Cypress Police Officer Rebecca Mondon and her K-9 partner Sem visited Cypress Recreation’s Kids Corner Preschool-Aged Program on Feb.17.  For more information on the Kids Corner program please visit cypressrec.com or call 714-229-6780. Ms. Charmaine and Miss Diana are their teachers at the Junior Kids Corner Preschool-Aged Program class, which services 3 year olds.

Girl Scout, Boy Scout and Cub Scout members of St. Hedwig Church gathered to celebrate Scout Sunday Mass on Feb 21. Scout Sunday is the annual date to recognize the youths and adults for their contributions to Scouting. Scouts who earned religious awards and Eagle ranks were recognized for their achievements.

The Cypress School District recently announced that Tim McLellan, Ed.D., has been named Business Services Administrator of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), Region 17.
McLellan has served the Cypress School District as Assistant Superintendent of Business Services since 2010 and has led several major initiatives during his tenure in the district. As the result of a successful bond measure in 2008, McLellan provided leadership and direction during the modernization of school facilities to ensure students and staff are afforded an optimal environment for teaching and learning.
McLellan also facilitated several revisions to the district’s Facilities Master Plan to effectively meet the changing needs of the school district.
Such enhancements include new modular classrooms to support the state’s class size reduction program at the primary level as well as the construction of dedicated classroom space on each campus for innovative arts and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programming for all students.
Superintendent Anne Silavs said, “Without question, Tim is an important member of the Cypress School District team. He understands the impact of high quality instruction on student success and ensures our teachers have the resources needed to deliver a world class educational program. His genuine love of learning, his commitment to all students, and his support of our staff makes him an exceptional leader.”
Before coming to Cypress,  McLellan served in the Magnolia School District as Executive Director, Human Resources and Technology for four years and as a site administrator at the secondary level in Torrance Unified School District for eight years.
McLellan earned his bachelor’s degree from California State University, Long Beach; master’s degree from Pepperdine University; and Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California.
Upon hearing about this award Tim said, “It’s an honor to serve this community and work with a team that can bring it all together for kids!”
McLellan will be honored at the ACSA Region 17 Administrator of the Year & Friends of Education Celebration of Excellence dinner on May 9 at the Irvine Marriott.

The cost of a college education continues to increase each year, resulting in students waving both their diploma and student loans when they graduate. To help local students with escalating college expenses, there are several scholarships available through Republican Women Federated that can assist high school and college students with the ever-increasing cost of a college education:
Charlotte Mousel Scholarship – From the California Federation of Republican Women Southern Division, the essay theme for male or female high school students is “What the US Constitution Means to Me.” First place scholarship is $1,500 and second place is $1,000. For more information, visit www.cfrwsoutherndivision.org.
Pat Nixon Scholarship – From Orange County Federation of Republican Women, the scholarship is for Orange County women 25 years or older who are returning to college to acquire additional skills or qualify for a position of employment. For more information, visit www.ocfrw.org.
National Pathfinder Scholarship – Through National Federation of Republican Women, the scholarship in honor of First Lady Nancy Reagan, awards three $2,500 scholarships to active female undergraduate or graduate students who are advancing their studies. For more information, visit www.nfrw.org/pathfinder.
Betty Rendel Scholarship – Through the National Federation of Republican Women, the Betty Rendel Scholarship in honor of the organization’s past president, awards three $1,000 scholarships to women majoring in political science, government or economics and have successfully completed at least two years of college coursework. For more information, visit www.nfrw.org/rendel.
According to the College Board, the average cost of tuition and fees for the 2015-2016 school year was a whopping $32,405 at private colleges, $9,410 for state residents at public colleges and $23,893 for out-of-state residents attending public universities.
With impending deadlines, those interested in applying for a scholarship(s) need to do so through the Rossmoor-Los Alamitos Republican Women Federated club. Submissions can be emailed to: Ro************@*ol.com.
“Deadlines are fast approaching so I would strongly suggest that those interested in any of these scholarships immediately visit the websites,” said Rossmoor-Los Alamitos President Nancy Hathcock.

