Scholarships of $1,000-$1,500 were awarded to deserving students from Crescenta Valley High School. All seven students had a grade point average of 4.0 and higher.

Samantha Moore will major in civil engineering at UC Irvine this fall. During her high school years she served as captain of the CV cross country and track varsity team, performed community service at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church as a senior altar server and activities leader, volunteered at the La Crescenta Library with the Summer Reading Program and was an intern last summer with the City of Glendale’s Building and Safety Division. She credits her parents with creating a strong foundation for her to learn and absorb new things, meet and work with people different from her and spread her wings to all the exciting opportunities ahead. 

“Starting collage will truly mean limitless potential and I am optimistic that I will push my boundaries to become the best possible version of myself,” she said.

Elena Markova will attend UC Santa Barbara in the fall majoring in economics and focusing on becoming an entrepreneur. During the past five years with AYSO she was only the second youth girls’ assistant soccer coach and referee earning the award for Youth Volunteer of the Year. She also taught English to students in Cambodia over video chat through TASSEL. Through this experience she has “witnessed the detrimental effects of a lack of a solid education and I would like to be able to help those around me have a better future and, in turn, make the world a better place.”

Isabella Doom started keeping a journal when she was a very young girl that has become a lifetime experience. She will be attending CSU Long Beach with the goal of attaining her teaching credential and master’s degree in childhood development. She is a hard worker and when she sets her mind on achieving something she knows she will accomplish it. Doom has been a Girl Scout for 10 years earning her bronze and silver awards by donating books and helping to paint a mural on a kindergarten playground. She was a member of her church youth group which made food for the homeless and donated socks to homeless shelters plus playing high school and club volleyball serving in the position of captain for both teams. Her faith in God is an important part of her life and “has strongly influenced the person I have become.” She also credits the lessons she has learned from both her parents and grandmother (an active member of the Kiwanis LCLCa Club) with helping her become the person she is today.

Madeline Yi will be the first sibling in her family to attend college majoring in public policy at UC Irvine. She was very active in high school and served as captain of the CV varsity swim team and as a member of the National Honor Society. Many of her activities involved working with young children through a campus beautification project at Monte Vista Elementary School, teaching preschool Sunday school at The Vine Church and tutoring two young girls in reading and math and helping them to reach grade level standards. She knows that these experiences have given her the ability to aid others in tangible ways.

“As my generation has inherited many challenges, I know I will be one of many who acts with resilience and motivation to usher in progress,” Yi said. “I aim to live as a conscientious citizen, advocating for continual positive change.”

Eve McCreary will major in political science at UC Santa Barbara. She has earned the Gold Award as a Girl Scout for 12 years, been an advocate for student needs by joining the Parent Teachers Student Association and was copy editor and senior writer for the CV Falcon newspaper with her own column: Eve’s Editorial.  She wants to continue working to be an advocate for those who cannot be one for themselves, “to raise other people’s voices to speak louder and more confidently.”

Keegan Schmit will attend UCLA majoring in applied mathematics with a career goal in medical research. He is the founder and president of Hospital Heroes helping to improve the children’s hospital experiences by reducing their anxiety. He also raised funds for Children’s Hospital Child Life Program, and sponsored, recruited and collected 83 pints of blood during three blood drives through the American Red Cross. As a two-time CV basketball captain he was able to put an end to bullying by encouraging the older players to become mentors to the younger players, which brought everyone closer via group chat and built friendships that spread beyond the court. He feels that he will work very hard to “fulfill my potential in college. I will be active; I will seek leadership opportunities and fight through any adversity I encounter.”

Brendon Harvey will focus on having a STEM-related career while studying at BYU. As a Boy Scout for the past 10 years he earned his Eagle Award by installing a Japanese Friendship Garden at a dual immersion language elementary school, was a senior patrol leader mentoring other scouts on their projects, volunteered with the ACAC program helping to contribute food, clothing, school supplies and holiday gifts to foster children, and was president of the church youth group planning team building and service activities. One thing he hopes to do is to “bring to the world through my college education an understanding that we have more in common with others than we realize.”

Two students who graduated from the Hillside School and Learning Center are also recipients of scholarships.

Lauren Tolbert is looking ahead to college and majoring in either veterinary medicine with a minor in psychology or majoring in nutrition with a minor in sports medicine. She graduated early from Hillside and considers high school a stepping stone to the rest of her life.

“I plan to make [my life] one of prosperity and growth. Throughout many triumphs and challenges, the past four years have truly been the most defining in my 16 years of life, so far,” she said.

She acknowledged her struggles with anorexia and the challenges of re-routing her schooling “in a way that not only served my education, but mental health as well. I have truly discovered depths within my soul that I once believed were non-existent.”

She attributed the “iconic” David Bowie, who once said, “I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.”

Matteo Roukes credits Hillside with a framework that supported his learning style and allowed him to complete his high school education in three years, giving him the freedom, as a 16-year-old, to freely explore his passion for music, voice, theater and photography. 

“Singing has been part of my life for as long as I can remember and is always part of my day. The almost-100,000 photos saved on my computer is a testament to my love of photography. And I have to mention my love of dogs: our two, Pablo and Paloma, as well as any other dog that crosses my path.”

He added his excitement in moving forward to begin classes at Pasadena City College in the fall to deepen his knowledge in these areas of interest.

“I plan to transfer to a college or university that will allow me to further pursue my chosen field in-depth, and I’m excited to see where these studies will lead me,” he said. 

By Lori BODNAR, intern

Plato said, “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” Even the global COVID-19 pandemic can’t stop music – during it people have been singing and playing instruments from balconies, porches, and sidewalks, or even virtually together over the internet. Crescenta Valley High School Instrumental Music held a Virtual Awards Ceremony on Friday, June 5 to honor their student musicians. The instrumental music department usually has a celebratory banquet and awards ceremony at the end of the year but due to the current restrictions, the ceremony was held virtually through Zoom, with over 200 participants taking part.

Mathew Schick, instrumental music teacher at Crescenta Valley High School, has been a fixture at the school for 20 years where he teaches six different music classes.

“Being virtual, it was quite lonely for me speaking to everyone because I couldn’t see them [in person] and feel their live energy,” Schick said. “However, I was happy that we had many people watching and opportunities for kids to chat and comment while we went through the awards. We had many more people involved making slides, organizing to drop off items afterward, and compiling the information needed for the ceremony. On one hand, I like the idea of listing awardees in slides because it was a wonderful way of recognizing the students and when we go back to live ceremonies I want to continue that aspect of it. Crescenta Valley Instrumental Music [CVIM, the parent volunteer boosters organization] did an amazing job of helping to convert a live event into a great online experience.”

