star scholar

Keynote Speaker

Ken Jennings

Ken Jennings was bornin 1974 just outsideSeattle, Washington,but grew up overseas.His family spent 15

years in Korea and Singapore, wherehis father worked as an attorney. Hisonly lifeline to American pop cultureduring those years was TV on theArmed Forces Network, where hewatched “Jeopardy!” religiously afterschool every afternoon.

He moved back to the states toattend the University of Washingtonfor a year, and after putting schoolon hold for a two-year Mormonmission toMadrid, Spain, transferredto Brigham Young University in1996. At BYU, he double-majoredin English and computer scienceand graduated in 2000 alongside histhen-fiancée Mindy Boam, whom hemarried that fall.

While at BYU, Ken captained theuniversity’s academic competition team, which consistently finished in thetop 10 at national quiz bowl tournaments. Since graduating, he has workedwriting and editing questions for National Academic Quiz Tournaments, acompany that organizes quiz competitions attended by hundreds of collegesand thousands of high schools nationwide. Ken also began to notice a paradeof his friends and acquaintances from the world of quiz bowl appearing ongame shows like “WhoWants to Be a Millionaire,”where many were able topay off their student loans and buy flashy sports cars. With this in mind, Kenbegan to revive his childhood dream of appearing on“Jeopardy!”

He was working as a software engineer for a Salt Lake City healthcarestaffing company in 2004 when he got the phone call telling him that his

contestant audition hadbeen successful and hewould appear on a Junegame of “Jeopardy!”

Much to his surprise,Ken’s“Jeopardy!”appearanceextended beyond a single

game in June: he took advantageof a recent rule change allowing“Jeopardy!” champs to appear onthe show indefinitely, and spentthe next six months hoggingAmerica’s TV screens. Before losingon the Nov. 30 show because hedidn’t know enough trivia aboutH&R Block, Ken won 74 gamesand $2.52 million, both Americangame show records.

The streak made Ken Jenningsa 2004 TV folk hero, and heappeared as a guest on shows from“The Tonight Show with Jay Leno”and “The Late Show with DavidLetterman” to “Live with Regisand Kelly” and “Sesame Street.”BarbaraWalters named him one ofthe 10 most fascinating people ofthe year. Slate magazine dubbedhim “the Michael Jordan of trivia,

the Seabiscuit of geekdom.”ESPN: Themagazine called him “smarmy (and) punchable,” with “the personality of ahall monitor,”thus continuing America’s long national struggle between jocksand nerds.

Following his “Jeopardy!” streak, Ken’s product endorsements haveincluded FedEx, Microsoft Encarta, Allstate, Cingular, and even his onetimenemesis H&R Block. He speaks about the importance of learning at collegecampuses and corporate events, and has co-invented two trivia games: “CanYou Beat Ken?” board game from University Games, and “Quizzology,” a CDtrivia game from Major Games. Ken is the author of “Ken Jennings’s TriviaAlmanac” and the national best-seller “Brainiac,”about his bizarre “Jeopardy!” adventures andabout the phenomenon of trivia in Americanculture. His latest book is “Maphead,” about hislifelong love for geography geekery of all kinds.

Ken currently lives outside Seattle, with hiswife Mindy, his son Dylan and daughter Caitlin,and a deeply unstable Labrador retriever namedBanjo.

Star Scholar Awards Wednesday, April 25, 20122

Julius Gius ScholarshipWinner - 2012Serry ParkOjai Valley School

GPA: 4.12School ActivitiesASB (president/representative/communityservice representative), Dorm Prefect, MusicalChorus, Journalism, Photography, Varsity Soccer(co-captain), Track, Junior Varsity Volleyball(co-captain/setter)

Community ActivitiesTutor (4 years), Best Day Foundation (leader),Invisible Children Schools 4 Schools (leader),Relay for Life (leader, 3 years), Ojai ValleyNursery, rebuilt orphanage in Mexico (2009)

College/MajorWaiting to hear frommore colleges/ Molecularand Cellular Biology, Psychology

ParentsAnna and Arnold Park

courtesy of Getty Images News / Getty Images

courtesy AP

The following pages feature the top87 graduates in Ventura County.These Star Scholars can attributetheir success to their families,friends, mentors, counselors,principals, teachers, administratorsand hard work.

ZhengWangAdolfo Camarillo High SchoolGPA: 4.66School ActivitiesAcademic Decathlon (team captain, 4 years), Junior States of America (founder/president and promoted involvement in democracy, 10, 11, 12), National Honor Society(founding member/bylaws & public relations chair)Community ActivitiesInteract Club (president), AlmaVia, Camarillo Food Drive, 30 Hour FamineCollege/MajorPrinceton, Columbia, UC Berkeley, Brown, Duke / Biochemistry, Biology, Mathematicsand Applied ScienceParentsDongmingWang and Jibing Zhang

Neda AshtariAgoura High SchoolGPA: 4.3School ActivitiesAmerican Cancer Society Club (president/founder), Agoura High School Relay for Life(founder/chair)Community ActivitiesYouth and Government, Sheldon’s Art Academy (5 years), Farsi Class (3 years),CVU Club Soccer, American Cancer Society Summit Leadership (conference coordinator)College/MajorUCLA / Political ScienceParentsMichael Ashtari

Avni J. DesaiAgoura High School

GPA: 4.31School ActivitiesASB (president), Tennis (captain), Math Honor Society, National Honor SocietyCommunity ActivitiesGirl Scout Gold AwardCollege/MajorUSC, UC San Diego / Accounting, Management ScienceParentsJaydeep and Shobhna Desai

Cheryl N. GaulAgoura High SchoolGPA: 4.83School ActivitiesMath Honor Society (president/vice president/secretary), Tutor, English Honor Society,Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”(music director),School Musical Productions (pianist)Community ActivitiesAgoura Hills Public Library (800+ hours volunteer), Los Angeles County Public LibrarySystem (Youth Volunteer of the Year nominee), Reyes Adobe Days (booth coordinator),Conejo Valley Youth Orchestra (oboist, pianist)College/MajorMassachusetts Institute of Technology / EngineeringParentsThomas and Jean Gaul

