Preparing teens for effective leaders in their local communities and lives beyond school, the Youth Center will be having their 3rd Annual Leadership Academy from July 7 to July 23 at the nationally top-rated non-profit’s location in Los Alamitos.
Youth Center to showcase annual leadership academy
Woman’s Club of Cypress awards scholarships
The Woman’s Club of Cypress (WCC) presented scholarships to three outstanding local high school students during its June meeting.
· Louis Malpica – Cypress High School; $850
Louis plans to attend California State University, Long Beach next year and major in business management.
· Hiseo Lee– Cypress High School; $850
Hiseo plans to attend University of California, Los Angeles and major in biology.
· Jinnie Kim – Oxford Academy; $800
Jinniewill attend Cornell University and major in biochemistry.
The fourth presentation was the Darlie Wasicek Scholarship Award, which comes from an endowment from a WCC past president. It is awarded to a student in the field of performing arts, such as dance, music, vocal, or drama. This year the Theatre and Dance department of Cypress College selected an outstanding student in the field of drama to be the recipient.
· Jennifer Lynn Creamer; $1,000
Jennifer plans to continue her studies in acting.
“Continually striving to make a difference in our community, these annual scholarships help our students with the ever-increasing costs of a college education,” said Woman’s Club of Cypress Scholarship Committee Chairman Sue Fardette.
Oxford Academy student wins national debate title
Kaitlyn Allen-O’Gara of Oxford Academy won a national high school debate championship at the 2015 National Speech & Debate Association National Tournament, held June 14-19 in Dallas, Texas. Kaitlyn competed in the Senate chamber of Congressional Debate, competing against hundreds of students from all over the country.
Leadership Academy returns to Los Al
Preparing teens to be effective leaders in their local communities and lives beyond school, the Youth Center will be having their 3rd Annual Leadership Academy from July 7 to July 23 at the nationally top-rated non-profit’s location in Los Alamitos.
“The goal is to provide upper class high school or teens in their first year of college specialized training on how to handle real-world challenges outside of school,” said Youth Center Office Manager Julie Rubin, who is the project manager for this year’s academy. “Course participants will learn about self-reliance and self-efficacy in a real world setting. We can provide mentors and internships as well.”
Youth leadership has been defined frequently as the ability to envision a goal or needed change, to take initiative or action to achieve such goals and to take responsibility for their outcomes, while working well and communicating effectively with others. “The Leadership Academy gives candidates unique opportunities to prepare to be responsible, effective leaders within their local communities and in their young adult lives beyond school”, said Youth Center Executive Director Lina Lumme.
While partnering with educators, local business professionals and residents the Youth Center’s academy provides free training in seven workshops including self and social efficacy, goal setting, auto maintenance and knowledge, financial skills, home economics, and career skills.
Only 20 candidates ages 16 to 18 years old are selected to participate, and each will be matched up with a mentor for guidance during the academy and on-going (as necessary) upon completion. Each youth will be offered internships to gain real world workplace experience and job skills upon their graduation. They additionally will come away with a 2015 Leadership Academy Certificate of Completion, letter of recommendation, written goals, resume, professional photo, bank account (upon parental approval), and peer-to-peer friendships.
Instructors include a professional counselor who will instruct on such things as overall well-being, self-esteem/confidence, conflict resolution and community involvement. Goal setting with Dreamboard, a popular website, will also be taught on July 7. Workshops on auto maintenance and knowledge will be taught on July 9, followed by financial skills including budgeting/savings, using an ATM, credit card and checking account management taught respectfully by a financial planner and a Southland Credit Union representative. The last three workshops include career skills such as resume/cover letter writing on July 16, home economics such as laundry, preparing a meal, food safety and shopping at ChefTech Cooking School on July 21. The second career skills workshop with interview techniques and strategies along with dressing for the workplace will be held along with a professional photo session upon academy graduation on July 23.
For more information about the Youth Center’s Leadership Academy, please contact Julie Rubin at 562-493-4043 or via email at Ju***@************er.org.
La Palma AAUW installs new officers for 2015-2016
La Palma-Cerritos Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) gathered for dinner at Frantone’s Pizza and Spaghetti Villa in Cerritos recently to thank the 2014-2015 board members for their service and to install new officers for this year.
The 2014-15 Board President Barbara Atherton welcomed 30 members and their spouses. She invited everyone to partake of the delicious salads, pastas, pizza, hot and cold drinks, and cheesecake desserts that were prepared for the buffet.