Kimmie Blood is an 11th grader at CVHS and is in the marching band and jazz band. Blood plays trombone, piano, clarinet, flute and percussion. She is also the assistant drum major this year and will be the drum major next year as a senior. 

“This year’s awards were on Zoom and were a bit disappointing that we couldn’t share in each other’s excitement in person,” she said, “but I’m thankful that through modern technology we could still be connected and celebrate with our music family. I loved being able to see everyone’s faces again. It’s been hard being separated from these wonderful people for so long.”

Andrew Kim, an 11th grader at Crescenta Valley High School, is in marching band and plays the saxophone.

“Obviously with the whole pandemic situation we could not have an actual in-person banquet,” he said. “The emotional aspect of being with each other and celebrating the awards at the end of the year was missing. Although we could not physically be with each other, we had separate Zoom calls going so we could talk to each other and emotionally support each other during the banquet. The virtual award ceremony gave me a sense of normalcy and in a way some closure to the year. Even though it was not in-person, the awards banquet was still something and for that I am very grateful. It was really nice getting to see all of the faces that I haven’t seen in a while, and in a way it was fun because we could still celebrate the accomplishments of my peers and friends even if it was through a screen.”

The awards ceremony featured videos of the musicians playing music, recognized CVIM parent volunteers, recognized the seniors and acknowledged the students and their hard work throughout the year. Announcements were made of awards for the students, plus a picture slideshow was created by Andrew Kim that summed up the year. The different music classes at CV are marching band, string orchestra, symphony orchestra, wind ensemble, jazz band, and color guard.

There were 45 seniors in the instrumental music department this year. Many seniors were in instrumental music throughout all four years of high school, an amazing accomplishment. Some seniors joined music in their last year of high school.

“Our CVIM Foundation put together senior gift swag bags and delivered them the day after the award ceremony. It had gift items for everyone as well as what they earned at the awards ceremony. We always give perpetual tickets to every four-year senior that grants them free admission into any CV Instrumental Music Concert for life, as long as I’m the director. It also had CVIM mugs for everyone as well as some fun and special keepsakes to recognize and acknowledge our musical seniors who are graduating for all they have accomplished.”

The students worked hard throughout the whole year and, in marching band, the music students even labored last summer in band camp to learn their music and field formations. In each instrumental music class, there were student officers who help out with tasks in the classroom. The students volunteer to be student officers and gain leadership experience.

Blood was a drum major assistant this year for marching band.

“Being drum major assistant allowed me to give back to an organization that has blessed my family for over two decades as well as to serve the most kind, deserving people I know,” she said.

Next year, Blood will be the president of jazz band in addition to drum major of the marching band. 

“I am super excited to lead the jazz band next year. We have enrolled a really talented and dedicated group of musicians so I know it will be a fantastic year,” she said.

Andrew Kim was vice president of the marching band this year.

“I was able to help a lot of people, and was essentially a catch all for problems that needed to be resolved,” Kim said. “This was by far the most rewarding portion of my role as I could see a physical representation of my work, whether it was working alongside our equipment crew, or fixing broken props, or taking pictures, I was able to make a difference.”

Kim will be the marching band president next year.

“I am very excited to be the next marching band president because of the strong leadership team that we have this year. All of my fellow peers have been working so hard for this upcoming year and I cannot wait to see what we as a group accomplish musically,” he said of his new role. “Although the role of the marching band might change in the coming year due to COVID-19, I am confident that we, as a group, will have a very memorable year. I cannot wait to see what is in store for us.”

The music students performed in the Winter Concert, although the Spring Concert was cancelled due to COVID-19. However, the music students kept practicing and playing music via remote learning.

There is also an equipment crew who helps load the trailer and U-Haul for performances at football games and festivals, and assists with other tasks such as checking the instruments and helping with the lockers.

Additional awards were given for the most spirited, outstanding musicians, and outstanding initiative in the different music classes that were voted for by the students. Students also made awards for their peers such as the three musketeers, most likely to be Tik Tok famous award, walking history textbook, and best hair.

Scholarships were presented to exceptional music students. The national awards presented at the CVHS Instrumental Music Virtual Awards Banquet were the Director’s Award, Louis Armstrong Award for Jazz Band, National Orchestra Award, and John Philp Sousa Award.

Alexa Hernandez, a senior who was in both marching band and string orchestra for four years, won the Director’s Award. Hernandez was also the president of string orchestra this year.

David Januzik won the Louis Armstrong Award. Leo Gonta won the National Orchestra Award. Nicholas Sandoval, the drum major of marching band for this year, won the John Philip Sousa Award. The criteria for these awards include private lessons, commitment, enthusiasm, dedication, growth, involvement, leadership, citizenship, dependability and musical accomplishment. The students who won these awards are clearly dedicated to music.

The marching band usually has band camp in the summer.

“Band camp will happen, but depending on what the District allows us to do, I’m not sure if we’ll be doing virtual or in person,” said Schick. “I’m planning for both so when we know I can implement a fun and worthwhile experience either way.”

The memories and skills that these students take with them will not be forgotten.

“Marching band has a special place in my heart because of the bond that we share amongst members,” said Kim. ‘Due to the amount of time that we spend with each other, we become very close with one another and, in a cheesy way, they are like your family.”

And through music there might be direction on how to handle current uncertainties.

“I know right now we are all grasping how to deal with the current situation,” said Schick. “I find that music helps give us purpose and an outlet. Whether we just listen or play, music can give us a way to express how we feel without having to verbally articulate it. We will get through this period in our life and we will have fantastic stories to tell our kids and grandkids. Look ahead to the time we get to be around each other again and don’t take the little things for granted when we can get together because as we’ve learned, those things can be taken away at a moment’s notice. Appreciate those around you and do your best to make life better for them.”

In May, Nina Lidar of La Cañada Flintridge, who attends La Cañada High School, was among those named a Distinguished Young Women of Los Angeles County for the Class of 2021. The young women were awarded cash scholarships during a countywide scholarship program for high school girls held virtually due to current social distancing guidelines.

Lidar was among high school junior girls who competed to represent the county as the Distinguished Young Women of Los Angeles County. Participants were evaluated in the categories of scholastics (25%), interview (25%), talent (20%), fitness (15%), and self-expression (15%).