Joshua S. Snyder - KelseyApollo High School

GPA: 3.6School ActivitiesAcademics and Teacher’s AssistantCommunity ActivitiesNoneCollege/MajorMoorpark College / Computer ScienceParentsCarolyn and David Kelsey

Star Scholar AwardsWednesday, April 25, 2012 3

Jonathan N. OngAdolfo Camarillo High SchoolGPA: 4.7School ActivitiesNational Honor Society, Math Competition Team, Model United Nations,Academic Decathlon Team, KiwanisCommunity ActivitiesFirst Lego League Team (mentor), Camarillo Library (volunteer, tutoring during theschool year and running and managing a reading program during the summer)College/MajorStill to hear from UCLA, UC Berkeley, UCSB, UC San Diego, USC, Stanford / ElectricalEngineering, Computer EngineeringParentsIrene Lam and James Ong

Justin N. OngAdolfo Camarillo High SchoolGPA: 4.7School ActivitiesAcademic Decathlon (award winner), Math Competition Team (award-winner),Medical Academy, Pre-Engineering ProgramCommunity ActivitiesNational Honor Society (at-risk student tutor, fundraised for our local troops overseas),Library (tutor, summer volunteer)College/MajorUCLA, UC Berkeley, UCSB, UC San Diego / Biological, Biomedical EngineeringParentsIrene Lam and James Ong

Brett J. AndersonBuena High SchoolGPA: 4.7School ActivitiesInteract Club, Academic Decathlon, Mock Trial, Knowledge Bowl,Students for the AmericanWay, Religion and Philosophy Club,German Exchange Student, Science Department (lab technician)Community ActivitiesBoy Scouts of America, Order of the Arrow, Salvation ArmyCollege/MajorUC Davis, Rice University / Chemical EngineeringParentsMarie and Brett Anderson

Katherine G. NofzigerBuena High SchoolGPA: 4.45School ActivitiesBuena Renaissance Committee (chair), Religion & Philosophy Club, Mock Trial,Academic Decathalon, Knowledge Bowl, Soccer, Track & Field, CSFCommunity ActivitiesAYSO (volunteer/coach/referee), Ventura Missionary Church (Sunday School teacher),Relay For Life (volunteer), Santa to the Sea (volunteer), Cheers For Children (volunteer)College/MajorBoston College, Pepperdine, Tufts University / History, Political Science, UndecidedParentsPaula and Steven Nofziger

Ashley G. SelveyBuena High School

GPA: 4.6School ActivitiesASB (president), Habakkuk Bible Club, CSF, Volleyball (9, 10, 11), Environmental ClubCommunity ActivitiesVentura Missionary Church Youthgroup, Anacapa Island Restoration,Operation Christmas Child, Malaria Nets, American Troops Care PackagesCollege/MajorWesternWashington University / Environmental Studies, JournalismParentsChristopher and Linda Selvey

Mitch B. KremsCentury AcademyGPA: 4.35School ActivitiesTennis (two-timeVentura County Star all-county first team, #1Westlake High Schoolsingles player, and Marmonte League individual doubles champion), Basketball(3 years), Century Academy Associated Student Government (vice president)Community ActivitiesFounder and lead instructor of free VIP Tennis Clinic designed for special needsteens in the Conejo ValleyCollege/MajorBrandeis, UC Davis, UC Berkeley / Pre-law, BusinessParentsMichael and Dikla Krems

Salvador I. BritoChannel Islands High SchoolGPA: 4.71School ActivitiesCSF, Key Club International, Academic Decathlon, MESA,Economics & Entrepreneurship Club, ASBCommunity ActivitiesSaint Anthony’s Religious Education (volunteer), Rose Bowl Float Decoration,Boys & Girls Club (volunteer), Big Brothers Big Sisters (mentor),Christmas Caroling, Canned Food Drive, Beach CleanupsCollege/MajorUC Berkeley, UCLA, UCSB, UC Irvine, California Lutheran University / Molecular andCellular Biology: Neurobiology, Biological Sciences, Psychology and Social BehaviorParentsLaura and Pedro Brito

Jessica Marie F. MadlangsakayChannel Islands High SchoolGPA: 4.67School ActivitiesKiwanis Educated Youth Club, CSF, ASB, Varsity Tennis, MESA,Students Against Animal Cruelty, Academic DecathlonCommunity ActivitiesNursing Homes (musical therapist), Elementary and Middle School Students(tutor/volunteer), Community Cleanup at Parks and Beaches, Relay for Life,Blood Drive Donations, Rose Bowl VolunteerCollege/MajorUC San Diego, CSUN, UCSB / UndecidedParentsRaymond Pena Madlangsakay and Maria Olive Ferrer Madlangsakay

Jeanine I. RuizChannel Islands High School

GPA: 4.65School ActivitiesCSF, MESA, French Club, Science ClubCommunity ActivitiesBoys & Girls Club, Big Brothers Big SistersCollege/MajorUCLA, UCSB, UC Irvine, UC Berkeley, CSUN, California Lutheran University, Pepperdine /Pre-med, MathematicsParentsMargarita and Antonio Ruiz

Maritza MoralesCommunity High School

GPA: 2.6School ActivitiesSAS activitiesCommunity ActivitiesFlory Academy of Sciences and Technology Success Express, Moorpark City LibraryCollege/MajorMarinello School of Beauty / CosmetologistParentsManuel and Maria Estela Morales


Ashley MannarinoConejo Valley High School

GPA: 3.3School ActivitiesNewspaper Staff, Soccer, JournalismCommunity ActivitiesVolunteerCollege/MajorMoorpark College / Philosophy, Photography, JournalismParentsLisa Mannarino

Jeremy D. BrooksEl Camino High School at Ventura CollegeGPA: 4.15Sool ActivitiesASB, Amnesty International Club, “Ignite!” (Christian Club), Poetry Out Loud (two-timechampion), Optimist Essay ContestWinner, Optimist Oratorical ContestWinnerCommunity ActivitiesChurch (worship leader),World TeamTennis, Club Soccer, Drama/Mime (team leader),AYSO, Convalescent Home Ministry, Theatre (Ozzy in The Scarlet Pimpernel)College/MajorCal Poly San Luis Obispo / Communication StudiesParentsJamey and Lynne Brooks

