Student Defies Odds
Top of the World fifth-grade student Grace Farrington was to be honored Friday, March 11, at Bower’s Museum in Santa Ana as the Laguna Beach school district nominee for Every Student Succeeding award.
The award from a school administrator’s group recognizes students who achieve despite hurdles, says a district statement. Grace was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 2. “We are all very proud of the young lady she has become and look forward to her future successes as she excels in middle school and beyond,” said TOW Principal Mike Conlon.
Grace, who knows her limits and lets the staff know when she needs a break, shared her story in the beginning of the school year to explain her disease to classmates. “I want them to know what it is and how I have to take care of myself,” she said.
The district staff, including a district nurse, classroom teacher, health clerk, counselor and principal are part of a support system that ensure Grace’s needs would be met. “I can’t tell you how lucky I feel that she has been embraced and loved by the staff at TOW,” said her mother, Ronda Farrington.
As a kindergarten student, Grace was unfamiliar with her condition and was unable to let the staff know when her blood sugar level was too high or too low. The classroom teacher and instructional assistant always kept her under close observation, looking for warning signs and alerting the office as necessary. Now, she is more independent and confident about her ability to take care of herself, though school staff still monitor her condition.
Guidance on Raising Well-balanced Children
Coffee Break, the monthly parent education program, will host Sabrina Schuck, executive director of UC Irvine’s Health Child Development School from 8:30-10:15 a.m. on Wednesday, March 16, at Hotel Laguna, 425 S. Coast Highway.
Dr. Schuck will give parents tools and provide parenting techniques found to be most effective in helping children build resilience, be more self-reliant and overcome social challenges.
For more information visit: gotocoffeebreak.com.
A suggested donation of $10 is requested at the door. Coffee and pastries are provided.
Rotary Chooses Science Scholar
Kara Dunne-Dombrink was recognized by Laguna Rotary Club as the February student of the month in science. She also participates as a UCSD research scholar and is captain of the varsity soccer team.
Kara performs with the dance company, art club and disaster relief club.
She has earned recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction and from the National Honor Society and Superintendent’s Honor Roll.
Kara intends to study chemistry and biochemistry in college.
BU Honors Local Students
Two Laguna Beach residents, Olivia L. Clark and Kara E. McClements, have recently been named to the Boston University Dean’s list for the fall semester.
Criteria differs between individual schools but in general this honor is awarded to a student with a grade point average of 3.5 or above or a student who is within the top 30% of their class.
Scholarship Deadline Nears
The deadline for high school students to apply for a Festival of Arts scholarship is but a week away.
The four-year, highly competitive scholarships are awarded to students who excel in dance, music and theatre arts as well as visual arts and writing.
An applicant must be a graduating high school senior who resides in Laguna Beach or attends Laguna Beach High School. The application deadline is March 11. Scholarship awards begin at a minimum of $1,000 and can be renewed annually by undergraduate college students.
For more info: contact Scott Moore at 949 494-9680.
A Different Kind of Spring Break
Hamilton College sophomore and Laguna Beach High School grad Nathaniel Colburn will participate the school’s 23rd alternative spring break next week, March 12-27.
The son of Susan Anderson and Bolton Colburn of Aliso Viejo, the computer science and creative writing major is one of 86 students who will travel from Clinton, N.Y., to Habitat for Humanity sites in Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina and South Carolina.
The alternative spring break is intended to increase awareness of social issues and interest in community service. Participant fundraise throughout the academic year to pay for expenses.
