundation co-founder and board chair Daniel Kim, left, students Ashima Sharma and Vedant Dayal, and Dragon Kim Fellowship program director Amber Serafin hold a giant check for $5,000. The students’ project, Heart-to-Art, for cancer patients and survivors won the 2024 Dragon Challenge. (Courtesy of Dragon Kim Foundation)

Boy Scout Andrew Froggatt came up with the idea of installing a giant chess board and playing pieces in Ladera Ranch for his Eagle Scout service project. The set was installed at Mission Hills Park in Covenant Hills. (Courtesy of David Robertson)

Boy Scout Andrew Froggatt and volunteers work on installing a giant chessboard and playing pieces at Mission Hills Park in Covenant Hills in Ladera Ranch. (Courtesy of David Robertson)

Santiago STEAM Magnet Elementary School in Lake Forest was chosen to become NASA Moon Tree Stewards, receiving a Moon Tree seedling from NASA and caring for it.  (Courtesy of Santiago STEAM Magnet Elementary School PTA)

Students at Santiago STEAM Magnet Elementary School in Lake Forest plant a Moon Tree, a giant sequoia sapling, on campus. (Courtesy of Santiago STEAM Magnet Elementary School PTA)

A giant sequoia sapling grows at Santiago STEAM Magnet Elementary School in Lake Forest. The Moon Tree came from seeds that were sent twice around the moon by NASA’s Artemis I Mission. (Courtesy of Santiago STEAM Magnet Elementary School PTA)

Dragon Kim Foundation announces Irvine teens’ project as Dragon Challenge winner

Two Irvine teens won the 2024 Dragon Kim Challenge. Ashima Sharma and Vedant Dayal, both 16 and students at the Orange County School of the Arts, created an expressive arts project that included a two-week summer camp established in partnership with CHOC’s After Cancer Treatment Survivorship Program.

The Heart-to-Art project introduced ambulatory cancer patients and survivors to integrated art therapy in six art forms, with proceeds benefiting CHOC’s social workers. The teens were awarded $5,000 to continue their work.

The Dragon Challenge is the culminating event produced by the Dragon Kim Foundation, an Orange County-based nonprofit with a mission to inspire youth to impact their communities while discovering and pursuing their passions. The finalists were chosen from 56 Fellowship projects run by high school students in California, Arizona and Nevada.

Annually, the Fellowship program awards community service grants of up to $5,000 to the teams, which enables them to create and manage a service project that will impact their community. The winners of the Dragon Challenge receive another $5,000 to continue their project.

“This win allows us to continue filling our hearts — and those of others — by running more workshops for cancer patients, survivors and their families,” Ashima said.

“The day after the Dragon Challenge, Heart-to-Art hosted art workshops with Sunshine Kids at Universal Studios,” Vedant said. “This event broadened the project’s scope from a regional scale to a national level. The additional $5,000 will provide Heart-to-Art the means to directly address the health care disparity of art therapy on a national forefront.”

Ladera Ranch Boy Scout goes big on Eagle project

Andrew Froggatt knew he wanted to combine creativity and fun when considering ideas for his Eagle Scout service project.

Andrew was required to select a project incorporating his leadership and project management skills while fundraising and collaborating with the organization that would benefit from it.

He approached Ladera Ranch Maintenance Corp. (LARMAC) with his idea of installing a giant chess board and playing pieces at one of the parks in the community. Andrew proposed modifying a planter with decomposed granite, which would provide the base for the chessboard and provide residents with a level surface to walk on.

LARMAC identified Mission Hills Park in Covenant Hills as an ideal location. The park was scheduled to be renovated since its amenities, which included a putting green and play structure, had reached the end of their useful life and would need to be replaced. The large chess set would complement those amenities and be an excellent addition for residents.

The dimensions of the chessboard were 8-by-8 feet, made up of 12-by-12-inch tiles. The chess pieces ranged in size, with the tallest piece being the king, measuring 25 inches tall.

Andrew successfully raised funds to purchase supplies and chess pieces. He also enlisted the help of volunteers to install the board and presented the final project to the LARMAC board.

Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Scouts BSA program by the Boy Scouts of America. Only about 4% of Scouts have earned this rank.

– Submitted by David Robertson, Ladera Ranch Community Services (LARCS)

Lake Forest students plant Moon Tree at elementary school

Santiago STEAM Magnet Elementary in Lake Forest has a new giant sequoia on campus, planted during a special Moon Tree ceremony.

In 2024, the school was selected to become NASA Moon Tree Stewards. NASA’s Artemis I Mission sent tree seeds around the moon twice and then splashed back onto Earth. The seeds were collected by NASA and sent to the U.S. Forest Service to be grown into saplings. Organizations were able to apply to be Moon Tree Stewards through a rigorous application process. Recipients include governors, major universities and a select number of K-12 schools.

NASA scientists, JPL engineers, U.S. Forest Service representatives and leaders in education were present as students planted the giant sequoia on campus.

“We’re so proud to be named NASA Moon Tree Stewards. This accomplishment shows that when parents, educators and communities align in goals, you can reach the moon and beyond,” said NASA Moon Tree Ceremony Chair Liz Gibson. “Like many parents, we just want our kids to love to learn. Introducing a living space traveler that will grow along with our kids is a pretty special thing to be a part of.”

– Submitted by Michelle Madigan Herman

Five generations come together for birthday

Arladene Donohew celebrated her 99th birthday recently, and the big occasion brought together five generations of her family.

Donohew, who is active, lives alone, drives, volunteers at the police department, bakes and more, celebrated her day with her loved ones who gathered in Garden Grove.

It’s the second time five generations of the family got together. The last time was in 1962, family members said.

Happy birthday!

Woman’s Club of Orange marks 100th anniversary of clubhouse

The Woman’s Club of Orange celebrated the 100th anniversary of its beautifully preserved clubhouse. More than 170 members and guests attended the celebration luncheon at the clubhouse.

The guests included Congressman Lou Correa; Hon. Gaddi Vasquez and his wife, Elaine, who had their wedding reception at the clubhouse 46 years ago; Orange Mayor Dan Slater; AJ Ricci of Ricci Realty, which provided the 100-year landmark sign; Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce Elizabeth Holloman; Chair of the Chamber of Commerce Rick Martinez; Colleen Janssen from California Federation of Women’s Clubs, Orange District; Aida Cuevas, Orange Public Library archivist; and Carl Peters, grandson of the original architect, M. Eugene Durfee.

The Woman’s Club of Orange was also named the nonprofit organization of the year for 2024.

The Woman’s Club of Orange clubhouse has been an active community meeting place since its opening in 1924. Today, the clubhouse and gardens make a popular event facility that has the charm and character of the early 20th century era.

– Submitted by the Woman’s Club of Orange

UC Irvine partners with Aramark to award scholarships

UC Irvine announced its partnership with Aramark to provide scholarships to students over the next 10 years.

UCI Dining, in collaboration with UCI Student Affairs, Barnes & Noble and Aramark Collegiate Hospitality (ACH), awarded 42 scholarships to deserving students, totaling more than $120,000 to be distributed annually.

The scholarships are intended to support students who meet a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate leadership. The scholarships cover the recipients’ education during their typical time at UCI (four years for first-year recipients and two years for transfer students), provided they maintain eligibility.

Caring for the caregivers

Caregivers for approximately 125 children served by Santa Ana-based nonprofit Olive Crest and Orange County Social Services enjoyed a much needed break, thanks to Caregivers’ Day Off. St. John’s Lutheran Church in Orange gathered about 150 volunteers from the community, who received training to care for the children at a fall festival-themed event.

From team sports like soccer to face painting and bracelet making, the kids enjoyed engaging activities and came together for lunch before the day was over.

This marked the 10th anniversary of the partnership and Caregivers’ Day Off, meaning approximately 5,000 children and their caregivers have enjoyed this important respite.

Olive Crest is an Orange County-based nonprofit serving more than 5,000 children and families in crisis daily across the Western U.S. It offers comprehensive care for approximately 130 Orange County-based kinship families caring for about 330 children through counseling, specialized classes and essentially providing anything they may need to carry out their role.