Melissa M. SolisEl Camino High School at Ventura CollegeGPA: 4.4School ActivitiesLeadership, Relay For LifeCommunity ActivitiesNational Junior Tennis League, Various community volunteer projects: Homeless Sheltermeals, Rotary Club Christmas BasketsCollege/MajorWestmont, Azusa Pacific University, UCSB, Stanford / Medicine, Biology, or other relatedstudiesParentsAnne McInerney-Solis and David Solis

JosephW. VarelaEl Camino High School at Ventura College

GPA: 4.18School ActivitiesASB, Ventura School Board (student representative)Community ActivitiesAmnesty InternationalCollege/MajorAccepted to NewYork University, pending are Yale, Harvard, Princeton, Columbia,Cornell, Stanford / Economics, Politics, PhilosophyParentsCarolyn Varela

Roberto D. MunozFillmore High SchoolGPA: 4.43School ActivitiesConcert Band (first chair, french horn), Marching Band, Jazz Band, Band Club(treasurer), Cross Country, Drama, Poetry Club, Flashes Go Green Club (treasurer)Community ActivitiesBoy Scouts of America (senior patrol leader, troop guide, Life Scout, Order of theArrow), Lions Club Speaker Contest, Totally Rad (community/high school musical)College/MajorStanford, Harvard, Princeton, UC Berkeley, UCSB, Grinnell / UndecidedParentsJaney and Mike Munoz

Vanessa M. VillaFillmore High SchoolGPA: 4.6School ActivitiesMovimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan, Cinco de Mayo Princess, Band, MarchingBand (drumline), Field Show, Concert Band, MESA, Art Club, UC AmbassadorsCommunity ActivitiesJunior Soroptimist Club, Relay for Life, Conference on Human Trafficking, Summer Play,ArthritisWalk, Bike Path Cleanup, Fashion Show, 1000 Cranes for Peace,College Making it Happen, FHS Beautification DayCollege/MajorUC Santa Cruz, UCSB, University of NewMexico, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, CSU Chico,CSU Fullerton, California Lutheran University / EngineeringParentsNoe and NormaVilla

Alexa Z. ConstantineFoothill Technology High SchoolGPA: 4.44School ActivitiesIntervention Reinforcement Enrichment Program (tutor), Bioscience Academy, NationalHonor Society, Jazz Band (first chair, keyboardist)Community ActivitiesVentura Youth Choir (piano accompanist), Ventura College Singers (soprano soloist),Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra (pianist), Santa Paula Hospital (volunteer)College/MajorUC Berkeley, UCLA, UC San Diego / Music, PhysiologyParentsDawna and Carl Constantine


Alonso PabloCommunity High School

GPA: 2.2School ActivitiesStudent Government, Fundraising, Organizing, School ActivitiesCommunity ActivitiesRecycling at Community High School, Flory Elementary Halloween FairCollege/MajorMoorpark College / ArtParentsFlorinda Pablo

Callie V.WoodsGrace Brethren High School

GPA: 3.95School ActivitiesBasketball (captain), National Honor Society, CSF, National Art Honor Society,ASB (treasurer)Community ActivitiesFeed the Needy (volunteer), First 5 (volunteer)College/MajorStanford, Johns Hopkins University, Cornell University / PsychologyParentsJames and VictoriaWoods

Samantha E. EvansHigh School at Moorpark CollegeGPA: 4.17School ActivitiesMonthly Newsletter (editor/writer), ASG, Drama, Comedy Sportz Improv Team(secretary), Published in 2012 Moorpark College Review Creative Arts MagazineCommunity ActivitiesInteract Youth Rotary Club (president), TreePeople (supervisor/outreach volunteer),Girl Scouts, Boys & Girls Club Youth Poetry Program (founder/leader)College/MajorUniversity of St. Andrews / EnglishParentsPamela and David Evans

Isabel M. SchroeterHigh School at Moorpark College

GPA: 4.19School ActivitiesMoorpark Environmentally Responsible Group Effort, ASGCommunity ActivitiesPangea (volunteer), Agoura Hills Animal Shelter (weekly volunteer)College/MajorUndecided / Environmental ScienceParentsSandra Rayl and Carl Schroeter

Madelyn A. HarrisHillcrest Christian SchoolGPA: 4.67School ActivitiesASB (senior class president), National Honor Society (president), CSF,Yearbook Staff (editor), Film ClassCommunity ActivitiesEmmanuel Presbyterian (short and longtermmission projects). Favorite mission tripwas a weeklong trip to Mexico to run a Vacation Bible School and playwith underprivileged children.College/MajorPepperdine, UCLA, USC, Stanford, CSUN / Film ProductionParentsKim and Matt Harris

Hillary FerrerHueneme High School

GPA: 3.9School ActivitiesPeer Resource, AVIDCommunity ActivitiesSouth Oxnard Branch Library, Heritage Square, Beach Cleanups, Santa to the SeaCollege/MajorUCSB, California Lutheran University / UndecidedParentsHernan and Mildred Ferrer

Justine LegaspiHueneme High School

GPA: 4.5School ActivitiesWater Polo, Swimming, MESA, DramaCommunity ActivitiesNoneCollege/MajorSonoma State University, San Jose State University / UndecidedParentsLeni Legaspi

Rosheil Meara A. RamirezHueneme High School

GPA: 4.36School ActivitiesBasketball, Mock Trial, CSF, Peer Resource, ARFF, MESA, ASBCommunity ActivitiesCalifornia Strawberry Fesitval (volunteer)College/MajorUCLA, UC San Diego, UC Berkeley, UC Irvine / Social SciencesParentsRomel and Sheila Ramirez