Throughout the next year, Lidar will represent Los Angeles County and serve as a role model to young people by spreading the program’s national outreach message of “Be Your Best Self.” The outreach program is designed to encourage self-esteem and excellence in all young people through its five principles: Be Healthy, Be Involved, Be Studious, Be Ambitious, and Be Responsible.

The California state finals will take place Jan. 28-31, 2021 in Bakersfield. Lidar will travel to Bakersfield along with representatives from across the state. Due to the special circumstances of the current environment, all alternates and finalists were also invited to take part in the California finals. All representatives at the California finals will participate in personal development activities and community service projects before competing for the opportunity to become the Distinguished Young Woman of California for 2021 and approximately $40,000 in cash scholarships.

Lidar is the recipient of the Scholastic Award, the Interview Award, the Talent Award and the Self-Expression Award.

In a virtual scholarship presentation, the Crescenta Valley Lions Club awarded scholarships to four outstanding, community service-minded seniors from Crescenta Valley High School. A fifth award was presented jointly with Prom Plus to another deserving CVHS senior.

2020 marks the 25th year the local Lions Club has been awarding scholarships to deserving Crescenta Valley area high school seniors and this year’s awards bring the club’s total giving to nearly $125,000.

With service being the focal criteria for selection, applicants were asked to detail how the community benefits from their work as a volunteer, to describe an impactful community service or volunteer event, and to list their many volunteer, leadership and  community service activities, along with earned awards and recognition.  Sofia Camperos, Brendan Harvey, Allison Rowe and Riley Welsh were each presented with $750 scholarships. Prom Plus hand-picked Matthew Stickels to receive its Brett Tyler Memorial Scholarship.

June Mack, CV Lions scholarship chair, provided opening remarks during the presentation. She said how impressed she and the scholarship committee members were with the caliber of applicants and how honored she was to bestow the scholarships to these most deserving students.

Camperos, Rowe and Welsh have all been active in the high school’s LEO Club, a youth organization of Lions Club started at CVHS in 2016. Both Camperos and Welsh have held leadership positions as publicists and co-presidents. Camperos and Welsh have also both been active with Youth and Government. Rowe has been active with the Special Olympics and City of Hope and volunteering within her soccer community. Harvey, who earned the rank of Eagle Scout, also has an impressive list of volunteer activities including Special Olympics, Adopt A Child Abuse Caseworker Program, Brothers’ Helper and installing a Japanese Tea Garden at Dunsmore Elementary School.

Stickels was presented with a $1,000 Prom Plus/Brett Tyler Memorial Scholarship, funded in part by the CV Lions. The CV Lions has been providing funds for this annual scholarship for more than 10 years. Prom Plus board members Mary O’Keefe and Robin Goldsworthy were on hand to make the presentation.

In presenting the award to Stickels, O’Keefe said, “Matt, an avid musician, has been an exemplary volunteer with Prom Plus since day one. His positivity and can-do attitude made him stand out and was an easy selection as this year’s selected recipient.”

Connie Janson, District Governor MD4-L1 Lions and longtime member of the CV Lions, added, “I am proud to be a member of a local club that remains so committed to helping the youth in their area for the past 25 years.”

Jeero Habeshian, club president and LEO club advisor shared, “Our LEOs’ dedication to community and their leadership skills gives me hope for a bright future, and I’m very proud of our scholarship recipients.” 

In the fall, Camperos will attend University of Oregon; Harvey will attend BYU, Provo; Rowe will attend UC Davis; Stickels will attend USC and Welsh will attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

The Crescenta Valley Lions Clubs has been serving the Crescenta Valley community since 1947 with such activities as free vision screening clinics, Kases for Kids backpack program for foster children, scholarship program and student speakers contest for the students at our three local high schools. Over the years, the Lions Club has also donated to many worthy local organizations and causes. In 2018, the Lions formally adopted The Fire House Youth Center to support with annual fundraisers. In the coming months and years, the Lions Club plans to increase its service to the community as it grows its membership. In 2016, the Lions Club sponsored the first student LEOs Club at CV High School, which continues to serve the community.

In May, Nina Lidar of La Cañada Flintridge, who attends La Cañada High School, was among those named a Distinguished Young Women of Los Angeles County for the Class of 2021. The young women were awarded cash scholarships during a countywide scholarship program for high school girls held virtually due to current social distancing guidelines.

Lidar was among high school junior girls who competed to represent the county as the Distinguished Young Women of Los Angeles County. Participants were evaluated in the categories of scholastics (25%), interview (25%), talent (20%), fitness (15%), and self-expression (15%).

Throughout the next year, Lidar will represent Los Angeles County and serve as a role model to young people by spreading the program’s national outreach message of “Be Your Best Self.” The outreach program is designed to encourage self-esteem and excellence in all young people through its five principles: Be Healthy, Be Involved, Be Studious, Be Ambitious, and Be Responsible.

The California state finals will take place Jan. 28-31, 2021 in Bakersfield. Lidar will travel to Bakersfield along with representatives from across the state. Due to the special circumstances of the current environment, all alternates and finalists were also invited to take part in the California finals. All representatives at the California finals will participate in personal development activities and community service projects before competing for the opportunity to become the Distinguished Young Woman of California for 2021 and approximately $40,000 in cash scholarships.

Lidar is the recipient of the Scholastic Award, the Interview Award, the Talent Award and the Self-Expression Award.

In a virtual scholarship presentation, the Crescenta Valley Lions Club awarded scholarships to four outstanding, community service-minded seniors from Crescenta Valley High School. A fifth award was presented jointly with Prom Plus to another deserving CVHS senior.

2020 marks the 25th year the local Lions Club has been awarding scholarships to deserving Crescenta Valley area high school seniors and this year’s awards bring the club’s total giving to nearly $125,000.

With service being the focal criteria for selection, applicants were asked to detail how the community benefits from their work as a volunteer, to describe an impactful community service or volunteer event, and to list their many volunteer, leadership and  community service activities, along with earned awards and recognition.  Sofia Camperos, Brendan Harvey, Allison Rowe and Riley Welsh were each presented with $750 scholarships. Prom Plus hand-picked Matthew Stickels to receive its Brett Tyler Memorial Scholarship.

June Mack, CV Lions scholarship chair, provided opening remarks during the presentation. She said how impressed she and the scholarship committee members were with the caliber of applicants and how honored she was to bestow the scholarships to these most deserving students.