After dinner she thanked her 2014-15 board members and presented gifts. She said that she enjoyed working with everyone and would still be continuing to help raise funds for the AAUW especially for local scholarships.
Atherton then introduced Program Vice President Barbara Dunstan who served as the Installing Officer. Before proceeding with the installation of new officers, Dunstan presented Atherton with a Past President’s pin and a Certificate of Appreciation from CA AAUW EF (Educational Foundation) in recognition for her “significant contributions to the mission of AAUW. Dunstan surprised Publicity Chair Edna Ethington by presenting her also with a Certificate of Appreciation and a Named Gift Honoree pin from the CA AAUW EF.
With an original Installation Theme of “An Evening at the Spa,” Dunstan had fun dressing President-Elect Paulette Smith in a spa robe. She then proceeded to introduce the new officers for 2015-16, with each of them presenting humorous but useful items that Smith could use in a spa to relax or pamper her such as nail polish, hand creams, soap, lotions, massages, etc.
International AAUW representative Jackie Shazadi then explained the responsibilities that each person was undertaking with her office. After all elected officers were introduced Dunstan declared that President Paulette Smith and her new board members were officially installed as officers.
As her final act as presiding president, past President Barbara Atherton then passed her gavel to new President Paulette Smith.
Before Smith could speak, Dr. Shin Liu, Cerritos College Board of Trustees member, asked to make a special presentation. She gave Certificates of Appreciation on behalf of the Cerritos College Board of Trustees to La Palma Cerritos AAUW Board members to thank them for supporting the women students with scholarships for so many years. Dr. Liu is also a member of the La Palma-Cerritos AAUW.
Smith had a brief President’s message and thanked everyone who helped plan for the Installation of Officers and for coming to the dinner. She said that she was looking forward to working with her new board members in the months ahead with a focus on “The Year of the Woman.”
The evening ended with Local Scholarship Chairman Carol Marsh asking members to start working to get silent auction donations for the fashion show at the Sheraton in Cerritos on Nov. 21. Anyone wishing to donate items can call Carol Marsh at 714-005-6141.Proceeds from the fashion show will benefit scholarships for women students at Cerritos College.
Father’s Day Gift
Los Alamitos 8U Red girls softball team recently won the championship in the Amanda McPherson Memorial Tournament in Simi Valley. Winning all five of their games, the team held their opponents scoreless. Pictured are the girls, their dads and trophies.
Local students receive awards
Woman’s Club of Cypress (WCC) presented scholarships to three outstanding local high school students during its June meeting.
Scholarship winners include Cypress High School students Louis Malpica and Hiseo Lee who were awarded $850 each. Louis plans to attend California State University, Long Beach next year and major in business management. Hiseo plans to attend University of California, Los Angeles and major in biology. Also awarded an $800 scholarship was Jinnie Kim from Oxford Academy, and she will attend Cornell University majoring in biochemistry.
Winning the Darlie Wasicek Scholarship Award was Jennifer Lynn Creamer who was awarded $1,000 and plans to continue her education in the performing arts. This scholarship comes from an endowment from a WCC past president. It is awarded to a student in the field of performing arts, such as dance, music, vocal, or drama. This year the Theatre and Dance Department of Cypress College selected an outstanding student in the field of drama to be the recipient.
“Continually striving to make a difference in our community, these annual scholarships help our students with the ever-increasing costs of a college education,” said Scholarship Committee Chairman Sue Fardette.
About Woman’s Club of Cypress
The Woman’s Club of Cypress is a local nonprofit service organization of women actively involved in various volunteer and charitable work in the community. It is a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, California Federation of Women’s Clubs, and CFWC Orange District. For more information about events or becoming a member, please visit online at www.wccypress.org or contact Veena Narain at gf*********************@***il.com. You can also call 714-236-0173.
Kennedy football team bring out super linemen
Commencement celebrate the journey of Cypress High seniors
With many tears of nostalgia and joy, Cypress High School’s Senior Class of 2015 said a heartfelt goodbye to one another this past Thursday. The hardworking and diligent young women and men of the Centurion student body fought through a very demanding and long school year to make it to this point in their academic careers, but with graduation comes a new set of obstacles.
The hardest of these obstacles would be the pain of having to let go and say goodbye to all of the friends that one has made throughout their four year journey from childhood to adolescence.
The other would be deciding what to do after high school, and planning for the path that lies ahead.