Averi JamesFoothill Technology High SchoolGPA: 4.56School ActivitiesBioscience Academy, Intervention Reinforcement and Enrichment Program (mentor),GSA (treasurer)Community ActivitiesLivingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice (hospice volunteer), SantaBarbara Youth Symphony (bassoonist), Equestrian Sports at Spirit Equestrian CentersCollege/MajorUCLA, UC San Diego, UC Davis, UC Berkeley / Biological Sciences, NeuroscienceParentsRandy Kaplan-James

Kimberly A. SchliekelmanMonte Vista School

GPA: 3.4School ActivitiesMonte Vista Student Board (representative)Community ActivitiesNot One More,War Against Heroin, Heroin Sucks, Ride TheWave FoundationCollege/MajorIntercoast College, Oxnard College, Moorpark College / Addiction Studies,Criminal JusticeParentsGary and Vantana Schliekelman

Jeff NiuMoorpark High SchoolGPA: 4.83School ActivitiesFuture Business Leaders of America, CSF, California Youth and Government,Journalism: The Verdict, Gold Post, The Californian, TheWestern ReportCommunity ActivitiesMoorpark Comprehensive Medical Group (intern), Los Robles Hospital and MedicalCenter (volunteer), Moorpark Unified School District Strategic Planning Group(student representative), various service organizations/projectsCollege/MajorColumbia University, University of Pennsylvania,Washington University in St. Louis,UC Berkeley / International Business, BioengineeringParentsQing-Tian Niu and Sharon Lei

Clara Q. ChenMoorpark High SchoolGPA: 4.52School ActivitiesActive Citizens of Today (president), Speech & Debate Club (founder/president),National Honor Society (president), Varsity Tennis (co-captain), Project PRIDE (tutor)Community ActivitiesMoorpark Teen Council, Moorpark Food Pantry, Cantastic! Food Drive, Perfect Pitch!Music Program, Kidspeak, Relay for Life, Conejo Open Space Conservation AgencyCollege/MajorPrinceton / BiologyParentsFaye Chen

Sanjay SiddhantiNewbury Park High SchoolGPA: 4.87School ActivitiesMock Trial, Model United Nations (president), Interact Club (president),National Honor Society (vice president/parliamentarian), Varsity Tennis, CSFCommunity ActivitiesVentura County Public Defender (intern), City of Thousand Oaks Department of PublicWorks (intern), Asha for Education (volunteer webmaster)College/MajorStanford / Computer Science, EngineeringParentsSuresh Siddhanti and Sunita Zalani

SamanthaM. GuhanNewbury Park High SchoolGPA: 4.8School ActivitiesMock Trial (pretrial attorney), Full International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate,Scientific Research including internship at Stanford School of MedicineCommunity ActivitiesLos Robles Hospital Surgery Desk (volunteer), Discovery Center Teen Science Club(president), TEDxConejo (invited speaker, co-chair of organizing committee for YouthConference)College/MajorNorthwestern University - Honors Program in Medical Education / Biology - JointBS/MD ProgramParentsSam and Trupti Guhan

Samantha N. SuggsNewbury Park Adventist AcademyGPA: 4.0School ActivitiesChoir (4 years), Band (10, 12),Volleyball (10), Flag Football (11, 12), Class Secretary(11), Honor Society Pastor (11), Newburians (12), ASB (dorm coordinator, 12)Community ActivitiesThis year I went on a mission trip with my school.We went to Costa Rica and builtclassrooms for a local school. It was great experience. The people were so loving, thework was all worthwhile.College/MajorWallaWalla University / BiologyParentsAda Gutierrez and J.R. Suggs

Nicole M. RestmeyerMoorpark High SchoolGPA: 4.3School ActivitiesFuture Business Leaders of America, Varsity Track & Field,Spanish National Honor Society, Newspaper Staff, CSFCommunity ActivitiesCalifornia YMCAYouth and Government (Conejo Valley delegation),Thousand Oaks Library (volunteer), TheWellness Community (volunteer)College/MajorBrown University, Columbia University, University of Virginia / UndecidedParentsSue and Dan Restmeyer


Elly J. ShaoLa Reina High School

GPA: 4.8School ActivitiesRobotics Club, Art Club, Anime Club, Future Scientists, Literary Magazine,Speech and DebateCommunity ActivitiesGirl Scouts, Piano (tutor), Chinese JeopardyCollege/MajorCaltech / UndecidedParentsLisheng Shao and Qing Chen

Ryley C. SwannerOak Grove SchoolGPA: 4.0School ActivitiesStudent Council, Interscholastic Equestrian League Team (captain), Theater, Ceramics,Digital Design, MusicCommunity ActivitiesOrchard Blossom Farms (equestrian instructor/student rider), Camp Counselor,Besant Meadow Preserve/Restoration Project (volunteer)College/MajorCentre College, Cornell College, UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz, Austin College / UndecidedParentsKrista and Dan Swanner

Nicholas R. PerkinsNordhoff High SchoolGPA: 4.5School ActivitiesVarsity Basketball, Varsity Tennis, Varsity Football, Valedictorian, Interact Club,Seminar Religious Education TeacherCommunity ActivitiesOjai Presbyterian Church Member, Built houses in Tijuana during Spring Break,Church Related community service projectsCollege/MajorStanford / Human BiologyParentsChris and Magda Perkins

Allen M. ColbornNordhoff High SchoolGPA: 4.5School ActivitiesVarsity Baseball (captain, 2 years), Interact Club, Social Justice Club, Chess Club(president), Beauty and the Beast (tech crew), Robotics Engineering Club, Tutor,Associate TeacherCommunity ActivitiesMontalvo Little League (coach/field prep/cashier), Mira Monte Elementary School MathSuperbowl (coach), Boys State, EPIC Engineering Camp, TutoringCollege/MajorUC Berkeley, Rensselaer, University of Rochester, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Stanford,Harvard / Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Math, PhysicsParentsIsaline and Rockey Colborn

LaurenMendozaOak Park IndependentGPA: 4.0School ActivitiesVolleyball (3 years), ASB (publicity commissioner/rally committee manager),Theater ArtsCommunity ActivitiesTrained Eucharistic Minister, Lector and Youth Minister, Holy Cross Parish Youth Choir,currently works 15-20 hours per week at Abercrombie & FitchCollege/MajorCalifornia Lutheran University, Loyola Marymount University, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo,CSU San Marcos / Broadcast Journalism, CommunicationsParentsRay and Jeanine Mendoza