The Los Alamitos Education Foundation (LAEF) crowned the King & Queen of Hearts on Feb. 19 at The Grand in Long Beach.  The Queen of Hearts is Seal Beach Lion of the Year Adriana Preciado-Ziegenbusch and the King of Hearts is Matt Herrick of Southland Credit Union.  All seven Royal Court candidates ended their 10-week fundraising campaign at the Royal Ball and Coronation; the grand fundraising total was $93,000.  Every dollar that each candidate raised counted as a vote, and Preciado-Ziegenbusch and Herrick were the top fundraisers.
Carrie Logue, LAEF Executive Director said, “We are ecstatic and humbled by the vast amount of time and effort all the candidates put into the King & Queen of Hearts campaign.  We are thrilled by the engagement of our community and how the candidates introduced many new people to LAEF’s mission!”
Archduke sponsor Southland Credit Union’s team was on hand to cheer on all the candidates and was very excited to see their very own Matt Herrick crowned king.  Duke sponsors Alamitos Eye Care and Wells Fargo also applauded the Royal Court and their amazing fundraising accomplishment.  The crowd enjoyed music from a Jazz quartet led by Oak Middle School Instrumental Music Director (and past King of Hearts candidate) Justin Padilla.  Dr. Andrew Pulver, Los Al USD Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, was the Master of Ceremonies.
The 2015-16 Queen Royal Court members are Los Al alumna Gina Biri, Los Al USD school board member Diana Hill and Rossmoor Elementary principal Kiva Spiratos.  The King Royal Court members are Dr. Sean Braithwaite of Braithwaite Chiropractic and Aaron Roberts of Anytime Fitness.
LAEF President Sean Payne said, “I am amazed by the ongoing success of King and Queen of Hearts campaign.  Fundraising has totaled to nearly $240,000 over the past three years and Royal Ball attendance has grown to nearly 200 community members.  This will continue to benefit all students as proceeds support STEAM instruction and fairs (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, Math) on all campuses and the district-wide STEAM showcase on May 21 at LAHS.”
LAEF is the non-profit partner of Los Alamitos Unified School District.  LAEF enhances educational excellence in our community by providing after-school and summer enrichment programs to Pre-K to 12th grade students.  For additional information on LAEF, please call 562-799-4700 x80424 or visit www.LAEF4Kids.org.   The King and Queen of Hearts campaign link is www.LAEF4Kids.org/kingandqueen.

Are you looking for a safe, fun, and affordable program for your kids this spring break? Registration is now available at the Boys & Girls Club of Cypress for the 2016 Spring Break program. The program will run from March 14-18. The Club is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and provides fun activities for kids 6 years old and up.
This year’s theme is “Splash into Spring Break”. Members will enjoy learning about a variety of aquatic animals, doing outdoor water relays, participating in interactive oceanic STEAM activities, and even take a walking field trip to Veteran’s Park for fun sports rotations. Arts and crafts projects, science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) labs, video games, and computer lab time will also be featured daily. Optional field trips will be offered on Tuesday to the Aquarium of the Pacific for $35 and on Thursday to John’s Incredible Pizza for $25.
Spring Break at the Club includes a free morning and afternoon snack for all members and a free BBQ lunch provided by Charles Williams and the Cypress High School athletes on Wednesday. Contact the Membership Desk at 714-527-2697 for more information or email me********@********ss.org. The Boys & Girls Club of Cypress is located at 10161 Moody Street in Cypress. Spring Break is going to be greater than ever before- don’t miss out. Register today.

The athletic standouts at Los Alamitos High School joined in the gymnasium on Friday Feb. 5 to participate in the second of three signing days for the school year.
Los Al High honored eight student athletes as they signed their National Letters of Intent.
These dedicated athletes join the many other high school athletes as they commit to schools all across the country.
Los Alamitos High School is proud to recognize the following student-athletes and look forward to adding to the list as the year progresses.
Below is a list of athletes that were honored:
• Abby Blake
Girls Water Polo
Princeton
• Emma Cruz
Crew
University of Pennsylvania
• Randi Geffrey
Girls Soccer
Davidson

• Jacob Keller
Football
Air Force Academy
• Maureen Kennedy
Girls Soccer
Bowling Green State
• Amanda Nishihira
Softball
Columbia University
• Siena Ruelas
Girls Soccer
University of Washington
• Ashley Willingham
Girls Track
Princeton

