Spindrift June 2, 2022

PROGRAM

Cynthia Strasmann introduced herself as chair of the Accepting the Challenge of Excellence program (ACE). She explained the ACE award recognizes graduating high school students who have persevered and performed exceptionally in spite of obstacles. Each ACE award recipient receives a $3,000 scholarship to further their education. Also, Cynthia decorated the room beautifully, including decorative baskets with balloons and candy as centerpieces which the students took home.

Cynthia welcomed the awardees and guests and acknowledged their principals and counselors. Dr. Michelle Stevens, Assistant Principal at Back Bay, was present for Back Bay and Monte Vista High Schools. Josh Hill, Principal, and Gina Nyeholt, Counselor, represented Corona del Mar High. Counselors attended on behalf of Costa Mesa, Early College, Estancia, and Newport Harbor High schools including Back Bay High Group Photo Orange Coast College (OCC), then a degree at a 4-year college. Frances Daly will pursue nursing, forensics, or a neuroscience career and will help others. Silvestre Gonzalez will study thodontics, or software engineering. He desires to be a good role model and to educate others. Frances Daly, Jacyln Gonzalez, Jami Gulini, Mindy Savage, and Nicole Mack, respectively.

Back Bay & Monte Vista High:  Isabella Maez-Akins intends to complete her general education requirements at Orange Coast College (OCC), then a degree at a 4-year college.

Frances Daly will pursue nursing, forensics, or a neuroscience career and will help others.

Silvestre Gonzalez will study music, orthodontics, or software engineering. He desires to be a good role model and to educate others.

Valeria Sanchez Lopez plans to pursue a career in the medical field. She would also like to become a phlebotomist and looks forward to saving money for a car and living independently.

Christopher Navarro will pursue a certification in welding at OCC. He hopes to help poor communities, immigrants, and homeless.

Marcos Ruiz wants to be a mechanic and a trainer and to help support his family.

Ashley Stanwick will pursue general education classes at a 2-year college, then a 4-year degree in a technology
field.

Corona del Mar High: Eric Thompson will study political science and law with the goal of fighting injustice and helping others.

Costa Mesa High: Caitlyn Roum plans to be a nurse and to advocate for those with chronic illnesses and disabilities. Caitlyn was the female ACE awardee at the California/ Nevada District level.

Early College High: Anabelle Pham’s immediate Caitlyn Roum goal is to start or volunteer for a non-profit providing the poor basic healthcare. She will attend UCLA in Biological Sciences and intends to pursue a medical career.

Estancia High: Maria Ceja-Ceja will study health sciences with an emphasis in pre-med at Chapman University.

Newport Harbor High:  William Yanez will study kinesiology or business and wants to help those in need.

Each recipient thanked their parents and school and our club. Their joy was obvious and their parents were very proud.

Cynthia concluded by acknowledging the students’ grit and determination and advised this will help them conquer the opportunities and challenges they will face. She offered three pieces of advice: (1) be intentional about goals and welcome mistakes because they allow growth; (2) understand your strengths and weaknesses and pursue your passions; and (3) recognize the value in yourself and use your unique gifts to benefit others.