– Submitted by Olive Crest

The Bravo! section highlights achievements of our residents and groups. Send news of achievements for consideration to ocrbravo@gmail.com.

Girl Scouts of Orange County Troop 7370 spearheaded Operation Waymakers this past holiday season. Fifty girls gathered to create gift boxes to brighten the holidays of children at the Huntington Beach Youth Shelter. The project benefits youths ages 11-17 who are being assisted and sheltered by the nonprofit Waymakers OC.

The Girl Scouts packaged 100 gift boxes with goodies, including craft kits, markers and pens, socks, hygiene essentials and more. This was the third year in a row that the girls in Troop 7370 made a difference in their community.

– Submitted by Girl Scouts of Orange County

Harvesters 32nd Fashion Show and Luncheon raises $1.6 million for food bank

The Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall became a focal point of philanthropy as the Harvesters hosted the 32nd Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon, raising nearly $1.6 million for Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.

The exclusive event, meticulously orchestrated by the dedicated group of women committed to raising funds and awareness for Second Harvest, welcomed around 340 guests, each playing a crucial role in supporting the food bank’s mission to provide dignified, equitable and consistent access to nutritious food in collaboration with its partners.

“For 32 years, Harvesters has stood by Second Harvest Food Bank in its mission to provide nutritious food to families and children in need in Orange County,” said Jassel Kaye, Harvesters chair. “We are grateful for the extraordinary generosity of our underwriters and donors. Each year, every single dollar raised during the Harvesters’ Fashion Show and Luncheon goes directly to Second Harvest Food Bank, ensuring hungry neighbors across Orange County are fed and nourished.”

Claudia Bonilla Keller, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, said: “Orange County is facing a hidden hunger crisis, with 1 in 10 residents experiencing food insecurity – a rate rising faster than the state average.

“We’re incredibly grateful for Harvesters’ unwavering support. This Fashion Show and Luncheon will make an enormous difference in the lives of the approximately 442,000 residents we serve monthly. Harvesters’ dedication is truly helping us not only meet the need, but to also anticipate what is to come.”

In addition to the event’s main fundraising efforts, attendees were encouraged to support an important community initiative: funding a new tractor for Harvest Solutions Farm, a key partnership of Second Harvest Food Bank, Solutions for Urban Agriculture and the University of California South Coast Research & Extension Center.

The tractor will enhance the 40-acre farm’s ability to provide fresh produce to about 442,000 people each month, including children, working families and seniors.

Harvest Solutions Farm has harvested 5.8 million pounds of nutritious food since its launch in 2021, and the new tractor will increase efficiency, helping to ensure continued access to healthy food for Orange County’s most vulnerable residents.

– Submitted by Harvesters

Newport Beach assisted living employee honored as outstanding caregiver

The California Assisted Living Association (CALA) recognized Patricia “Patti” Amaya, resident medication assistant at Atria Newport Plaza, with the Outstanding Caregiver Award.

Her dedication to compassionate care has profoundly affected residents and staff, making her an invaluable member of the Atria Newport Plaza community for more than a decade.

Amaya’s journey has not been without hardship. In 2020, she experienced the devastating loss of her husband to COVID-19. Despite this personal tragedy, she continued to care for her residents, demonstrating remarkable strength and resilience. As sole caretaker for her family, she has shown a deep commitment to her role, radiating positivity and inspiring her peers with her selfless actions.

Amaya’s compassion extends beyond her professional duties. Her quiet acts of kindness, such as holding residents’ hands during their final moments, have touched the lives of many. Her attention to detail, like recognizing and addressing a resident’s pain when others might have overlooked it, exemplifies her holistic approach to caregiving.

In addition to her caregiving duties, Amaya serves as a mentor to new caregivers, encouraging their growth and shaping confident, capable professionals. Her influence within the community is undeniable, as she consistently steps up to take on additional responsibilities and supports her colleagues with enthusiasm and care.

– Submitted by California Assisted Living Association

O.C. Supervisor Doug Chaffee announces Fourth District Kindness Award honorees

Doug Chaffee, Orange County Fourth District supervisor, recently announced the sixth annual Fourth District Kindness Awards honorees. Following former Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait’s initiative to encourage acts of kindness in his city, Chaffee recognizes Kindness Award honorees from each city in the Fourth District who have made significant contributions to their communities through kindness.