Ashley A. TarkiainenNewbury Park High School

GPA: 4.8School ActivitiesGreater Contribution Club (treasurer), Ultimate Frisbee Club (vice president),National Honor SocietyCommunity ActivitiesWestminster Free Clinic (volunteer), AYSO, Biology and Calculus TutorCollege/MajorPenn State - Jefferson Accelerated Medical Program, Tulane University / BiologyParentsErik and Tracey Tarkiainen

Angela LinOak Park High SchoolGPA: 4.79School ActivitiesAcademic Decathlon Team (captain), Mock Trial, Varsity Tennis (MVP),Red Cross (secretary), Orchestra Club (secretary)Community ActivitiesHomework Tutoring Club, Many Mansions (volunteer, 3 hours/week; 25 weeks/year),English Teacher in Taiwan (80 hours, 2011), Mathnasium)College/MajorUniversity of Chicago, UC Berkeley, University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University,Brown University / Applied MathematicsParentsRu-Jung Chang and Hung-Ren H. Lin

Steffan H. KimOak Park High SchoolGPA: 4.0School ActivitiesGreen Club (president), Orchestra Club (vice president), Academic Decathlon(team captain), Project Green Challenge (campus representative)Community ActivitiesWestminster Free Clinic (student intern), Conejo Valley Youth Orchestra(concertmaster), St. Vincent de Paul Society (volunteer), Discovery Center Teens(secretary), Sunday School (teacher’s assistant)College/MajorUndecided / Biology, Molecular BiologyParentsYong and Soyeon Kim

Allison E. DodsOak Park High School

GPA: 4.58School ActivitiesChinese (various activities), Spanish Club (president), Basketball, CSF, Orchestra ClubCommunity ActivitiesPiano, Chinese Bridge Proficiency Competition, Pizazz Music Camp (volunteer),Westlake Footprints Choir (accompanist), DanceCollege/MajorUC Berkeley / LinguisticsParentsLauren and Jason Dods


Serry ParkOjai Valley SchoolGPA: 4.12School ActivitiesASB (president/representative/community service representative), Dorm Prefect,Musical Chorus, Journalism, Photography, Varsity Soccer (co-captain), Track, JuniorVarsity Volleyball (co-captain/setter)Community ActivitiesTutor (4 years), Best Day Foundation (leader), Invisible Children Schools 4 Schools(leader), Relay for Life (leader, 3 years), Ojai Valley Nursery, rebuilt orphanage inMexico (2009)College/MajorWaiting to hear frommore colleges / Molecular and Cellular Biology, PsychologyParentsAnna and Arnold Park

Alexander VegaOaks Christian High SchoolGPA: 4.69School ActivitiesTheater (actor in 4 dramatic plays, ensemble in 3 musicals),Wind Ensemble (clarinet),Library Committee (book leader), National Honor Society, CreativeWriting Club, TrackCommunity ActivitiesOperation Gratitude, LIFE Animal Rescue (volunteer), Theatricum Botanicum(volunteer), Peer TutorCollege/MajorAccepted to Amherst, Swarthmore, Colgate,Wesleyan, Hamilton,Connecticut College / EnglishParentsJose Vega and Brenda Troche

Brian A. PughOaks Christian High SchoolGPA: 4.71School ActivitiesJazz Band (alto saxophone), Leadership (head prefect), Varsity Tennis (doubles),Advanced Location Photography, Competitive Mathematics, National Honor SocietyCommunity ActivitiesCalvary Community Church Costa Rican Mission Trip, ACTION Christmas Shoppe,Pacific Tennis Club (racquet stringing), Calvary Community Church ISI Small GroupCollege/MajorUC Berkeley, Columbia, Dartmouth / Electrical EngineeringParentsElizabeth and Rich Pugh

Justin P. KarotkinOak View High School

GPA: 4.0School ActivitiesYearbook Staff, Aquarium ClubCommunity ActivitiesVolunteered for Fresh & Easy with my classmatesCollege/MajorUndecided / UndecidedParentsNardi Hueter

Arely HurtadoPacific High School

GPA: 1.9School ActivitiesSchool Board (student representative),Work Experience, Teen Parent LiaisonCommunity ActivitiesElementary School (tutor, 2 years), Youth Group at San Buenaventura MissionCollege/MajorVentura College, Oxnard College / Pediatrics, Child DevelopmentParentsApolonia Vigueras and Joaquin Hurtado

Marissa C. SotoOxnard High SchoolGPA: 4.27School ActivitiesAVID, CSF (class representative), Latino Culture Club (vice president),Drama Department (board member), ASB, Link Crew, Red Cross ClubCommunity ActivitiesMarshall Elementary School’s After School Program (tutor), Camp Serendipity(counselor), AVID (tutor), Santa Clara Soup Kitchen, Celebrate the Child Day,Mackinnon Dance AcademyCollege/MajorCSU Long Beach / Communicative DisordersParentsJuan and Araceli Soto

Katherine B. RiceOxnard High School

GPA: 4.4School ActivitiesMock Trial (lead attorney), ASB (president, 10), CSF (president),Golf (league champion/captain/all-county), Band Boosters, PTSACommunity ActivitiesSanta Clara Church, The First TeeCollege/MajorMorehead State University / Government, EconomicsParentsRoger and Grace Rice

Neal GoletaOxnard High School

GPA: 4.52School ActivitiesMarching Band (drummajor), Jazz Band, Concert Band, Vocal Ensemble, CSF (treasurer)Community ActivitiesMarching Band, Jazz Band andVocal Ensemble community outreach,CROP HungerWalksCollege/MajorNewYork University / Music TechnologyParentsPete and Bridget Goleta