Camperos, Rowe and Welsh have all been active in the high school’s LEO Club, a youth organization of Lions Club started at CVHS in 2016. Both Camperos and Welsh have held leadership positions as publicists and co-presidents. Camperos and Welsh have also both been active with Youth and Government. Rowe has been active with the Special Olympics and City of Hope and volunteering within her soccer community. Harvey, who earned the rank of Eagle Scout, also has an impressive list of volunteer activities including Special Olympics, Adopt A Child Abuse Caseworker Program, Brothers’ Helper and installing a Japanese Tea Garden at Dunsmore Elementary School.

Stickels was presented with a $1,000 Prom Plus/Brett Tyler Memorial Scholarship, funded in part by the CV Lions. The CV Lions has been providing funds for this annual scholarship for more than 10 years. Prom Plus board members Mary O’Keefe and Robin Goldsworthy were on hand to make the presentation.

In presenting the award to Stickels, O’Keefe said, “Matt, an avid musician, has been an exemplary volunteer with Prom Plus since day one. His positivity and can-do attitude made him stand out and was an easy selection as this year’s selected recipient.”

Connie Janson, District Governor MD4-L1 Lions and longtime member of the CV Lions, added, “I am proud to be a member of a local club that remains so committed to helping the youth in their area for the past 25 years.”

Jeero Habeshian, club president and LEO club advisor shared, “Our LEOs’ dedication to community and their leadership skills gives me hope for a bright future, and I’m very proud of our scholarship recipients.” 

In the fall, Camperos will attend University of Oregon; Harvey will attend BYU, Provo; Rowe will attend UC Davis; Stickels will attend USC and Welsh will attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

The Crescenta Valley Lions Clubs has been serving the Crescenta Valley community since 1947 with such activities as free vision screening clinics, Kases for Kids backpack program for foster children, scholarship program and student speakers contest for the students at our three local high schools. Over the years, the Lions Club has also donated to many worthy local organizations and causes. In 2018, the Lions formally adopted The Fire House Youth Center to support with annual fundraisers. In the coming months and years, the Lions Club plans to increase its service to the community as it grows its membership. In 2016, the Lions Club sponsored the first student LEOs Club at CV High School, which continues to serve the community.

Crescenta Valley alumna Collett Simonian was named one of 11 recipients of the Financial Women of San Francisco scholarships. Dedicated to advancing the careers of women for over 60 years, Financial Women of San Francisco named students at six Bay Area universities as its 2020 scholarship recipients. FWSF has awarded over $2.7 million in scholarships over the past 30 years to more than 300 Bay Area women.

Simonian, an undergraduate at the University of California, Berkeley, is studying business administration, economics and data science. Among the ways Collett demonstrates her commitment to making a positive impact in the world, she was former VP of Finance in the Armenian Students’ Association who launched a mentorship program with over 80 participants to provide career guidance to students from immigrant families. She is VP of Corporate Relations for Berkeley Women in Business, where she fosters dialogue on gender equity. She plans to launch a venture capital fund dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs in modernizing healthcare institutions globally.

The FWSF scholarship grants – $10,000 for undergraduate and $15,000 for graduate students – support each recipient’s educational goals. Beyond financial support, FWSF scholarship recipients also receive opportunities to be mentored by FWSF members and attend career development and networking events.

“We are grateful to our generous donors and sponsors who make it possible for us to continue these scholarship awards each year,” said Olivia Barbee, FWSF’s 2020 president. “The support is essential for each of these remarkable students and directly helps them advance their careers in finance.”

Each recipient is an academic and community leader whose goals align with FWSF’s mission to empower and support other women in finance.

For more information, visit http://financialwomensf.org/.

By Lori BODNAR, intern

Many people have witnessed the wildlife that prowls our local neighborhoods. Rachel-Ann Arias from Girl Scout Troop 1711 knew she was not alone in her interest in those animals that make their way through the foothills. So, for her Girl Scout Gold Award project, she decided to hold several workshops via Zoom to educate girls in the community about local wildlife. The Gold Award is the highest achievement within Girl Scouts and earning it takes, on average, at least 80 hours to complete.

Arias’ Gold Award project name is “Connecting to Wildlife of the Foothills.”

“My goal is to create opportunities for my community to emotionally connect with local wildlife. My hope is that my community will value wildlife and consider their survival when making life choices,” she said.

She partnered with Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy, a non-profit land trust organization whose mission is to conserve, protect, and steward open spaces along the San Gabriel foothills. The organization provided Arias with camera equipment and property access permits so she could photograph local wildlife at Deukmejian Wilderness Park, Descanso Gardens and the Rosemont Preserve.

“My original plan was to share my wildlife photos and stories through AFC’s Wildlife Corridor Exhibit at Descanso Gardens. Unfortunately, the indoor exhibit has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Arias said. “Now I’m finding other ways to share my wildlife photos and create wildlife connection opportunities. I am hosting online Exploring Nature workshops for kids, delivering supplies for hands-on nature crafts and activities, leading wildlife tours at the Rosemont Preserve when small gatherings are allowed, creating a webpage about amateur remote wildlife photography on the Arroyos and Foothills Conservancy website, and continuing to take photos of local wildlife with motion sensor cameras. I am also publishing my own website called ‘Wildlife of the Crescenta Valley’ where people can see photos of animals and kids can share stories of their own experiences with local or backyard wildlife.”

As part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project, Arias has taught wildlife education classes for 23 local girls in three online workshops. As an icebreaker, the girls introduced themselves and said their Girl Scout troop number, identified a wild animal they liked and a wild animal they didn’t like. During the education classes, the girls learned how to identify different animals based on their animal tracks. They also did a special craft that involved making an animal track, using Plaster of Paris to make a cast of their track. Arias had dropped off “craft bags” on the girls’ porches prior to the Zoom class so they could together do crafts and wildlife learning activities online. The girls learned about bunnies, mountain lions, bobcats, deer, coyotes, bears, foxes and raccoons as Arias presented pictures and information about these animals. She used motion-sensor cameras to take the pictures. The Girl Scouts also made a wildlife fortune teller, a track print cast and a pine cone bird feeder using a pine cone, honey and birdseed. The kids shared their wildlife stories with each other and learned more about local wildlife. Arias described the different backyard birds in California and showed pictures that she took with the motion-sensor camera trap provided by Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy.

Given the challenges of earning such a prestigious award during the current trying times, Arias offered advice to other Girl Scouts who want to earn their Gold Award.