“It is especially important for us to acknowledge kindness wherever we can find it and inspire others to perform their own acts of kindness in the community,” Chaffee said.

The honorees for the 6th annual Fourth District Kindness Awards are:

City of Anaheim: Nicou Azaran. Azaran is an independent living skills and outreach instructor at the Braille Institute in Anaheim. She goes above and beyond to provide individualized attention to each student and advocate for better services for them in the community. Azaran organizes and conducts free workshops, offering valuable support to visually impaired individuals and their families.

City of Brea: Zelda Makanaaloha Preston. Makanaaloha Preston is a freshman at Fullerton Union High School. She is an active volunteer at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fullerton. Since age 7, Zelda has used each birthday to perform an act of kindness, through donations of clothes, shoes, toys and other necessities to local nonprofits. This past birthday, she collected 291 pounds of food for the Hub of Hope food pantry.

City of Buena Park: Sam Yoon. Yoon’s journey began with a background in music, studying pipe organ and choral conducting in Korea and the United States. In 2021, he founded Seesaw Communities to support adults with developmental disabilities. Seesaw Communities provides vocational training, helping participants find their unique voices and abilities. Under his leadership, the organization has become a leader in providing integrated employment opportunities and fostering more inclusive workplaces.

City of Fullerton: Dylan Wang. Dylan is a Troy High School senior who combines his passion for technology with community services. During his free time on weekends and in summers, Dylan volunteers at Happy Adult Daycare and spends time with seniors. This experience has taught him the unique challenges seniors face and inspired him to fix them with technology. Dylan developed an iPad application that uses augmented reality (AR) technology to assist seniors in translating English to their native language. He also designed a nighttime medical monitoring device that alerts family members on loved ones’ health status.

City of La Habra: Virginia Wyckoff. Wyckoff started her career as a teacher’s aide with the La Habra School District. When she retired, she began volunteering at the Children’s Museum at La Habra. After her grandson’s passing, she created a wishing well at the museum in his memories; all funds from the well are used to help local schools visit the museum. Wyckoff never misses an opportunity to volunteer and help the museum grow.

City of Placentia: Alice Shiozawa. Shiozawa has been a Rotary Club of Placentia member since 2015 and is serving her second term as president of Placentia Rotary. Her involvement with Rotary has kept her active and expanded her awareness of issues facing the community. Through the Rotary, Shiozawa has been involved in neighborhood cleanups, organized the “stuffing” of and distribution of school backpacks, prepared hygiene kits and holiday gift packs, and other important community projects. She believes the little things count and are the most meaningful to those in need.

City of Stanton: Tony and Bivianne Munguia. Tony and Bivianne Munguia, a father and daughter duo, are both students at Cypress College. On their way to an event, they noticed smoke coming from a nearby house. Stopping to offer assistance, Tony went into the house to see if the resident was home, while his daughter called 9-1-1. With the help of another individual, Tony was able to help the resident exit the inflamed house. Due to their quick thinking, they helped save the life of the resident and stop further damage to the house.

Chaffee also awarded Mike Oates, former Fullerton Rotary president, with the Honorary Kindness Award. Oates is a pillar of the Fullerton community, known for his years of service and commitment to local organizations. He has deep ties in helping youths as a former Boys and Girls Club volunteer and coach at Golden Hill Little League. He continued his service as president of Fullerton Rotary Club and the Fullerton’s Sister City Association. Oates’ commitment is also shown through his numerous volunteer hours to Crittenton Services as a board member and through his fundraising efforts. His energy and passion for service have been unwavering, leaving a lasting impact on those he has served.

– Submitted by Doug Chaffee

TongueOut and MemorialCare team provide medical services to villagers in Vietnam

TongueOut, a nonprofit organization founded by Dr. Dung Trinh, a primary care physician with Greater Newport Physicians MemorialCare, completed a humanitarian mission across Vietnam, bringing essential health care, supplies and hope to some of the country’s most vulnerable communities.

