Spindrift May 19, 2022

PROGRAM

Today was the Youth of the Year, where we recognize excellence in a boy and girl from each of four local high schools by presenting them with a plaque and a check for $3,000. They will receive the checks during their senior awards ceremony.

From Estancia High School, counselor Carrie Smith is shown with Lily Shandalove, who played volleyball, ASD President, Best Buddy, medical academy and is going to UC Berkeley, Dane Dodge saw his kid brother win a dictionary for the patriotic essay at Victoria from our Exchange Club. Water polo captain, ASD Treasurer, Best Buddies Club VP, He will be going to Cal Poly SLO to study investment technology. (Mike Gertner commented that his own son got an award from Estancia of maybe $200 25 years ago.)

From Costa Mesa High School, their Principal Jacob Haley, was personally present but one of the two students had a funeral and the other had a mandatory assignment and both were unable to attend. We show the principal holding their two plaques, and we were honored to have the principal at- tend. Aiden Spallone played basketball, and Principal Haley’s favorite story: in the CIF semi final, down four points, made eye contact with Dane, who won the game with a three point steal. Receiving State Seal of biliteracy in English as well as Spanish. Will attend Univ. of San Diego to study business.

Emiko Grun, class president, unbelievable voice, part of our Madrigal award-winning choir, voice is amongst angels, truly remarkable voice, equal opportunity, varsity captain, Cheer program National champions. Will attend U.C. Berkeley, studying biology, plans to be a physician.From Newport Harbor High School, Principal Sean Bolton, was teacher of the year 2001, Three years ago, his daughter won our FOH art contest, still up on his wall.

He spoke about Pete York, Water polo team, swim team, culinary team, won state competition. Eagle Scout. Built a rowing table. He will be attending the National Inst of Culinary Studies in NY. Maddie Malouf had 24 teachers for four years declared her a “renaissance woman.” Cross-country track, kept running. Scorekeeper for basketball team. A leader. Newport Harbor second home. Thanked Dr. Bolton, Will attend U. of Wisconsin, journalism.

From Corona del Mar High School, we had Gina Nyeholt speak about Alex Sunday. He is sweet, kind, gentleman, respectful, and very very humble. Parents: you have raised a wonderful young man. VP Science Club AI, virtual labs to 19 students. VP of HS. Started 501c3 for all girls school with virtual labs. Preserving mentalhealth of our physicians in Newport Beach and Irvine. Regional leader for all of California. How AI will affect people. Working with “AI-Inspired”. From 5 to 80, Never too late to learn about AI and technology. Look forward to going to Harvard and majoring in bio engineering.

Principal Charles Oxas on Francesca Disanto. I can’t wait for her to get to NYU. Wish I was 18 again, going off to college.

Francesca Disanto. In my four years, I’ve learned many lessons. Will go to NYU, where I’ll be studying hospitality and marketing management. I also am looking forward to doing a double major, plan to do education abroad and continue on to graduate school Thank you again for your scholarship and to my Dad, who supported me every step of the way.

GENERAL COMMENTS -  Jerry Nininger has been doing this program for 15 years. He never ever saw a student win with less than a 3.8 GPA. Sports,, drama, publications, bands are typically parts of the winners’ involvements. And now culinary!

Nice to have three principals here today! Not often do we get the top dog!

Mike concluded the program by inviting the winners back in a year should they be available.