California High School freshman and girls golf team member Sophia Martinez was honored by the Women’s Sports Foundation for her essay, “What Inspires Me to Keep Playing,” during the foundation’s 40th Annual Salute to Women in Sports gala, held Oct. 16 in New York City. Martinez, a member of the Southern California Golf Association junior program, was one of three winners of the WSF national essay contest, allowing her the chance to meet some of America’s elite female athletes, including Women’s World Cup star Megan Rapinoe and WSF founder and tennis star Billie Jean King.
Baldwin Park Unified has refinanced $147.6 million in facility bonds, saving District property owners $72.1 million in repayment costs over the next 27 years. Refinancing takes advantage of lower interest rates for bonds approved by voters for improving District facilities.
El Monte Union to Host Final Cash for College Workshop
Fernando Ledesma High School will host a Cash for College workshop to help families access financial aid and other college resources. Attendees will get help with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and California Dream Act application. The workshop will run from 11:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5 at 12347 Ramona Blvd., El Monte.
West Covina Unified to Brief Students, Families on College Financial Aid
West Covina Unified’s Edgewood High School will hold a financial aid information night for students and families, providing presentations on the process and assistance with financial aid applications from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20 in the Pride Café, 1625 W. Durness St., West Covina.
Fontana Unified Elementary to Host Thanksgiving Meal for Families
Redwood Elementary School will host its eighth annual Thanksgiving Extravaganza from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, providing a hearty meal and celebration for local families. Children’s plates are free; adult plates are $4, or $5 with a to-go container. The meal will consist of turkey and gravy with mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, vegetables and more. Tickets must be purchased by Wednesday, Nov. 13. Redwood Elementary is at 8570 Redwood Ave., Fontana.
Monrovia’s Monroe Elementary to Hold Cross-cultural Celebration
Monroe Elementary School will host a Convivio de Familia from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15 at Monroe Elementary School, 402 W. Colorado Blvd., Monrovia. The Convivio de Familia serves as a cross-cultural event, where students and families participate in a potluck, salsa contest and learn a traditional dance.
Close to 300 La Serna High School students were given the freedom to make their own financial decisions – and learn the unpleasant consequences of spending beyond their means – during Bite of Reality, an interactive simulation that tests students on real-world financial challenges. Sponsored by the Credit Union of Southern California, the financial literacy event, held Nov. 14, assigned students in the school’s Guided Studies, OASIS, HAVEN and Read 180 academic intervention programs, their mentors and consumer math students a fictional occupation, salary, spouse and family, student loan debt, credit card debt and medical insurance payments.
Fontana High School students submitted nearly 2,100 applications to colleges and universities on Nov. 6 during the school’s annual College Application Day, exceeding its original goal of 1,900 applications. Over 13 hours, students submitted their college applications with the help of counselors and staff. As an AVID National Demonstration School, Fontana High School aims to narrow the achievement gap and ensure more students enroll in four-year colleges and universities.
Río Hondo College will mark Veterans Day at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12 with a program honoring 1st Sgt. Janet Bretado of the 240th Signal Company, distribution of a Río Hondo College Veteran Memorial Coin and performances by the 40th Infantry Division Band and Río Hondo College Choir. The Veterans Day event will be emceed by Río Hondo College Veterans Service Center Counselor/Coordinator Arely Castaneda and feature a Presentation of Colors by the California National Guard – Veterans Honors Program.
Chief Tracy E. Rickman, who has helped lead and expand Rio Hondo College’s nationally respected firefighter training academies as well as launch a cadet crew that annually battles California wildfires, will retire Dec. 11. Rickman joined Rio Hondo College 22 years ago and today serves as fire technology coordinator for the Rio Hondo College Fire Academy, the Rio Hondo College Wildland Fire Academy and EMT program.
