EYE ON EDUCATION A Publication of the Paramount Unified School District
15110 CALIFORNIA AVE., PARAMOUNT, CA 90723 • TEL: 562-602-6000 • FAX: 562-634-6029
FEBRUARY 2008
Notre Dame offers PHS senior a FULL RIDE Scholarship For senior Raul Gutierrez, education at Paramount High has been as rigorous as it has been gratifying. Recently, Raul was the recipient of a four-year scholarship to the prestigious University of Notre Dame, in Indiana. This scholarship was awarded to Raul by the QuestBridge Organization, which is a non-profit program that links intelligent, motivated low income students with educational and scholarship opportunities at some of the nation’s best colleges. Only twelve applicants from the United States received the scholarship in addition to acceptance from Norte Dame. Raul started the application process in September and submitted it in October. It was a time-consuming process that challenged his time management skills. He was informed about the QuestBridge scholarship program through a letter that he received in the mail from the organization. During the month of November, while he was eagerly awaiting notification from the organization, he also applied to four UC’s and four Cal-States. On November 30, while other students submitted their applications, Raul received an
email from the organization stating that he was a finalist. The levels of excitement had reached its peak, but they were about to erupt when a couple of days later he received a phone call from a representative at Notre Dame. The representative said that he had received acceptance to the university and that he would not have to worry about the money. In addition, through QuestBridge he applied to Stanford, Yale, and Princeton; but he will receive notification from them later. Raul plans on majoring in electrical engineering with emphasis on computer hardware. Raul doesn’t intend on limiting himself to only one major. Despite the fact that electrical engineering is an intense major, he would like to minor in mathematics. Even though he has received acceptance to Notre Dame and has a guaranteed admission at one of the UC’s, his first choice is the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena which is highly known for being the university with high-quality engineering, math, and science programs. Furthermore, he hopes of one day being a part of technology’s exponential growing
Raul Gutierrez recipient of a full ride fouryear scholarship to the University of Notre Dame.
rate. But before doing so he must attain a Ph.D. in electrical engineering and hopes to one day work for the Intel Corporation. According to Raul being recognized by Questbridge is the ultimate reward for his painstaking efforts and Paramount High school and his community. He attributes his hard work to his dream of going somewhere in life while still fulfilling his responsibility to his family. As the only male in his household he states, “I have to
really weigh in my options because I have a huge responsibility to stay at home to take care of my family”. He is currently in the top 1% ranking at Paramount High School and has exhausted out what the school has to offer, in regard to its AP and honors classes. Raul thanks his teachers, family, counselors, and all who helped him achieve this success and he states, “I was always told that if I worked hard, good things would happen. I’m glad that people didn’t lie to me”. Raul has found this particular quote of being a source of inspiration, “According to aerodynamic laws, the bumblebee cannot fly. Its body weight is not the right proportion to its wingspan. Ignoring these laws, the bee flies anyway.” (M. Sainte-Lague). He strongly believes that no one can deny a person from following his/her dreams; and despite the stereotypes, challenges, and surroundings, a person will succeed because it has what the bumblebee has, “Ganas” (The will). Felipe Hernandez 12th Grade Student PHS
Did you say Shopping Spree! Several students from various Paramount Unified School District schools were blessed by the generous spirit of the Rotary Club of Paramount this holiday season. Students and family members met with Paramount Rotarians bright and early at the JC Penney department store located at Lakewood Center Mall to embark on a shopping spree sponsored by the Rotary Club of Paramount. JC Penney’s opened early for the children and the adults who accompanied them. Students were allowed to fill several shopping bags full of much-needed clothing and toys. Harry Wirtz was one of the lucky schools chosen to send four lucky students to the Lakewood Mall store for a shopping spree. J e r e m i a h H erron, a third grader at Wirtz School, was recently interviewed about his experience, by Ms. Hartel, a teacher at Wirtz School.
Q: Who came with you to lady. Paramount Rotary and J.C. J.C. Penney’s on your special Penney’s, the big, big store, for day? all the toys and clothes. A: Jeovannie, my little brother, and my Aunt Tina. We had a Q: Thank you. lot of fun. A: You’re welcome. Q: What fun did you *A special thanks to the have? Rotary Club of Paramount who A: Getting new shoes. I have made this memorable experience them on. They’re Sketchers. possible.* Q: Wow! They’re fancy; black, silver, and gold. What else did you get? A: I got boots for church, a blue and white shirt with backto-back stripes, Lakers pajamas, some new white shirts, and two pairs of pants. I helped my Aunt Tina carry all the stuff. Q: Is there anyone you’d like to thank? A: The lady in the office [Julie Rutledge]; she is a nice
Stacy Hartel 3 Grade Teacher Wirtz School Jeremiah, younger brother Jeovannie and rd
their aunt Tina during their shopping spree.
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING DATES February 12, 2008 – February 26, 2008 Board of Education meetings are held at 6:00 p.m. in the Boardroom at the District Office, 15110 California Avenue, Paramount, and are open to the public