Samantha A. PinsakRio Mesa High SchoolGPA: 4.83School ActivitiesFull International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate, CSF, Red Cross Club, Spartansfor the Cure, Link Crew, Dance Club, Advanced Dance (4 years), Valedictorian CandidateCommunity ActivitiesFriends of the Camarillo Library Bookstore, Camarillo Hospice Farmer’s Market, LasColinas Planter Adoption, Boys and Girls Club (tutor), CAPA Dancer, voice lessons,employee at The Mark-It PlaceCollege/MajorGeorgetown University, USC, Boston College / Economics, Economics/MathematicsParentsCami and Chris Pinsak

Glenn (Geno) E. ArthurRio Mesa High SchoolGPA: 4.67School ActivitiesCross Country (4 years, varsity 3 years, MVP, 2011 Ventura County Champion),Varsity Track & Field (3 years), Red Cross Club (3 years, co-president in grade 12)Community ActivitiesRed Cross of Ventura County (volunteer), Trinity Presbyterian Church of Camarillo(volunteer, more)College/MajorOberlin College / Neuroscience, BiochemistryParentsGlenn and Roxanna Arthur

Elena RoffelRio Mesa High SchoolGPA: 4.5School ActivitiesAmerican Red Cross Club (co-president), CSF (secretary),Varsity Track & Field (shotput/discus), Link Crew (commissioner)Community ActivitiesGirl Scouts, American Red Cross, Camarillo United Methodist Summer Day Camp(volunteer)College/MajorNortheastern University, Tufts University / ChemistryParentsBill and Jennifer Roffel

Nathan L. VoPacifica High School

GPA: 4.5School ActivitiesMESA, TennisCommunity ActivitiesChurch of Christ - Igesia ni Cristo (choir, youth group leader)College/MajorUCSB / UndecidedParentsMinh and Priscilla Vo

Joshua F. GalantiRoyal High SchoolGPA: 4.6School ActivitiesParkourCommunity ActivitiesParkour, Youth and Government, Simi Valley Youth Council, civic engagement,independent activismCollege/MajorAccepted to UCLA and Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, will attend Moorpark College /Communications, Political ScienceParentsMichelle and Francis Galanti

Eduardo OchoaPacifica High SchoolGPA: 4.55School ActivitiesCollege Club, Academic Decathlon, Hero Club, MESA,Parent Teacher Student Association, ASB, CSFCommunity ActivitiesInterface Children & Family Services, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church,American Red Cross, Oxnard Public LibraryCollege/MajorUC Berkeley, UCLA, UCSB / Molecular and Cell Biology, Mathematics/Applied Science,BiochemistryParentsMargarita and Alejandro Ochoa

Lynn LyRoyal High School

GPA: 4.41School ActivitiesFrench Honor Society, CSF, Key Club, Philosophy Club, Science OlympiadCommunity ActivitiesSunrise Senior Homes, Relay for Life, Blues Festival, Simi Valley DaysCollege/MajorUC Berkeley, UCLA, Occidental College, University of the Pacific / BiologyParentsChau Ly and Hien Tang

Sonia MendozaPacifica High School

GPA: 4.65School ActivitiesMESA, Academic Decathlon, College Club, CSF, Chemistry Olympiad (coach / tutor)Community ActivitiesFood Pantry (volunteer)College/MajorUCLA / Business EconomicsParentsLuciano and Florencia Mendoza


Carolyn A. SalasSanta Paula High SchoolGPA: 4.55School ActivitiesVarsity Cheer (captain, 3 years), Varsity Track, National Honor Society (vice president),CSF, AVID, Link CrewCommunity ActivitiesSanta Paula Youth Cheer (coach, 1008+ hours of community service),Briggs 4-H (9 years)College/MajorSan Diego State, San Jose State / Education, MathParentsTony and Irene Salas

Gustavo D. CastilloSanta Paula High SchoolGPA: 4.5School ActivitiesMESA, Key Club (president), National Honor Society, VarsityWrestling, Guitar Club,Ambassadors ClubCommunity ActivitiesAYSO (referee)College/MajorUC Berkeley, UCSB, California Institute of Technology, UCLA / Mechanical Engineering,Envrionmental EngineeringParentsEdith and Gustavo Castillo

Jalen A. MartinSanta Clara High SchoolGPA: 4.24School ActivitiesNational Honor Society, Future Leaders of America, Basketball, Golf, StudentAmbassadors, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Autism Awareness Club, DramaCommunity ActivitiesCommunity Emergency Response Team, CropWalk,Walk for Life, Ventura CountyWinter Shelter, Basketball (referee/coach), Soup KitchenCollege/MajorUC Irvine, UC Davis, Pepperdine / Biology, Biological SciencesParentsElva Lopez and Blair Martin

Haley L.WalinRoyal High School

GPA: 5.0School ActivitiesFrench Club (vice president), French Honor Society, National Honor Society, CSFCommunity ActivitiesSummer Day Camp (counselor), Parks and Recreation (volunteer)College/MajorUCSB, UCLA, UC Berkeley, Stanford, Yale, Columbia / UndecidedParentsGary and BeverlyWalin

Isha PatelSimi Valley High SchoolGPA: 4.68School ActivitiesCSF (president), Varsity Tennis, National Honor Society, Key Club, Interact Club,Vintage Senior Center (volunteer)Community ActivitiesCalifornia Association of Student Councils (Region 7 president), CSU NorthridgeYouth Philharmonic Orchestra (viola), Valley Presbyterian Hospital (volunteer),Udhavi Orphanage in South India (volunteer)College/MajorStanford, UC Berkeley, USC / Social Sciences, Economics, International RelationsParentsIan and Neepa Patel

Katherine NguyenSimi Valley High School

GPA: 4.6School ActivitiesCSF, CSU Northridge PUMP High School ProgramCommunity ActivitiesMedical Clinic (assistant), St. Peter Claver Church Youth Ministry (peer leader),Eucharistic Minister and Altar ServerCollege/MajorUndecided / UndecidedParentsHoang and Hanh Nguyen