This year’s mission was marked by a series of impactful efforts, from sponsoring life-changing surgeries to providing clean water for entire villages.

Trinh’s remarkable story began when he and his younger siblings were airlifted from Saigon hours before its fall, arriving in Santa Ana with nothing but hope for a new life. Growing up as a refugee, Trinh learned the value of hard work and service. While in college, he joined the U.S. Marines and earned an honorable discharge before attending medical school.

“I know what it means to struggle and be given a second chance at life,” Trinh said. “This mission is my way of giving back and offering hope to those who need it most – just as I was offered hope many years ago.”

This year’s mission kicked off in Ho Chi Minh City, where the TongueOut team visited a leprosy colony and sponsored 100 eye surgeries. Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the skin, nerves and respiratory tract, leading to disfigurement and disability if left untreated. It has long carried a stigma, with those affected often isolated from society.

Providing eye surgeries to blind patients with advanced cataracts wasn’t just about restoring sight – it was about restoring dignity and hope to people who had long been forgotten.

Next, in Hue, the team held a medical clinic, distributed food and visited an orphanage caring for children with Down syndrome. One of the most significant stops was in the Tam Ky Highlands, where the team donated solar panels and batteries to a school. The team also gave backpacks, toys and cookies to children who walk hours barefoot just to attend class.

In the highlands of Tam Ky, the team also raised funds for a water well that will serve more than 100 families. This community, home to 300 children and 100 families, had long relied on nearby unsanitary water sources. With the new well, these families will finally have access to clean water.

The mission ended in Da Nang, where the team visited an orphanage caring for babies as young as 1 month old.

– Submitted by MemorialCare Medical Group

UC Irvine Chamber Singers place second in the American Prize

The UC Irvine Chamber Singers, directed by Dr. Irene Messoloras, professor in the Department of Music, have earned second place in the 2024 American Prize in Choral Performance—college/university division (smaller program).

The award, presented by the American Prize National Nonprofit Competitions in the Performing Arts, celebrates performing ensembles across the country and highlights UC Irvine’s excellence in choral performance.

The UC Irvine Chamber Singers are the flagship choral ensemble of the Claire Trevor School of the Arts, comprising 42 auditioned vocalists, including music majors and singers across diverse disciplines. Known for concert performances at the Walt Disney Concert Hall and collaborations with UC Irvine’s Jack and Shanaz Langson Institute and Museum of California Art, the ensemble recently completed a tour of Ireland and was set to release its first commercial recording with Signum Records in November.

— Submitted by Maria Wroblewska

The Bravo! section highlights achievements of our residents and groups. Send news of achievements for consideration to ocrbravo@gmail.com.

Orange County resident Joseph Alfieri had a party of a lifetime as he celebrated his 100th birthday. Alfieri was surrounded by more than 50 friends and family members from around the country who joined him at a Tustin restaurant for the special occasion.

Born in 1924 in Lower Manhattan’s Little Italy, Alfieri has witnessed and experienced pivotal moments in history. He fondly recalls the lifting of Prohibition at his grandmother’s restaurant on Mulberry Street, where she served free food while legally charging for liquor.

Alfieri’s life has been shaped by significant events, including the Great Depression and World War II. When the U.S. was attacked at Pearl Harbor in December 1941, he and his brother both volunteered to serve, with Alfieri spending much of his time as a Marine in Okinawa and the Mariana Islands.

After a successful career in the defense industry, Alfieri retired in his early 60s; he humorously notes that he has been retired longer than he worked.

He often emphasizes the importance of family and friends, encouraging his kids to support one another amidst the uncertainties of the world.

Man picks up local fame by picking up trash

One man’s trash is another man’s claim to local fame.

A Ladera Ranch man recently caught the attention of the community when he was spotted filling a bucket with trash he found in the area.

William Feige has been a Ladera resident since 2020 and enjoys going on walks around town. It’s during those walks that he noticed litter, so he decided to do something about it. Now, when he hits the pavements, he picks up whatever trash he sees along the way.

One day, he was photographed in the act, and the rest is a local online forum history.