“Start your Gold Award early,” Arias said, adding she has been working on her Gold Award since October. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, her plans had to be modified. “It can be challenging to continue in the direction with the way that you started. Don’t be discouraged. I also learned that you will find people with the same goals as you if you are open in your goals.”

Arias worked with the Arroyos and Foothills Conservancy, Descanso Gardens, Rosemont Preserve and Deukmejian Wilderness Park for her Girl Scout Gold Award.

“I like the connections I am able to make in Girl Scouts. I would not have connected with Arroyos and Foothills Conservancy if I was not in Girl Scouts,” she said. “I knew of them, but I would not have reached out as much. I have done an internship with Arroyos and Foothills Conservancy twice. My Silver Award for Girl Scouts was with Arroyo and Foothills Conservancy and I stayed connected with them. I wanted to do something together because it fits my interests. I asked if I could use Descanso Gardens for my Gold Award to spread awareness about wildlife and connect with the community.”

Arias continues to gather pictures and stories about wildlife or wildlife encounters in the foothills community. Those who have a wildlife picture or story they’d like to share can do so by contacting her at mail4rari@gmail.com. Her website is https://cvwildlife.myportfolio.com/. The Arroyos and Foothills Conservancy website is https://arroyosfoothills.org/.

By Lori BODNAR, intern

The Crescenta Valley High School Red Cross Club is holding a blood drive on Tuesday, July 21 at the Christian Life Church. Justin Yi, an incoming senior at Crescenta Valley High School and an officer of the Red Cross Club, is coordinating the blood drive.

“The blood drive is from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and the Christian Life Church [is located] at 3013 Montrose Ave. However, our drive is actually full and we are not taking walk-ins due to COVID-19,” said Yi. “So if people still want to help us out and donate, they can schedule an appointment at redcrossblood.org. We are in extreme need of more blood according to hospitals and the Red Cross. Not only has there been a decrease in donations due to COVID-19, but there has also been an increase in how much blood is being used throughout the hospitals.”

There will be many safety measures exercised due to the pandemic.

“The Red Cross will be taking many precautions in light of COVID-19,” added Yi. “All Red Cross personnel will be wearing masks and will change gloves in between each donor. There will be screening for temperature and symptoms before donors come into the main area. There will also be hand sanitizer stations available to the donors. We also expect our donors to be wearing their own facial covering and to practice social distancing. Normally blood drives can accommodate more people with appointments and walk-ins. However, for this drive we are limited to only 55 scheduled appointments.”

Many organizations such as AABB (American Association of Blood Banks), America’s Blood Centers and the American Red Cross have been accepting convalescent plasma donations from patients who have fully recovered from the coronavirus to help treat patients currently fighting COVID-19. Plasma is the liquid part of the blood and “convalescent plasma” is plasma from donors who have recovered from COVID-19 and thus their blood plasma may contain antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus that could help patients currently battling the disease.

“Our blood drive is only for whole blood. We will not be taking plasma donations at this drive, but convalescent plasma donation is still available at many other donation sites,” said Yi. “We do offer Power Red donations, which essentially return plasma and platelets to the blood allowing us to safely take two units of red blood cells instead of the one unit we get from whole blood donation. Currently, we are also offering COVID-19 antibody testing to anyone who donates.”

Other Club members are part of the organizing team.

“Right now there are a few other Red Cross Club officers [at CVHs] – Joshua Jeong, Sky Moon and Dahae Choi – who are helping me coordinate and advertise this drive. Beyond that we are working very closely with Red Cross personnel to create a good experience for our donors.”

Yi joined the Red Cross Club and wants to have a career in the medical field.

“I have always taken an interest in healthcare since I was young because my mom has been such a big influence in my life and she works in healthcare. I also wanted to help others in need like my mom,” Yi said. “There is another reason I joined this club. I have been swimming at our school and in a club. Swimming led me to lifeguarding. From there, I became a lifeguard instructor certified by the American Red Cross. The Red Cross path led me to join the Red Cross Club at CVHS. I wanted to be part of a club where I can contribute to this society in the health and wellbeing of community members. The Red Cross Club is not just about blood drives. We also actively participate in testing and installing smoke alarms in low-income housing areas, plus many other activities. I plan to pursue a career in the medical field in the future.”

Though this drive is full, Yi encourages those interested in donating to contact the Red Cross at redcrossblood.org to make arrangements.

Students in Crescenta Valley High School’s marching band and guard are participating in a virtual band camp from Aug. 3 to Aug. 7 from 9 a.m. to noon.

By Lori BODNAR, intern

Over 250 girls and their families gathered, albeit virtually, to celebrate summer and community by attending a “Songs and S’mores” campfire sing-a-long, hosted by the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles via Zoom. The event was held on July 18 and was organized by Haley Tilson, the Community Outreach Specialist for GSGLA. Tilson emailed the campfire songbook, which included a yummy how-to s’mores recipe, so all participants could ahead of time be prepared for songs and snacks.

The Girl Scout song leaders used their camp names during the meeting.  “Cricket,” Lynn Marie Costello, was a song leader who led the group in several songs, including “Taps.” Costello earned her Girl Scout Gold Award and is a lifetime Girl Scout member and national volunteer partner of Girl Scouts USA. 

Other song leaders included Robyn Ratcliffe Manzini, another Gold Award Girl Scout and former president of the Girl Scouts of southern Nevada. Song leader Linda has been an adult Girl Scout volunteer for 36 years, leading over six troops and a service unit! Song leader “Strings” played guitar for the group; she has been playing guitar since she was 12 years old and has now been a Girl Scout for 60 years!  “Rabbit” has been a Girl Scout for 45 years in GSGLA and its legacy councils.  “Flicker” is also a 45-year lifetime member and a Girl Scouts USA national song leader. Song leader “Island Rainbow,” aka Lauren, is a Girl Scout Gold Award recipient who recently graduated from Barnard College. “Roadrunner” is also a Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award Girl Scout who represented GSGLA at the United Nations’ Commission on the Status of Women in 2019.

Several song leaders and participants had a fire crackling in their fireplace or fire pit to lend to the atmosphere of the campfire song circle while others brought along their guitars to strum during the group sing.   

The Girl Scout songs included “Make New Friends,” “Rise up O’ Flame,” and “Girl Scout Spirit.” Some songs were fast and upbeat, others were “repeat-after-me” songs, and others were more somber and soulful. One of the leaders used American Sign Language during the “Make New Friends” song. Another song leader sang “On My Honor” and played the guitar in front of a flickering fire in her fireplace. 

