Category: Kudos

WeWork was inspired by Ms. Savino’s commitment to changing her class environment to best suit her students. She teaches two ENG 11 Co-teach classes and an SEI class. They surprised her and gifted her a makeover for a student space of her choice and with a school area of her choice. She will get to work with architects, interior designers and have full access to WeWorks furniture catalog.

Recently three high schools in the Sweetwater District – Mar Vista, Montgomery & Sweetwater – participated in the Ignite University Yearbook Camp at Pepperdine University.

During the weeklong camp, students were exposed to the university campus life as they attended college level coursework in advertising, photography, graphic design, typography, writing, and leadership. Their rigorous schedule included early wake up calls and college level coursework. Students also worked one on one with professional graphic design artists, photographers, and writing professionals. The students said this experience has better prepared them to go back into their journalism classes at their schools to be true leaders amongst their peers.

During the camp, students were able to gain great insights into journalism as a career by attending a Key Note address by Todd Bigelow, a current photojournalism professor at Cal State University, Northridge, who has won a Pulitzer Prize for his contributing work on the 1992 LA Riots and the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. Bigelow has worked for publications such as Time, Sports Illustrated, National Geographic, Smithsonian, Newsweek, and the Los Angeles Times. In his presentation – and through dialogue with students and staff – Bigelow was able to impress upon the students the power and liberties of the press through both visual and written media.

By the end of the four days, Sweetwater senior Alexis Nunez decided that she will now pursue a career in advertising and marketing; and Sweetwater senior Cedric De Gala decided that photojournalism is a career path which he plans to strive for in his near future. SUHi was also awarded a Bronze Award at the culminating ceremony, in which their photojournalism and design skills were put to the test in a competition with approximately 45 schools from California, Montana, and Texas.

Congratulations to science teacher Mari Venturino. Mar Vista Academy selected Mari as one of 27 educators world-wide to participate in the Association of Supervision & Curriculum Development’s (ASCD) 2018 Class of Emerging Leaders, a program that recognizes and prepares young, promising educators to influence education programs, policy, and practice on both the local and national levels. She’s one of three educators chosen from California. This is quite an honor and we can’t wait to hear what she is learning!

It’s hard to believe another school year has come and gone and we are already in full swing of the 2018-19 school year! Not only did our students have a successful year, but so did district faculty and staff! Last year, 775 district employees recieved a Sweetwater Star. These individuals were recognized for making a difference and having a positive impact on their school, site or department. If you would like to highlight someone who has gone above and beyond in their role, visit our webpage to nominate them as the next Sweetwater Star!

Kudos to Fernanda Gutierrez, a 9th grader at Olympian High. Gutierrez was invited to represent the USA as a member of Team Grace through the International Federation of Aesthetic Group Gymnastics. Fernanda’s background in rhythmic gymnastics level 8 is why she was requested to be on the USA team aesthetic group. Congratulations Fernanda!

Kudos to Olympian High Senior Aldrik Ramos. This UCSD bound student scored perfect on the ACT exam! After nearly studying for 20 hours a week, Aldrik’s hard work paid off! Aldrik encourages all students to “believe in yourself.” Congratulations Aldrik!

Kudos to Olympian High School 9th grader Roslynn Sapienza for recently being featured in a commercial on Nickolodeon! Sapienza and a few other members of the Samahan Filipino American Performing Arts & Education Center were in the commercial celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month!

The spot is part of the “That’s Me” Campaign and aired during the month of May! Sapienza said the experience was a fun one and that it was eye opening for her to be able to share about her culture through dance.

Sapienza has danced since age 3 and also dances with the Chula Vista Ballet Company. In addition to dance, she plays soccer. She says the Nickolodeon experience was a once in a life time opportunity and a great opportunity to honor her heritage. Congratulations Roslynn!