“It’s all just so unreal,” explains Cheyenne Wheelwright, as she speaks on her emotions about finally making it to graduation. “I had to go through a lot this school year. The hardest challenge that I had to overcome was one of my advanced placement classes’ for my school. It was a Statistics class. It was the last thing that I needed to pass in order to make it to graduation. Luckily, I had a great teacher to teach me throughout the school year. His name was Mr. Montrella.
“He was by far the most inspirational and influential teacher that I had at Cypress High. This was because he was so patient and caring to all of the students. He actually cared about us making it to graduation. He cared about our lives, and our futures.”
Wheelwright, under the guidance of professor Montrella, saw her dream come to fruition, and wound up passing her course with flying colors to reach her graduation.
When asked about where she sees her life going after graduation, Wheelwright expressed with much flavor and pizzazz, “my dream is to go to college and major in Culinary Arts. I want to be a chef, or a baker of some sort. I love to cook.”
Wheelwright plans on attending Cypress College this upcoming fall semester.
Over 640 seniors made it to Cypress High School’s graduation this year, according to assistant principal Joe Saldana. “The thing that I am going to miss most about this 2015 class of seniors is their enthusiasm,” states Principal Saldana. “My only hope is that the students continue to follow their dreams, work hard, and never ever give up.”
Class Valedictorian Brenda Paulis delivered a very inspirational and heartwarming speech that proved the notorious fighting spirit of Cypress High School true. Her never say die message had the entire audience screaming in pandemonium, as a sea of people dipped in orange and blue school colors filled Handel Stadium to the very top.
Police actually had to be called in to regulate how many more graduation goers could go to celebrate in the bleacher tops of the stadium.
“This was a close knit group, and a very good group of kids,” said Robotics teacher Michael Manning. “They developed lifetime relationships, and that is what is most important. I know that they are all going to do really well out there.”
The point that Manning made about developing lifetime relationships reigned true in the young life of Wheelwright.
“I’m getting kind of emotional, and am trying to keep it together,” says Wheelwright. “I am going to miss the school’s environment, the students, and my friends. I am going to miss the karaoke singing tournaments at lunchtime, and most importantly, I am going to miss being able to just be a kid. I don’t think that I will be able to do that once I get to college, to just be a kid. I don’t ever think that the environment or feel of it will ever be the same. I don’t think that I will be able to do that once I get there.”
Still, Wheelwright’s views on the end of her high school career aren’t all sorrows.
“I am still excited to be done and to pursue my cooking career. I am ready to use what I have been taught.”
LAYB Pony Champions
The Giants won the Los Alamitos Youth Baseball, Pony Division Championship with an 11-2 win over the Yankees in the championship game on June 11. Pictured back bow (L to R) are Coach Steve Louis, Assistant Coach Bill Wilber, Michael Wilber, Nate Oelkers, Billy Wei, Jimmy Luis, RJ Horvatin and Assistant Coach Chris Dozier. Front row (L to R) Easton Louis, Jackson Sagen, Sammy Guardado, Jacob Belarde and Travis Dozier. Edward Tegtmeier (not pictured).
College rep speaks at La Palma AAUW
Chairwoman of the Cerritos College Sociology, Women’s Studies and Gender Studies Departments, Amy Holzgang, Ph.D., came to the May 21 meeting of the La Palma-Cerritos Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) at the Cerritos Library telling everyone “Everything about Women’s and Gender Studies at Cerritos College.”
Dr. Holzgang received her B.A. in Sociology from U.C. San Diego and received her Master’s and Ph.D. in Sociology from Syracuse University with a focus in the areas of Women and Religion. She has been teaching at Cerritos College for 14 years. Cerritos College is one of 20 Community Colleges in California that have Women Studies Programs.
She said that the mission of Women’s Studies at Cerritos College is “to help students explore the ways that gender roles influence human behavior in families, communities, and institutions from an interdisciplinary perspective.”
Students at Cerritos College can receive an Associate in Arts in Women’s and Gender Studies by taking two required classes, “Issues for Women in Society” and “Women Their Bodies and Health” along with 12 units from a list of 13 other classes in Women and Gender Studies. Students must also complete all A.A. in General Education requirements for a total of at least 60 units.
Dr. Holzgang gave an excellent presentation about the Women’s and Gender Studies at Cerritos College and said that she is available to answer questions about the program. She also gave a brief history of feminism and said that progress has been made, but there are still more work needed to achieve equality for women in the workplace and in society. She can be reached at Cerritos College at 562-860-2451.