Most of the song leaders were exuberant and enthusiastic when leading the singing, including hand and body motions during the song. During “The Bear Song,” one of the song leaders even had a huge giant teddy bear that she moved to “dance” along to the songs, and many of the participants also grabbed their own stuffed animal bears to dance, jump and jive to the music.

The girls enjoyed singing campfire songs, eating s’mores, and using the chat box to socialize and talk to other Girl Scouts, make new friends and catching up with old friends. Some of the girls made s’mores by roasting marshmallows over a roaring fire in their fireplace or fire pit while others simply melted the entire treat for 15 seconds in the microwave. Some participants also followed instructions of how to broil s’mores in the oven or on a grill. Others made variations by using Girl Scout cookies such as Thin Mints, while others used Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups instead of the standard Hershey’s chocolate bar pieces.

GSGLA is sponsoring another “Songs and S’mores” virtual event on Saturday, Aug. 15 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. for girls of all ages and their families. This second event will feature different songs than the first campfire sing-a-long, so a new campfire songbook (complete with a s’more recipe) will be emailed out to participants. The meeting is free and is open to all girls and their families, whether or not they are Girl Scouts. Those interested can register for the Zoom link for the “Songs and S’mores” campfire singing event on the GSGLA website. Usually this event is held in-person at the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles Montrose Program Center using the large fire pit and campfire circle in the backyard area but, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, rather than cancel the event, GSGLA pivoted to offer the fun virtual community event to allow hundreds of girls and Girl Scouts to “get-together” online to sing around the campfire.   

The Verdugo Hills Council Scouts BSA also moved its traditional summer camps to a virtual format due to COVID-19.  A “Cyber Cub Scout Day Camp Down on the Farm” was held from July 13-17. Included each day were three live Zoom sessions at 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. when participants would do crafts, skits and songs, host guest speakers, conduct planting projects, and enjoy other fun. The Verdugo Hills Council provided a “camp-in-a-box” to all participants for $60, which included markers, paper, crayons, soil, seeds, songbook, camper patches and T-shirts.

By Lori BODNAR, intern

Crescenta Valley High School 2020 graduate Rohin Manvi was recently named a recipient of a Milken Scholars award. Manvi was one of 11 students in the greater Los Angeles area to receive the prestigious award.

The Milken Scholars program was founded in 1989 by Mike and Lori Milken to honor and give financial assistance to exceptional students based on academics, community service, leadership, and the ability to overcome obstacles or personal challenges, according the organization’s website. The scholarship is open to college-bound high school seniors in the Los Angeles, Washington D.C. and New York City areas. The scholarship includes $10,000 in cash and mentoring and resources for life, including career-related counseling, assistance in securing internships, opportunities for community service and a fund to assist in the pursuit of any post-undergraduate career goals.

“We’re proud to welcome these outstanding young people to the Milken Scholar family,” stated Chairman Mike Milken. “At this difficult time for our nation, we know that they – like all the Scholars over the years – will continue working to change the world for the better.”

In many ways, Manvi has already done that. He designed a water sensor and WaterNotifier app so that villagers in rural India will know when water will flow into their area. Most of the time, water is turned off in the villages. The days and times when the water flows from the pipes are random.

“Families cannot afford to miss a chance to collect water, leading women and children – like my aunt and grandmother – to resort to watch agonizingly over the pipes. Despite the lengths they go, large portions of water are still lost to the ground before collection,” Manvi said. “To alert them and other villagers when the water is supplied, my goal was to develop a completely self-sustainable, affordable and scalable water sensor that could communicate information to thousands of villagers who lack Internet, reliable electricity and smartphones. My company directly impacts over 100,000 lives, saves an estimated 40,000 liters of water, and saves 500,000 man-hours every year.”

There were many challenges that Manvi faced during his project.

“Especially in the beginning, when work started to feel like an obligation and growth was still intangible, I questioned why I woke up at 3 a.m. every day to work on this project,” he said. “Motivation was scarce when flight expenses restrained me from even seeing the faces of the villagers, and when successful implementation only came after dozens of failures the prospect of repeating the process on a larger scale seemed daunting. The project meant an endless number of design iterations, hiring and training employees, dealing with Indian politics and becoming nearly nocturnal to make video calls to manage operations remotely. I worked on the first design for six months only for local infrastructure to cause it to malfunction.”

Despite all the challenges Manvi faced, he was able to install an effective water sensor so villagers in India know when water flows in their area.

Manvi’s passion for science, technology, engineering and math [STEM] has set his innovations in motion.

“As I strive to do more,” he said, “my love for STEM has been a driving force behind the innovations I’ve only just begun to implement. Whether I am designing new electrical circuits and software or debating with my advisors over the next step to take, the whole experience has enabled me to realize and express my passion for helping others.”

Manvi’s original WaterNotifier app won the 2017 Congressional App Challenge for California’s 28th District. He serves as a project advisor for CV Enterprises, a software company for CVHS students overseen by the computer science teacher. He also was co-captain of the CVHS Science Bowl, a CVHS Link Crew leader, a FIRST Robotics Competition team leader, and AP Scholar with Distinction. Manvi was also the only high school student selected to judge Glendale’s Tech Week Awards. He teaches practical electrical engineering to students at two schools in rural India, leading classes remotely.

Manvi looks ahead to how the Milken Scholars award will further his goals.

“I will be using the scholarship money to cover my student contribution to attend Stanford,” he said. “I will most likely be majoring in computer science. In the future, I would like to start or be a part of a startup company as an entrepreneur.”

Another 2020 CVHS graduate, Jiyoun Roh, was also a Milken Scholars award recipient. Her achievements will be shared next week.

By Lori BODNAR, intern

Crescenta Valley High School 2020 graduate Jiyoun Roh was one of 11 Milken Scholars award recipients. Milken Scholars was founded in 1989 by Mike and Lori Milken to honor and give financial assistance to exceptional students based on academics, community service, leadership and the ability to overcome obstacles. (See the Aug. 20 CV Weekly article about Milken scholarships.)

While attending CV High School, Roh completed several science projects opening the door to a possible future in science.

“In my junior year, I took a class called ‘Science Research,’ which provided resources and support for my ecology-related project: Preventing Eutrophication With an Organic Fertilizer Made of Dark Chocolate, Coffee Grounds and Banana Peels. I took this research to the LA County Science and Engineering Fair (LACSEF) and the California State Science Fair. The following summer, I worked in a cancer research lab at the City of Hope hospital studying ovarian cancer. I presented my project, ‘Quinacrine Induces Lysosomal Membrane Permeabilization (LMP) and Enhances Sensitivity for TRAIL, an Anti-Cancer Agent’ at the LACSEF.”