Feige says he was surprised to see his picture posted online, but is grateful for and inspired by the positive comments he’s received. He says he’s a regular guy who is trying to do his part to help keep Ladera Ranch clean and who likes to set a positive example for kids.

Girl Scouts of Orange County opens STEM Makerspace just for girls

Orange County Girl Scouts have a new STEM-focused resource available to them.

Girl Scouts of Orange County’s Makerspace got its official kickoff at the Argyros Girl Scout Leadership Center in Newport Beach. The space is equipped with a 3D printer, an xTool laser cutter, a Cricut cutting machine and a Cricut heat press, as well as other consumables and tools, giving GSOC’s 15,000-plus girls free access to the equipment to ignite their imagination, spark learning and build critical skills.

GSOC’s Makerspace gives girls a safe space to learn, make and use the equipment in an all-girl environment. It’s available seven days a week to all troops throughout the county via GSOC’s reservation system. Additional equipment, including a screen-printing machine and an InvenTable cardboard cutter, will be added to the Makerspace.

The stark gender gap in STEM careers is a pressing concern, with women significantly underrepresented in fields that shape the future. According to the National Center for Science and Engineering, only 10.9% of inventors who filed patents with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in 2022 were female.

In response to this disparity, GSOC’s Makerspace offers a dynamic environment where girls can engage in hands-on learning, experiment with new ideas and bring their creations to life. With the Makerspace, they develop not only technical skills but also resilience and confidence, recognizing the impact of their contributions to society and igniting a passion for innovation.

– Submitted by Maria Solis, Girl Scouts of Orange County

Orange County teacher named finalist for California Teacher of the Year

Garden Grove Unified School District teacher Jordanna Jahn was named a 2025 California Teacher of the Year finalist. Jahn, who teaches seventh-grade AVID, English Language Arts and World History, at Irvine Intermediate School in Garden Grove, was one of six finalists from across the state.

Jahn was also one of six finalists from across Orange County to compete at the state level. She was named an Orange County finalist during a surprise visit in May from a school bus filled with camera crews, sponsors, reporters and representatives from the Orange County Department of Education.

Other special guests who took part in the surprise were Garden Grove Unified School District Board of Education President Teri Rocco and Vice President Lan Nguyen, Irvine Intermediate Principal Holly Jefferson, Jahn’s family members, colleagues and a classroom full of cheering students, including eighth grader Dang Tran, who wrote her letter of recommendation for the award.

Jahn began teaching in GGUSD in 1996 and serves as Irvine Intermediate’s AVID coordinator, manages the Scholars in Training after-school intervention, supports PBIS and the Drama Club, and much more. She is known for her ability to empower and connect with students, creating a classroom where students feel safe and valued.

The district’s three nominees for the 2025 Orange County Teacher of the Year program are Jahn; Faylane Elementary School teacher Ji Sun Kim, who was a semifinalist for Orange County Teacher of the Year; and Marshall Elementary School teacher Theresa Miguel. All three nominees were recognized at a GGUSD Board of Education meeting as well as at the Orange County Department of Education Teacher of the Year Gala at the Disneyland Resort on Nov. 1.

– Submitted by Garden Grove Unified School District

Garden Grove native earns recognition as teacher in North Carolina

The North Carolina Association of Colleges for Teacher Education recognized Jessica On from Garden Grove as the 2024 NCACTE Fall Forum Student Teacher of the Year.

She student taught at E.K. Powe Elementary School in Durham, North Carolina. At the fall forum, excerpts from the letters of support for her nomination were shared and follow below.

Jonathan Norville, On’s clinical educator at E.K. Powe Elementary School, wrote: “Jessica is a fantastic educator. The energy and determination that she brings to the classroom is inspiring. She has the innate ability to build rapport with students, contributing to a robust classroom community where every student feels safe.”

Norville said On “defied the typical archetypes of a ‘fun teacher’ or ‘dedicated teacher’ and showed everyone (she) could be both.”

On is a transformative teacher who makes learning fun, sees the importance of relationships with students and families, and values all students as unique individuals. She describes herself as “an educator who appreciates cultures deeply, inviting students in to be themselves by showing them who I authentically am, and celebrating all identities in the classroom.”