Soroptimists host service, scholarship reception
Soroptimist of Cypress recently hosted their 32nd annual Scholarship and Service Award Reception honoring young women and girls along with the service organizations that support them. It is inline with Soroptimist International goals as a worldwide organization of volunteers working to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.
Four Kay Moyer Memorial Scholarships in honor of a former Cypress Soroptimist, were awarded to young women who excel academically, are leaders in their schools and are dedicated to community service. This year’s recipients were Jiuen (Anna) Kang and Youwoo (Angela) Yi from Cypress High School as well as Erin Kim and Susmitha Varghese from Oxford Academy.
Soroptimist International of the America’s “Live Your Dream” program assists women who, as head of their households, must enter or return to the work force, or upgrade their employment status. This financial award program enables these women to gain the additional education and skills training they need to provide adequately for themselves and their families. Soroptimist of Cypress honored three Cypress College young women with this award, aided in funding by a grant from Bandai America Corporation. Recipients are MayaLin J. Ortega who is pursuing a degree in Human Resources, Mahwish M. Choudhry who is working to become a child psychologist and Nguyen T. Nguyen who is on her way to becoming an accountant.
Several community agencies also received checks from Cypress Soroptimist recognizing their ongoing work to benefit women and children. Debbie Stroman representing Breast Cancer Angels, Sue Osbon of the Boys and Girls Club of Cypress, Stacy Berry of the Cypress Children’s Advocacy Council, Vikki Shepp from Girl Scouts of America, Sue Fardette of H.O.P.E.-Helping Other People Everyday, and Larry Milligan representing Hotline of Southern California accepted this year’s awards.
Soroptimist of Cypress welcomes new members. The club enjoys supporting and raising funds for the community. If you are interested in making new friends, helping your community, advancing the status of women, sharing fun and goals, while expanding your business knowledge and contacts they would like to hear from you. For more information about joining Cypress Soroptimist, please contact Valeri Peters Wagner at 714-828-5504 or vl******@*****ll.net.
LAMC cereal donation benefits local children
Los Alamitos Medical Center staff and physicians recently donated more than 375 boxes of cereal to Summer Harvest/Food for the Soul. The hospital’s Healthy Over Hungry Cereal Drive was held to provide local children with a healthy breakfast during the summer.
“Our generous staff and physicians made our first year effort a success,” said hospital Chief Executive Officer Kent Clayton. “Our staff was eager to join the fight against hunger and make a difference in our communities. We recognize the important role good nutrition has on good health and hope that, through this drive, we helped those struggling with food insecurity.”
Whole-grain cereal, when part of a healthy, balanced breakfast including dairy, fruit and lean protein, is a popular food item that experts say can easily address the hunger gap during the summer months when children are not in school. Healthy cereal contains one serving of whole grain, no more than 200 calories per serving, six grams or less of sugar and at least three grams of fiber per serving. It should also be free of artificial colors and dyes.
Summer is a particularly difficult time for food banks because many children can no longer rely on their school for meals. The hospital hopes that through the Los Alamitos Medical Center’s Healthy Over Hungry Cereal Drive, many families will have a healthy breakfast.
Cypress PD, officials, businesses carry torch
The Cypress Police Department joined more than 2,000 law enforcement officers from throughout Southern California by participating in the annual Special Olympics “Flame of Hope” Torch Run on Friday.
This event is the Special Olympics largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle. The run, which includes participants from over 125 law enforcement agencies, made its way from city to city destined for the opening ceremonies of the Summer Games.
The Cypress Police Department had approximately twenty participants running in the event, including Special Olympic Athletes, Mayor Rob Johnson, and Council Members Stacy Berry and Paulo Morales.
“It was fantastic to see citizens and the business community come out and support Special Olympics, the Cypress Police Department and City staff by watching us run through Cypress with the Special Olympians,” said Mayor Rob Johnson.
The runners began at Paul’s Place at the corner of Knott Avenue and Cerritos Street after accepting the torch from the Anaheim Police Department. The two mile course then traveled from Cerritos to Holder, down Holder to Katella and ended at the intersection of Knott Avenue and Orangewood Street, where the Torch was handed off to the Garden Grove Police Department.
This year’s Summer Games will took place at Cal State University Long Beach on June 13-14. The Games featured competition in six sports – aquatics, athletics (track & field), basketball, bocce, golf and gymnastics. More than 1,100 athletes and coaches travelled from all over Southern California to participate in the competition. The event also hosted more than 2,000 volunteers, and 5,000 local dignitaries, sponsors and spectators.