Roh also has a passion for community service – a passion that started with installing smoke alarms.

“I was actually dragged out of bed at 6 a.m. for my first community service event. It was early, it was cold and I absolutely didn’t want to spend my Saturday installing free smoke alarms in vulnerable communities,” she recalled. “However, as my group and I progressed through the streets, knocking on doors and offering smoke alarms and disaster preparedness education, I was overwhelmed by how much I liked this feeling of giving and the knowledge that I was making a positive impact on a stranger’s life. This experience inspired me to sign up for more service events – mostly Red Cross events such as Sound the Alarm, puppet shows and blood drives, as well as ROTC events such as making care packages for veterans, and local events like Oktoberfest. Over time, I began to lead these volunteer events and take on more positions so that I could encourage other students to serve.” 

Roh was the Los Angeles Region field ambassador for the American Red Cross, supporting more than 100 clubs in Southern California and planning regional events. She organized a Youth Preparedness Fair that drew 300 students, organized blood drives and collected clothing and other items for families displaced by fire. The Red Cross recognized Roh with a National Spotlight, Humanitarian Youth Certificate, and Executive Excellence Gold Award.

“It’s the little things,” she said of her fondness for community service, “the sleepy but hopeful energy in the morning of a service event, connecting with volunteers, the smiles of kids enjoying the puppet show, handing cool water to exhausted runners, and a thousand more. There’s something about community service that pushes me to go back again and again. I think it has something to do with seeing problems that I could help solve the next time I volunteer – kind of like cracks and holes that I feel a responsibility to fill. Also, I’m someone who has time and am an able body; why not use both to volunteer?”

Roh was also the president of the Academy of Science and Medicine at Crescenta Valley High School.

“The Academy of Science and Medicine was essential to my growth as a person and a student interested in science. The Academy gave me my first experience in a lab setting through biotechnology,” she said. “It also provided me with science-related resources through lunch presentations, field trips and internship suggestions. Most of all, the Academy gave me a community of like-minded and amazing mentors, officers and fellow students.”

Roh is a National Merit Commended Scholar and an AP Scholar with Distinction. She also received the Elks Most Valuable Student scholarship, the Best Editor of the Year Award from the Korean Daily newspaper, and the Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Roh was also selected as a SoCal BioGENEius Scholar.

As a member of the National Honor Society, she volunteered at the Montrose Oktoberfest, Special Olympics and toy and book drives. Roh also taught English to elementary-age students in Cambodia over video conferencing and, if that isn’t enough, she plays the cello.

As president of the CVHS Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) Kitty Hawk Air Society she would lead drills and plan team-building events such as the winter ball and spring picnic, as well as collaborated with Operation Gratitude and the Veteran’s History Project. She has earned many AFJROTC honors, including the George C. Marshall Award for Academic Excellence, Reserve Officers Association Award, Pritzker Citizen Soldier Award, and National Society United States Daughters of 1812 Award.

Roh plans to go into the medical field.

“I’m planning on majoring in molecular biology or public and international affairs. In college, I want to get a feel for studying or serving abroad so that I can take my experiences to medical school and beyond,” she said of future plans. “My main reason to enter the medical field is that I love engaging in service, especially medical service. I think it’s one of the purest forms of service there is. Additionally, my exposure to presentations given by medical professionals and classes that gave me more and more glimpses into the scientific world helped solidify my interest. Medicine is a field that combines hands-on volunteering with science, and I’m excited to explore it further.”

Each Milken Scholar is awarded a $10,000 scholarship and mentoring and career resources.

“I’ll be using the scholarship towards my education,” she said of the financial award. “This includes textbooks, technology, transportation, writing supplies and more.”

She will be attending Princeton University.

Foothill Municipal Water District (Foothill) recently concluded its ninth annual “Water Is Life” student art competition.

The contest was open to all students in grades K-12 who attend a school located within the service area of a member water agency that Foothill serves. This includes schools primarily located within La Crescenta-Montrose, La Cañada Flintridge and Altadena.

Foothill narrowed down submissions to the top 10 entries, which will be submitted to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) for further consideration to be included in the 2021 “Water Is Life” student art calendar. Winners will be selected in the fall and honored at a student art exhibit and recognition event sponsored by MWD. Criteria for judging the art pieces consisted of addressing the theme of the contest, originality of the piece and slogan, and degree of visual and word clarity.

In August the top entries were recognized during a Foothill board of directors meeting. Students will receive prizes including gift certificates for their accomplishments. The top 10 entries are as follows:

Kindergarten – Third Grade

Jake Candler – First Place – La Cañada Elementary

Fourth Grade – Sixth Grade

Lauren Park – First Place – Palm Crest Elementary

Olivia Hur – Second Place – Rosemont Middle

Henry Vartanian – Honorable Mention – Crestview Prep

Brianna Zhu – Honorable Mention – Monte Vista Elementary

Seventh – 12th Grade

Taili Sherwood Kong – First Place –Crescenta Valley HS

Heidy Hur – Second Place – Crescenta Valley HS

Sinead Augilar – Honorable Mention – Crescenta Valley HS

Katie Thibault – Honorable Mention – Crescenta Valley HS

Valery Alvarez – Honorable Mention – Rosemont Middle School

Foothill Municipal Water District provides imported water to Crescenta Valley Water District, La Cañada Irrigation District, Liberty Utilities (formerly Mesa Crest Water company), Valley Water Company, Lincoln Avenue Water Company, Las Flores Water Company and Rubio Cañon Land & Water Association. Kinneloa Irrigation District, another retail agency, takes no water from Foothill.

Monte Vista Elementary School held a “parade pickup party” on Aug. 20 when parents and students drove through the school’s Monty Lane to receive scholarship materials and supplies. It was a great event with teachers meeting their new students and greeting former students, albeit masked and distanced! 

Music played as parents drove up and saw the school’s fence lined with balloons. A step-and-repeat was erected and available for parents to take a picture. It was affirming and heart-warming to have a moment of connection between staff and students. Hundreds of bags were distributed with consumables, crayons, pencils, markers, glue sticks and whiteboards. Many parents graciously brought staff cold water, ice tea and Starbucks to beat the heat.

Submitted by Suzanne RISSE

Officials of National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced the names of approximately 16,000 semifinalists in the 66th annual National Merit

Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $30 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition.

