EL SEGUNDO HERALD March 21, 2019 Page 5
School Spotlight
El Camino College ESUSD
El Segundo High School Named
2019 California Distinguished School
El Segundo High School (ESHS) was honored
by the California Department of Education
under its California Distinguished School
program on Feb. 25 for outstanding education
programs and practices. Schools are awarded
for achieving exceptional student performance
for two consecutive school years. Distinguished
School award winners represent examples of
not just excellent teaching, learning, and collaboration,
but also highly successful school
climate efforts ranging from real-time conflict
resolution to positive behavior intervention.
ESHS was selected based on strong academic
achievement, as well as the school’s
robust Career Pathways offered in Engineering,
Biomedical Science, Business, and Visual and
Performing Arts. The pathways are generously
funded by community, business and educational
partners, such as the El Segundo Education
Foundation, Project Lead the Way, High School
of Business, Chevron and Murad.
“El Segundo High School has a long-standing
tradition of excellence which is highlighted
once again with the California Distinguished
School recognition,” said ESHS Principal
Melissa Gooden. “This award symbolizes
the shared vision and commitment of our
stakeholder groups to provide exceptional
opportunities for the students we serve. We
are fortunate to have a superintendent and
Board of Education that value the extensive
program offerings available, as well as community
partners that continuously support
ESHS’ four career pathways.”
The California Distinguished Schools
program was on a three-year pause while
California transitioned to its new assessment
and accountability system. From 2015
to 2017, California recognized schools that
demonstrated exemplary achievements with
the California Gold Ribbon Schools program.
Schools recognized as awardees hold the title
for two years.
– Source: ESUSD •
El Camino College Seeks Application
for Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee
El Camino College is currently accepting
applications for three open positions on its
Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee. The
open positions include a representative from
a bona fide taxpayers’ association and two
representatives from the community at large.
As part of the campus modernization effort
made possible by voter-approved Measure
E bond funds, the El Camino Community
College District Board of Trustees established
a seven-member Citizens’ Bond Oversight
Committee. Meeting quarterly, the committee
is charged with actively reviewing bond
revenue expenditures and informing the
public about those expenditures.
Individuals interested in applying should
send a one-page letter of intent and a onepage
resume outlining qualifications to:
Dena P. Maloney, Ed.D., Superintendent/
President: 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance,
CA 90506. Applications must be received
no later than Friday, March 29 at 4:30 p.m.
Vistamar
Vistamar’s Soulful Celebration
Zania W. (Class of ’20), Olivea K. (’20) and Gabby L. (’19) participating in the step routine during the Soulful Celebration.
Center Street School Student
Advances to National Geographic
GeoBee State Championships
Center Street School (CSS) fifth-grade
student Rushil Ghosh has qualified to
represent ESUSD and participate in the
2019 California State Geographic Bee.
The “GeoBee” competition was established
by the National Geographic Society in
1988 to promote geographic knowledge
among young people, as well as to inspire
and reward students’ curiosity about
the world.
Students in grades 4-8 from more than 500
schools across the United States began the
competition at their schools where a champion
was named. Ghosh was named champion
at Center Street School and advanced to an
online qualifying test where he ranked among
the top 100 students in California.
Ghosh will travel to California State University,
Fresno to compete in the California
State GeoBee Competition on March 29. The
winners from each state level competition will
represent his or her respective state in the
national championship in May in Washington,
D.C. for a chance to win college scholarships
and the achievement of being the National
Geographic GeoBee Champion.
“We are so proud of Rushil,” said Center
Street School Principal Martha Monahan. “He
is a terrific student and good friend to his
peers who exemplifies the four cornerstones
of Cougars CARE: Community, Authenticity,
Resilience and Excellence.”
– Source: ESUSD
Rushil Ghosh
In its 11th year Soulful Celebration
continues to be a beloved evening for
students and their families. Soulful Celebration
was originally created and designed
by Black and African-American families
in the Vistamar community to get everyone
together and celebrate Black culture. This year’s
theme was “Black in the Day,” appreciating the
art and culture from the millennium until now.
The evening was full of art and music including
Vistamar Rock Ensemble’s rendition
of “Steal My Kisses” by Ben Harper and
“Pyramids” by Frank Ocean. Students shared
original poetry with the crowd of 250 people.
The students also researched different topics
from Black activism to Black artists and
created gallery videos to share their learning
with all the attendees. The energy was high
and the evening ended with a performance of
“Hey Ya” by Outkast and the crowd dancing.
Soulful Celebration is truly a signature Vistamar
event where the whole community celebrates
Black culture and the diversity of the school.
– Content and Photo: Vistamar
Center Street School
DEADLINES
OBITUARIES: Monday at noon.
CALENDAR ITEMS: Monday at noon.
PEOPLE ITEMS: Monday at noon.
CLASSIFIEDS: Tuesday at noon.
LEGAL NOTICES: Wednesday at 11:00 am.
REAL ESTATE ADS: Monday at noon.
AD CANCELLATIONS: Prior Thursday.
LATE CANCELLATIONS WILL BE
CHARGED 50% OF AD