Cypress, San Mateo TOPS members lose big
TOPS Club, Inc.® (Take Off Pounds Sensibly®), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization, unveiled its most successful members, or “royalty,” in California Sat., June 6, during its celebratory State Recognition Days event at the DoubleTree by Hilton Modesto.
Team Legends Soccer GU12 place first in Spring Select Cypress AYSO Region 154
Team Legends Soccer of AYSO Region 154 Cypress went 9-0-1 to claim first place during the Spring competitive soccer season in North Orange County. Coaches Daniel Jojola and Ed Ebel have coached many of these girls during the 2014 Fall Season, earning first place in all-star area play, and competing in the finals representing Cypress and North Orange County in Section playoffs.
These two experienced coaches are in the process of continuing their hard work with Team Legends and guiding them to the next level of club soccer.
Coach Ebel is excited about what he sees.
“There is lots of talent at this age group and with the excitement of the Women’s World Cup this year for the National Team USA, more interest is expanding for the next level in serious commitment from players whom enjoy competitive soccer,” Ebel said.
Players interested in expanding their skill and commitment to soccer can contact coaches Ebel 714-421-3388 Jojola 714-931-2042.GU13 Fall 2015 Pacific Soccer Club “PSC.”
Team Legends was sponsored by Realty Executives International Alliance, families and friends.
Los Al Track team reaches podium at CIF State Meet
The Los Alamitos HS Track & Field Team capped off what is being called a historic season with solid performances at the CIF State Track Meet this past weekend in Clovis CA.
The 4x100m relay team of juniors Ashley Willingham and Anijah Green plus seniors Kenna and Sara Limp started the Friday Prelims by qualifying 6th for the Finals. In Saturday night’s finals, the team raced to a photo finish against the Rio Mesa team which included USA No. 2 ranked sprinter Zaria Francis and the team was placed 7th (47.297) just 0.002 from a medal.
In the 400m, junior Ashley Willingham was off her personal best times and missed qualifying thru by 0.07 to finish the meet in 12th place. Junior Thomas Heib, Los Al’s sole state qualifier for the boy’s team, qualified for finals with a 3rd place finish in his preliminary heat and then came up 0.06 short of a medal and placed 7th in the finals.
In the distances, senior Katie Izzo, who has run the 3200m only seven times in her career (all this season, each a school record) launched a strong kick with 600m to go to break away from a chase pack and move into 3rd position. A final kick by Marissa Williams of Palisades pushed Izzo back to 4th but her time of 10:21.67 lowered her school record by 11 seconds and moved her to Orange County No. 7 all-time. Event winner, Destiny Collins of Great Oak won in a USA No. 1 time of 9:53.79.
The Griffin’s 4x400m relay of seniors Sarah Pisani, Brianna Taylor, Sara Limp and junior Ashley Willingham had their work cut out in the highly competitive qualifying heats on Friday. After receiving the baton in 8th place, Texas Tech bound senior Sara Limp impressed the crowd as she passed five teams while running a 54.6 split on the third leg. Willingham then held off the Redondo Beach team as she ran a 54.3 anchor leg. The relay’s prelim time of 3:48.97 lowered their school record and moved them to Orange County No. 3 all-time and qualified them for Saturday’s final where they medaled in 6th place (3:49.29).
“This season has been a wonderful experience.” Head Coach Nathan Howard said. “The talent level and dedication has never been better. Thank you to my assistant coaches who have put in the hard work and are with the athletes day in and day out to make sure they are ready. This team is truly a wonderful group and will always hold a special place in my heart. To continually do what they have done is something special that will be hard to replicate.”
In total during the 2015 season, the Griffins broke fifteen school records, generated eight Orange County All-Time Top 10 performances, seven California 2015 Top 10 performances and a USA # 4 and # 1 ranking.