Apurva A. GovandeSanta Susana High SchoolGPA: 4.31School ActivitiesInternational Club, Interact Club, Key Club, CSF, Mock Trial, Big Brothers Big SistersCommunity ActivitiesSamaritan Center (volunteer), StillWaters Café (volunteer), Relay for Life,School Festivals, Language Class (teacher’s aide)College/MajorUCLA, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UCSB, Johns Hopkins University, Cornell University,University of the Pacific, CSUN / Biological Sciences, MicrobiologyParentsAtul and Madhavi Govande

Reem A. Abdel-HaqSanta Susana High SchoolGPA: 4.45School ActivitiesKey Club (4 years), CSF (4 years), Interact Club: (3 years, historian in grade 12),International Club (3 years), Muslim Student Association (co-founder/president)Community ActivitiesSimi Valley Hospital (volunteer), Youth Group, MIST (second place video),Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, 300+ community volunteer hours at schooland community fairs, soup kitchens, moreCollege/MajorUC Berkeley, UCLA, UC San Diego / Biological Sciences, NeurologyParentsAli and Lana Abdel-Haq


Christine S. RoeTrinity Pacific Christian SchoolGPA: 3.91School ActivitiesStudent Council (president), Mock Trial (captain), National Honor Society Scholar,Service Club, Photography Club (president/founder), Basketball, Speech Club,Cinematography Club (gaffer)Community ActivitiesFood Share Ministries (volunteer), Lighthouse Bible Church Sunday School (teacher,nursery volunteer), Ventura County Rescue Mission (volunteer), Captured! Photography(photographer), AWANA Sparkies (leader)College/MajorPatrick Henry College, The Masters College / Classical Liberal Arts, EnglishParentsRobert and Jenny Roe

Jenna N.WoosterThousand Oaks High SchoolGPA: 4.56School ActivitiesMarching Band, Concert Band (student librarian), CSF, Rose-Hulman Institute ofTechonology Operation Catapult Engineering Program (attendee, 2011)Community ActivitiesConejo Valley Community Church’s LoveFest for Lilly of the Valley Orphanage andConejo Valley Community Church’s feeding the homeless program, Relay for LifeCollege/MajorUC Davis / Mechanical EngineeringParentsDenise and BillWooster

Jennifer A. SmithThousand Oaks High SchoolGPA: 3.70School ActivitiesMajors Program, Newspaper Staff (editorial/opinion editor), Literary Magazine (editor-in-chief), Varsity Volleyball (2 years), Link Crew, Pay It Forward, Volleyball (manager)Community ActivitiesStagecoach Inn Museum (junior docent, 9 years), National Charity League,WellnessCommunity, Red Cross, Next Chapter Book Club, Club Volleyball (5 years), Teddy BearBrigadeCollege/MajorEmerson College, Dominican University, Creighton University, San Francisco StateUniversity / English, Journalism, CreativeWriting, SpanishParentsJo Ann and Mike Smith

Sumedh S. ShahThousand Oaks High SchoolGPA: 4.0School ActivitiesHealth Science Majors Program, Basketball, National Honor Society, CSF,National Society of High School Scholars, Baseball, French, Debate, QuidditchCommunity ActivitiesBoy Scouts (Eagle Scout), Hospice of the Conejo, Los Robles Hospital (Patient Pal),Dance for Hope, 2011 President’s Volunteer Service AwardWinner,2012 Congressional Award Gold MedalWinnerCollege/MajorPenn State, UC San Diego, UCLA, University of Miami, University of Alabama, Brown,VCU, Kent State / Accelerated Medical Program, Pre-med/Medical, BiologyParentsSucheta S. Shah

Sarah CrestoThe Thacher School

GPA: 4.2School ActivitiesSirWinston Churchill Debate Society, Dorm Prefect, Current Events Club,Environmental Action CommitteeCommunity ActivitiesOjai Creek Cleanup, The Nomad Foundation, Las Patronas AuxiliaryCollege/MajorGeorgetown School of Foreign Service, Stanford / International PoliticsParentsDebora and Michael Cresto

ChristopherW. RaySt. Bonaventure High SchoolGPA: 4.17School ActivitiesSeraph 2 Seraph (tutor), Band, National Honor Society (president), CSF, ChoirCommunity ActivitiesCamarillo Shotokan Karate Dojo (black belt, assistant instructor), Game-21(band’s co-founder)College/MajorStanford, Duke, University of Notre Dame, Northwestern, UCLA, UCSB, UC Berkeley /Bioengineering, BiologyParentsBennett and Randolph Ray

Kyle K. AggarwalSt. Bonaventure High School

GPA: 4.45School ActivitiesMock Trial, Seraph 2 Seraph (tutor), Drama, Knowledge Bowl, Newspaper Staff, Golf,Middle School Outreach, National Honor SocietyCommunity ActivitiesAYSO, Police Athletic League, Ventura Youth Basketball League, AmericanWayCollege/MajorUniversity of Notre Dame, Santa Clara University / Pre-lawParentsSandy and Anil Aggarwal

Jeena K. SandhuSimi Valley High SchoolGPA: 4.64School ActivitiesInternational Club (president/founder), Key Club (secretary), Interact Club (treasurer),CSF, National Honor Society, Cross CountryCommunity ActivitiesSimi Valley Youth Council, Bhangra Dance Team, Ujjaldidar Singh Memorial FoundationPunjabi School, Sikh Youth Speech Competitions, Simi Valley Care Center (volunteer),Aspen Surgery Center (intern), Miss Teen Simi Valley (first runner-up)College/MajorUCLA, UC Berkeley / BiologyParentsDave and Dolly Singh


Joyce ZhangWestlake High SchoolGPA: 4.84School ActivitiesWind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra (first flute), Varsity Swimming (MVP),CSF (president), Red Cross Club (secretary), Amnesty International (treasurer)Community ActivitiesConejo Valley Orchestra (first flute), Ventura County Honor Band, Los Robles Hospital,Conejo Chinese Cultural Association, Vacation Bible School, Sunrise Assisted Living,Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, Thousand Oaks LibraryCollege/MajorMassachusetts Institute of Technology, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego / Chemistry,Pre-MedicineParentsDavid and Cherry Zhang