Over 90% of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and more than half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.

NMSC, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance, was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its own funds and by approximately 400 business organizations and higher education institutions that share NMSC’s goals of honoring the nation’s scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence.

To learn more, visit www.nationalmerit.org.

From La Cañada Flintridge, the following students advanced to the semifinalist position:

Flintridge Preparatory School: John MacLeod, Rodolf Ruiz, Claire A. Senft.

La Canada High School: Derek Ahn, Ian Baik, Hee Su Chung, Trin J. Chung, Reza Hemmati, Derek L. Jiang, Olivia L. Joung, Chase A. Kerstein, Jordan A. Lay, Nadia L. Lintag, Michael T. Lisano, Ellaney N. Matarese, Cassidy M. Olson, Amelia E. Seropian, Leila R. Thompsky.

From La Crescenta, the following students advanced to the semifinalist position:

Crescenta Valley High School: Anahita Ahmadi, Prashanth S. Bhaskara, Adarsh Chilkunda, Jaya S. Hamkins, Margaret W. Kim, Sarah Nakama.

From Tujunga, Alex Yeghikian of Verdugo Hills High School advanced to the semifinalist position.

By Lori BODNAR, intern

For those who’ve needed childcare while working, even while working from home, the Rescue Sitters are ready to lend a hand. The Rescue Sitters, founded this year by Aleek Tabakian and Grace Hovsepian, babysit kids so that parents can focus on their jobs during the pandemic. They provide free childcare from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays. In addition to Tabakian and Hovsepian, the Rescue Sitters include Lilly Boghossian, Solange Meserkhani, Lori Shabazian, Tatiana Tabakian, Aleena Kendrijian and Karine Tandratsyan. The all-girl group attended Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School and are alumnae of Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian School in La Crescenta.

The idea for the Rescue Sitters originated after the girls saw parents struggling to juggle their work life while looking after their kids at home, particularly during remote learning.

“When COVID-19 started, my siblings and I would come every day to my parents’ business,” said Hovsepian. “We saw a lot of the workers trying to focus on work while having to watch their kids. We then came up with the idea of helping out these parents by babysitting the kids for free. I shared this idea with Aleek and we [approached our] close group of friends to help these parents.”

Tabakian added, “We want to do this to help the community by babysitting for free. We also help the kids with their homework.”

Their altruistic outreach will hopefully be around after COVID-19 is just a memory. The Rescue Sitters are planning to continue providing childcare after the pandemic is over. The current group comprises eight 14 and 15 year old girls who are certified in CPR and babysitting.

The Rescue Sitters are a non-profit organization and every donation they receive is sent to a charity.

“Since we are a non-profit, if we get donations we send them to charities. Since the explosion happened in Lebanon, we have donated to Lebanon. The donations also go to Armenia for COVID-19 supplies or to other charities,” said Hovsepian.

The Rescue Sitters are taking precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when providing childcare.

“We bring masks, hand sanitizers, and gloves when we babysit,” said Tabakian. “We sanitize once every 30 minutes and wear gloves the entire time. We also set up Zoom meetings to watch the kids, tutor and entertain them if the parents are not comfortable with people entering their house during the pandemic.”

The Rescue Sitters send two of their sitters to the home location for two hours. The Rescue Sitters try to be outside as much as possible when babysitting in person so the kids can get away from screens and also to reduce the risk exposure to COVID-19.

Parents can contact the Rescue Sitters at Instagram: @rescuesitters and their email rescuesitters20@gmail.com. The Rescue Sitters are also making a website for their non-profit childcare program and they will add the link to their Instagram once they get the website up.

Adelante, Latinos! is an all-volunteer committee within the Glendale Unified School District dedicated to the advancement, support and success of all students of Hispanic/Latinx heritage in GUSD schools. Through Oct. 15, Adelante, Latinos! is sponsoring a speaker series of 10 webinars, two each week, for Hispanic Heritage month. The theme this year for Hispanic Heritage Month is “Hispanics: Be Proud of Your Past, Embrace the Future.” Many leaders in the local community who are willing to share their Hispanic/Latinx heritage, both in terms of how it has shaped them and also how it has shaped what they do in and for this community and Los Angeles, will be speaking.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions this will be a virtual event.

Each speaker will speak for 20-30 minutes and then students will be able to ask questions either in the chat or live. This virtual platform will be an opportunity to allow the speakers to connect with the students in a more personal way than in a large auditorium. Students, families, teachers and community members are invited to log into the webinars. Recordings will also be available on the Adelante, Latinos! Facebook page at a later date.

Those who have questions or would like to join Adelante, Latinos! please contact Christine Benitez at cbenitez@gusd.net.

PSAT Rescheduled

After initially stating that PSAT/NMSQT testing is not currently allowed on campuses, the Los Angeles County of Public Health released an announcement on Sept. 18 stating that the PSAT/NMSQT can be administered on campuses as long as all safety and social distancing guidelines are adhered to. This means that the tests can be administered only in small groups of no more than 12 students in a room with proper attention to physical distancing, face coverings and up to two adult test proctors. Care will be given to ensure that the different cohorts do not mix or gather together upon arrival or departure or during break times.

Supplies (pencils, etc.) will be used by single individuals and not shared.

CVHS Football Raising Money

Crescenta Valley Falcon football is holding an online campaign to combat the loss of fundraising revenue due to COVID-19. Donations are tax deductible and a receipt will be issued for gifts received. To donate, visit

https://tinyurl.com/y69cle73.

CV Theatre Arts Seeking Donations

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, CV Theatre Arts will not receive any funding this school year from its usual sources of revenue, yet it is anticipated that the theater program will need at least $15,000 for the 2020-21 season. Shows will be produced live or online, whatever is possible, and help is needed. No matter the venue, costs will accrue for licensing, teaching artists and technical needs. These costs, plus costumes, props, and more are now on the shoulders of CV Theatre Arts.

Donations are being sought for the Crescenta Valley Theater Arts Foundation in any amount to help students keep theater alive at CV. All donations are tax-deductible! To donate, visit https://www.nfggive.com/donation/26-3394943. Another easy way to contribute is with Amazon Smile. Go to smile.amazon.com, choose “Crescenta Valley Theater Arts Foundation” as the charitable organization of choice, and then shop as usual. A percentage of all purchases will then be automatically donated to the Foundation. Just be sure to bookmark smile.amazon.com as the Amazon search engine.