Summary of Los Al Track & Field’s Record Breaking 2015 Season:
- Varsity Girls – Sunset League Champions, Orange County Champions
- Varsity Boys – Sunset League Champions
- JV Boys – Sunset League Champions
- F/S Girls – Sunset League Champions
- Andrew Carty (12) – B-400m (48.25) LAHS Record, California # 19
- Thomas Heib (11) – B-800m (1:51.49) LAHS Record, OC All-Time # 15, CA # 4, USA # 29
- Katie Izzo (12) – G-800m (2:10.45) LAHS Record, OC All-Time # 20, CA # 17; G-1600m (4:55.27) LAHS Record, California # 24; G-3200m (10:21.67 LAHS Record, OC All-Time # 7, CA # 8, USA # 22
- Sara Limp (12) – G-100m (11.88w; 11.94 wind legal) LAHS Record, OC All-Time # 3, CA # 17; G-200m (23.95w; 24.18 wind legal) LAHS Record, OC All-Time # 2, CA # 9
- Ashley Willingham (11) G-400m (54.89) LAHS Record, OC All-Time # 3, CA # 9
- Boys 4x200m Relay (1:29.13) LAHS Record, OC All-Time # 16, CA # 11 – Manuel Gomez (12), Holden Edmondson (11), Andrew Carty (12), Brandon Douglas (12)
- Boys 1600m Sprint Medley Relay (3:27.64) LAHS Record, OC All-Time # 5, CA # 1, USA # 4 – Brandon Douglas (12), Manuel Gomez (12), Andrew Carty (12), Thomas Heib (11)
- Girls 4x100m Relay (46.91) LAHS Record, OC All-Time # 3, CA # 12, USA # 47 – Ashley Willingham (11), Anijah Green (11), Kenna Limp (12), Sara Limp (12)
- Girls 4x200m Relay (1:40.42) LAHS Record, CA # 6 – Ashley Willingham (11), Brianna Taylor (12), Kenna Limp (12), Sara Limp (12)
- Girls 4x400m Relay (3:48.97) LAHS Record, OC All-Time # 3, CA # 11, USA # 48 – Sarah Pisani (12), Brianna Taylor (12), Sara Limp (12), Ashley Willingham (11)
- Girls 4x800m Relay (9:32.18) LAHS Record, OC All-Time # 14, CA # 16 – Bronsyn Ledgard (9), Ashley Willingham (11), Nicole Bliss (10), Katie Izzo (12)
Girls 1600m Sprint Medley Relay (3:58.63) LAHS Record, OC All-Time # 1, CA # 1, USA # 1 – Anijah Green (11), Sara Limp (12), Ashley Willingham (11), Katie Izzo (12)
Los Al records fall at Masters
School records continued to be lowered as the Los Alamitos High Track & Field team competed in the CIF-Southern Section Masters Meet at Cerritos College recently.
Leading the way for the Griffins in the meet and qualifying for CIF State Meet in Clovis:
- Junior Thomas Heib: 800m Champion; seeded 3rd for State (1:51.49 *New School Record)
- Junior Ashley Willingham: placed 4th in the 400m; seeded 7th for State (54.89 *New School Record)
- Senior Katie Izzo: placed 5th in 3200m; seeded 12th for State (10:32.92 *New School Record)
The Boys 800m produced dramatic finish. Heib ran a controlled first 400m allowing Copeland Laris from Long Beach Wilson to take an early lead. He then began his chase and over the next 200m closed the gap. As Heib and Laris rounded the curve with only 150m to go, Heib began a strong kick that opened up a three meter gap that would ensure him the victory.
Additionally, the 4x100m relay team of juniors Ashley Willingham and Anijah Green plus seniors Kenna and Sara Limp placed 6th (47.12) and is seeded 8th for the State Meet. The Griffin’s 4x400m relay of seniors Sarah Pisani, Sara Limp, Brianna Taylor and junior Ashley Willingham placed 6th (3:50.25) and is seeded in a tie for 9th for the State Meet.
Los Al Divers share Diver of the Year honors
After an exciting season, two Los Al Divers, senior, Madelyn “Dolly” Payne and freshman, Mary Sojian, were selected Sunset League Diver of the Year winners.
Payne caps off a stellar high school career with her third Diver of the Year and third Sunset League title after winning one other regular season meet. She will continue her diving career at MIT in the fall. First, she graduates as one of the Los Al Valedictorians.
Sojian is starting off her high school diving career with great performances. She won four regular season meets and was neck-in-neck with Payne the entire Sunset League final meet. She will be competing at the USA Diving Zone F Meet at USC June 11 – 14.
Freshman, Annie Bliss finished third, following in her sister Nicole’s footprints. Both sisters competed in track and diving earning a Sunset League individual and team medals while doing so.
All three of Los Al’s top divers competed at CIF-SS Championships in Riverside and all three earned Scholar Athlete awards for earning over 3.5 GPA while competing in varsity diving.