Haikuo YinWestlake High SchoolGPA: 4.84School ActivitiesMath Club, Physics Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Future Business Leaders of America,Junior Achievement, National Honor Society, Science Olympiad, Skills USACommunity ActivitiesThousand Oaks Teen Advisory League, Summer Reading Club,Colina Middle School (music teacher)College/MajorUC Berkeley, UC San Diego, Carnegie Mellon University / Electrical Engineering,Computer ScienceParentsDesheng Yin and Shuilizun Yu

Kevin S. ChianWestlake High SchoolGPA: 4.8School ActivitiesJunior Achievement, Future Business Leaders of America, Science Olympiad,Mu Alpha Theta, SkillsUSA, Math Club, Swimming,Wind EnsembleCommunity ActivitiesThousand Oaks Teen Advisory League, National Honor Society, Thousand OaksChinese School (teacher assistant), Vacation Bible School (group leader),Los Robles Hospital (volunteer)College/MajorUC Berkeley, UC San Diego, UCLA, Rice University / Computer Engineering,Business AdministrationParentsRulin Qian and Cynthia Lu

Michael R.WhalenVillanova Preparatory High SchoolGPA: 4.5School ActivitiesMock Trial (witness/lawyer/clerk/defender, 4 years), Soccer (mid-fielder, 4 years),Tennis (doubles partner, 4 years)Community ActivitiesI have worked at In-n-Out since the summer before my Junior year,donate blood at least 3 times a year, occasionally serve at a soup kitchenand have lectored/altar served at our parish for yearsCollege/MajorStanford / Computer ScienceParentsMichael and SheilaWhalen

Lauren RehbeinVentura High SchoolGPA: 4.0School ActivitiesDance Team (captain), Dive Team, National Honor Society (vice president), Key Club(treasurer),Wind Ensemble, UCSB Apprentice Researchers Internship, Academic Decathlon,FIRST Robotics, Drama, Phoenix TriathlonCommunity ActivitiesCommunity Corp., Caregivers, Relay for Life, Heal the Beach, City of Ventura SailingProgram, Festival of Talent, Reader’s Faire, Discovery Day, Serve Day, Ventura CollegestudentCollege/MajorUC Berkeley, University of Miami / BiologyParentsKatherine and Rudy Rehbein

Anna GuascoVentura High SchoolGPA: 4.6School ActivitiesDiscovery Day (co-Director), Key Club (secretary), CSF, National Honor Society,Heal the Beach (public relations director)Community ActivitiesVentura Eco-Renewal (founder), Paso Pacifico (volunteer intern),Channel Islands National Park (guide)College/MajorBowdoin College, Brown, Carleton,Whitman, UC Berkeley / Undecided,Environmental Studies, International StudiesParentsSusan Lascher and Matthew Guasco

Rebecca L. BernardVentura High SchoolGPA: 4.7School ActivitiesVarsity Softball, Heal the Beach, Key Club, National Honor Society, CSF, Yearbook Staff,California Girls State Delegate (2011), Reader’s Fair, Discovery DayCommunity ActivitiesBest Day Foundation, Volunteer Junior Lifeguard Assistant, Relay for Life,Senior Citizen Prom, Travel SoftballCollege/MajorUC Davis, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, UCSB, UC San Diego, University of Hawaii at Manoa,Tulane, California Lutheran University / Biological SciencesParentsKaren and Scott Bernard

Kathryn G. IlligVentura County Christian SchoolGPA: 3.9School ActivitiesDrama Class, Student Government, Teacher’s Assistant, AP Calculus, Volleyball,Basketball, Principal’s Award, Honor Roll (4 years), Top of ClassCommunity ActivitiesHorizon Foursquare Church (400+ hours of community service),Community Memorial Hospital (100+ hours), TutoringCollege/MajorAzusa Pacific University / NursingParentsKevin and Stacy Illig



The Scholarship Fund for Ventura County

Staking our children’sfuture is one of the bestinvestments we can make

Today’s student leaders are our county’s leaders of tomorrow.

That’s why the Ventura County Community Foundation’s ScholarshipFund for Ventura County annually awards financial aid to top students atevery high school in the county.

Businesses, individuals, foundations and nonprofits give generously tothe Scholarship Fund for Ventura County at VCCF, which provides everydollar of financial aid awarded through the Ventura County Star ScholarsProgram.

By harnessing donations from the community, VCCF stewards nearly100 scholarship funds and looks forward to awarding $1.2 million infinancial aid this spring.

Want to learn more about VCCF scholarships? Visit www.vccf.org/scholarships or call (805) 988-0196.

Or join us in this good work.

■ To start a scholarship fund at VCCF, contact Jerusha Schmalzel [email protected] or phone (805) 988-0196, Ext. 132.

■ To donate to the Scholarship Fund for Ventura County,contact Lindsay Smith at [email protected]. (805) 988-0196, Ext. 115.

Some of our pastJulius Gius Scholarship

Winners

ThenGPA: 4.57Moorpark High SchoolParents: Haw-Renn and Faye Chen

NowAlthough originally planning on going to MIT,Angela Chen opted for Harvard. Angela is asenior at Harvard and majoring in physics. Hermother, Faye Chen, said Angela plans to dograduate work and seek a PhD. Regarding the$5,000 Julius Gius Scholarship she said, thescholarship was especially helpful to see Angelathrough her freshman year. In 2011, Angelainterned in England and spent three weeksbackpacking solo through Europe.

Angela Q. Chen2008Winner

Sne Kanji2011Winner

ThenGPA: 4.3Rio Mesa High SchoolParents: Shantidas and Malti Kanji

NowSne is at UCLA and can’t express howmuchthe scholarship has helped her this year. Notonly was it further motivation to keep workinghard, but it helped her cover initial costs of theyear. “To have been awarded the Julius Giusscholarship was an amazing gift, emotionallyand financially for me. Thank you for it.”

We’re a full service retail flower shop specializing in weddingsand events, and we do day of wedding coordinating!

star scholar

Documents

mu alpha theta

model united nations

bonaventure high schoolgpa

los robles hospital

national honor society

vacation bible school

community activitiesboy scouts

uc san diego