She further described herself as an “educator (who) will openly make and acknowledge mistakes, setting examples for my students on how we can grow from them.” She added that she “will ask endless questions and disrupt systems and be an advocate for each and every one of my students and their families.”

She is currently teaching fifth grade at Lyons Farm Elementary School in Durham.

– Submitted by NCACTE

Sage Hill High School alumnus gets Television Academy internship

Sage Hill High School alumnus Yego Polakoff has been selected for the prestigious Television Academy Foundation Internship Program. He is one of just five students chosen by Television Academy members from across the country for the 2024 fall internship program. The foundation offers paid internships at top Hollywood studios and production companies annually to college students nationwide.

Polakoff is a senior at Chapman University in Orange, majoring in film production. He will be an editing intern this fall at Geiger Post, a post-production facility in Hollywood, through the foundation’s program.

Polakoff grew up in San Juan Capistrano and attended Sage Hill High School in Newport Beach.

“Working in post-production has been a lifelong dream of mine, and now through this fantastic opportunity, I can actually experience what it’s like,” he said. “Film school can only teach the technical, but I’m excited to participate in the real culture and atmosphere of a Hollywood post-production house.

“My ultimate career aspiration is to be the lead assembly editor of a comedy or action streaming show or feature film.”

– Submitted by Television Academy Foundation

Oak View Elementary School transforms with community service projects

Oak View Elementary School in Huntington Beach welcomed more than 150 volunteers for a massive service project aimed at enhancing the school’s environment.

The initiative featured nine distinct projects, each designed to beautify and improve the school’s facilities. Volunteers tackled tasks that ranged from landscaping and painting murals to cleaning and organizing playground equipment to weeding out a kinder “garden.”

The collaboration provided much-needed upgrades to the school. The atrium in the center of the school was redesigned with new pots, plants and murals on the walls. A water fountain is now the centerpiece.

In addition to Oak View Elementary, volunteers worked at Sycamore Creek, the charter school behind Oak View, contributing their efforts to various projects.

The home improvement store Lowe’s played a crucial role in the success of the event by donating materials and supplies for the projects.

The day was filled with energy as 44 scholars marched in from the California Job Challenge. They and all the community volunteers signed up for the project on Justserve.org, a platform designed to connect individuals with local service opportunities.

The Huntington Beach Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints arranged the service project.

– Submitted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Student learns to appreciate diversity through cultural immersion

Aliso Niguel High School student Katherine Verrando has a new appreciation for cultural diversity. She participated in High School Diplomats, a merit scholarship program that unites 40 high schoolers from the U.S. and Japan for a 10-day cultural exchange at the University of Virginia.

Verrando said the program was a whirlwind of activities that allowed the teens to celebrate both American and Japanese cultures. They dressed up for Halloween (in July), hosted a cookout for Independence Day and enjoyed a prom dance. They also participated in Japanese traditions like Bunka no Hi (Japanese Culture Day), dressed in yukatas, practiced calligraphy and made matcha tea.

“This experience deepened my appreciation for cultural diversity and enabled me to form lasting friendships with students from across the United States and Japan,” Verrando said in an email.

The Bravo! section highlights achievements of our residents and groups. Send news of achievements for consideration to ocrbravo@gmail.com.

In a new partnership with Girls Inc. of Orange County, Chapman University’s Fowler School of Engineering is helping girls prepare for careers in engineering and other STEM fields. Girls Inc. is a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring girls to be strong, smart and bold.

The collaboration brought girls who are just starting high school to the Chapman campus to participate in the school’s annual Summer Engineering Academy. During the sessions at Chapman, the girls were able to work on projects that included machine learning, coding, Arduino programming, and design and fabrication. For many of these girls, this was their first exposure to these cutting-edge technologies, setting the stage for their future in STEM.

Anna Gianina Reynolds, senior STEM coordinator at Girls Inc., highlighted the significance of this collaboration.

“We strive to partner with institutions like Chapman University to introduce our girls to STEM fields and provide them with practical, hands-on experience,” she said. “Seeing them work on real-world projects and witnessing their growth in confidence and STEM identity throughout the week was truly inspiring.”