Cypress held a Business Retention Attraction Creation & Expansion (BRACE) workshop on Wednesday, Jan. 27 at the Cypress Community Center.
Cypress Mayor Mariellen Yarc was in attendance to welcome the business leaders to the event.  “The City of Cypress recognizes the importance of addressing the needs of our business community.  The success of your business is very important to us,” said Yarc.
The featured speaker was Sheree Coates, Economic Development Specialist with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Coates provided information regarding disaster preparedness techniques for businesses. Coates also provided a demonstration of a number of online tools that are available to help businesses grow and thrive.
Cypress recognizes the importance of the local business community.  As a result, the BRACE Program was created for businesses to encourage communication, help the City to enhance their level of service, and to promote economic vitality in Cypress.  BRACE meetings serve to provide an educational forum that offers businesses the ability to learn while also networking with one another.  BRACE also allows the business community access to City officials and service partners.
Considered to be one of the most business friendly cities in Southern California, Cypress embraces a “Pro-Business” philosophy. The City’s emphasis on economic development translates to tailored business assistance programs and a highly trained professional staff with a “can do” attitude. Our entrepreneurial approach to business differentiates us from our competition and provides our business community with a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
For additional information regarding the BRACE program and other City services for the business community, or for information on how to relocate your business to Cypress, please contact Redevelopment Project Manager Steve Clarke at 714-229-6728.

At age 31, Ricky Anderson, who’s a husband and father of three, found out he had a cancerous tumor in his thigh that is a very rare type of sarcoma. Anderson had radiation and leg surgery in 2012 to remove it.
He recovered very well from the procedure, but then a year and a half later Anderson found out that the cancer spread to his lungs and was in stage 4.
The only course of treatment the doctors could recommend was extensive chemotherapy. However, there was no current form of chemotherapy that is proven to be effective against the rare sarcoma.
After two months of chemotherapy there was no change in Anderson’s condition. Doctors recommended he have surgery to remove a portion of his right lung that contained most of the cancer. He had a lobectomy in 2014.
While the surgery was a success, it still did not stop the cancer from spreading.
Since then Anderson has undergone four additional surgeries throughout 2015, which include draining fluid from his lung and removing tumors.
Anderson also completed a six-month customized immunotherapy, which was experimental and paid for out of pocket.
Despite the multitude of procedures, cancer has continued to spread.
Currently, he is undergoing new treatments through immunotherapy and viral therapy.
As you can imagine, Anderson’s cancer has been an enormous physical, emotional and financial challenge for him and his family.
To help with the procedures, Anderson’s family set up a Gofundme page for those who would like to support his battle. So far $20,000 has been raised in just under 10 days. The page can be found at www.gofundme.com/ksf5g5sc.
Anderson has been writing songs since he was at Los Al High. Anderson graduated in 1999.
Inspired by songwriters John Lennon, Paul Simon and Van Morrison, Anderson mixes California beach style with a mid-west flair.
Anderson released his first full-length album, Songs of Deliverance, in 2015. Most of the songs were recorded while he was having regular chemotherapy treatment. The record was produced and recorded by Matt Wignall (Cold War Kids) at Tackyland Studios in Long Beach, and Rami Jaffee  (Foo Fighters) at Fonogenic Studios in Van Nuys. Musicians on the album include Dave Krusen (Pearl Jam) and Jay Buchannan (Rival Sons).
To learn more about his album visit www.rickyandersonmusic.com.
Anderson released his first music video “Havana.” The song was written for his daughter to encourage her to “never stop smiling” even when faced with great adversity. The music video was filmed in Seal Beach.
Currently, Anderson lives in Corona with his wife Rachel and their three children, Havana, 8, Levi, 6, and Luke, 3. Anderson is also a graphic designer, e-commerce director, owner of inkmytee.com and the creator/founding partner of woodsnap.com.

The Los Al Varsity Song Team traveled to Orlando, Fla. over the last weekend of January and competed as one of the top 50 teams in the U.S National Dance Competition.
After several grueling rounds, the hard work paid off as the Lady Griffins nailed their final pom routine to perfection and sealed the National Championship title in small varsity pom. This is the second National pom title that Los Al Song has earned, the last being in 2004.
Their accomplishment didn’t end there, as they also took second place in the U.S National Dance Championship in the Jazz category, matching their stellar performance from last year. The Song team will be featured on ESPN next month.
Pictured above:
Front row:   Co-captain Mullaney Blue, Sage Panarisi and Co-captain Madeline Medby
Second row: Katie Guardado, Emma Zunino, Ashley Javier, Kendra Azurin, Juliette Davis, Amanda Bazulto
Third row: Tess Macleod, Chandler Giunchini, Madelyn Mackenzie, Avaree Robles
Back row: Coaches and Choreographers: Leo Ramirez, Jennifer Ramirez and Patrice Barakat
Los Al Song and Cheer will be holding an exhibition on Saturday March 12 at Los Alamitos High School.
Shows at 5 and 7 p.m., and tickets are available for $10 by emailing Allison Zunino at az*********@***il.com.