The opportunity to learn from Chapman’s engineering students – many of whom are women – added another layer of inspiration.

“Women are still underrepresented in STEM fields, so having female role models in this space was invaluable for our girls. It allowed them to envision a future where they too can succeed in these fields,” Reynolds said.

The Summer Engineering Academy is open to all high school students in the community. For more information, visit chapman.edu/sea.

– Submitted by Carly Murphy, Chapman University

Laguna Beach nonprofit Heartfelt screens 60,000th person

Heartfelt, a Laguna Beach-based nonprofit organization, achieved a remarkable milestone by screening its 60,000th heart at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School (SMES) in San Juan Capistrano. This extraordinary achievement illustrates Heartfelt’s unwavering commitment to early detection and prevention. It marks more than 25 years of dedication to community health and early detection.

Heartfelt has partnered with SMES for well over a decade, providing critical cardiac screenings that have saved numerous lives.

“We are thrilled to reach this achievement while at St. Margaret’s,” said Holly Morrell, founder of Heartfelt. “Our joint efforts have made a real difference in the community, and this accomplishment is a testament to that impact.”

Earlier this year, Heartfelt received additional recognition when the City of Laguna Beach honored the organization with a proclamation, designating it as an Extraordinary Business for its significant contributions to public health and safety.

Heartfelt’s screenings have led to numerous life-saving discoveries, including recent cases involving a 4-year-old boy, an 11-year-old girl and a 55-year-old woman, all of whom had critical heart conditions detected early through the nonprofit’s efforts. These examples underscore the essential role Heartfelt plays in providing accessible, affordable cardiac screenings to the Orange County community.

– Submitted by Heartfelt

Maple Elementary TK classroom receives Reggio-inspired makeover

Some of Fullerton School District’s youngest learners have started the new school year at one of its oldest campuses. For many, it’s their first classroom experience in a modern learning environment with historical roots.

Maple Elementary School’s new Reggio-inspired transitional kindergarten (TK) classroom was developed and provided in partnership with School Specialty, a provider of educational products for school campuses.

“Reggio-inspired,” short for the “Reggio Emilia approach,” refers to an educational philosophy that emphasizes a child-centered, exploration-based learning environment. The Reggio Emilia approach is named after a town in Northern Italy where the community decided to use post-World War II stimulus funds to invest in education.

Centered on the Reggio Emilia idea that children are naturally curious and capable learners, the classroom at Maple Elementary is designed to nurture these qualities by encouraging active participation, imaginative play and social interaction. According to educational experts, such environments are particularly beneficial for young children, helping them develop essential skills in critical thinking, creativity and social-emotional learning.

“In the Reggio philosophy, the learning environment is the third teacher,” said Maple Elementary TK teacher Katie Bezayiff.

Bezayiff is one of the California League of Educators’ 2024 Educators of the Year. Correspondingly, she was chosen to have her classroom participate in the School Specialty remodel due to her exemplary work in early childhood education.

Bezayiff’s new TK room is filled with flexible furniture, natural materials and spaces designed for hands-on learning, hallmarks of the Reggio Emilia method.

Ladera Ranch dads and daughters embark on a pool crawl

Ladera Ranch dads, daughters and their families met at Town Green to hold the fifth annual RainbowSky Expedition Pool Crawl. The four-location pool crawl included games and activities, such as a watermelon race and a belly flop competition.

“It’s a fun way to kick off the start of the year, which will have 10 events for the father/daughter organization,” said dad Shon Engle. “RainbowSky will host 10 events throughout the year, including camping.”

Participants rode bikes and scooters to multiple pools, staying approximately 15 minutes at each location. The bike crawl concluded at the Covenant Hills Village Clubhouse, where food and more games awaited the 100-person group after its annual start-of-the-year meeting.

The event was a huge success. Dads, daughters, families and friends shared a wonderful afternoon and got the new season/year off to a great start.

– Submitted by David Robertson

The Bravo! section highlights achievements of our residents and groups. Send news of achievements for consideration to ocrbravo@gmail.com.