Saratoga News

On Campus

Student scores a perfect 800

Seventh-grader Allan Chu of The Harker School scored a perfect 800 in math and a 640 in verbal in the most recent SAT I test.

Chu, son of Ken and Chi Chu of Saratoga, is in the 99th percentile for math and the 88th percentile for verbal compared to national and state college-bound seniors.

Unsung heroes sought locally

Youth Focus Inc. recently announced the launch of its 10th annual Santa Clara County "Salute to Youth" program. The group is accepting nominees between the ages of 9 and 21 who reside in Santa Clara County and attend school in the county.

Students can be nominated by any youth or community agency, service or fraternal organization or county or city agency, as well as by ministers, teachers, coaches or school counselors.

Nominees are considered based on a single act of accomplishment or a long history of achievement or community service that is significant and sets them apart from the norm.

A student can be nominated in one of more than 16 categories, and finalists will be announced March 27 at the Three Flames Restaurant. Finalists in each category will receive a $100 savings bond, a resolution of commendation from legislators and a medallion for their achievement.

The deadline for nominees is March 9 at 5 p.m. For an application, call 298-2644.

Awards announced by local DAR group

The Los Gatos Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution recently recognized several Sacred Heart School students and teachers. Barbara Kirkland was named outstanding teacher, student Sarah Nadler was given the DAR Good Citizenship award and students Kristen Bartlett and Jennifer Lin both received DAR Good Citizen awards.

Community college fees slashed by $1

Students taking courses at West Valley College will soon pay $1 less per semester unit. Fees will drop from $13 to $12 per unit beginning this fall, thanks to the Affordability Act of 1997 (AB 1318), signed by Gov. Wilson late last year.

The bill also ensures the fees will not increase in the 1999-2000 school year and that the fee decrease affects all students for the 1998-99 school year.

Arthritis Foundation needs volunteers

The Arthritis Foundation's Northern California Chapter is looking for volunteers to help teach children about arthritis using nearly life-size puppets. The puppets, part of a troupe called Kids on the Block, are used to teach children how to accept and understand others who are different than themselves.

The foundation offers free volunteer training on the second Wednesday of each month from 6 to 8 p.m. at Parents Helping Parents in Santa Clara. Full training is provided, and volunteers do not need previous experience. For more information, call the Arthritis Foundation at 727-7557.

Saratoga students sought for exchange program

The city of Saratoga and the Saratoga Sister City Organization are seeking about five students from Saratoga to visit the city's sister city, Muko-Shi in Japan, as Sister City student ambassadors.

The students would stay in host families' homes from July 28 to Aug. 18 and must be able to pay round-trip airfare. Students' families be also willing to host a Muko-Shi student.

Saratoga students will be selected based on compatibility as well as their scholastic and other achievements and interests. Each selected exchange student will receive a $300 scholarship. Students are not required to speak Japanese and will be given classes in Japanese culture, language, customs and cuisine.

Those interested need to fill out an application. A personal interview with the applicants and their families will also be required before the final selection is made. For more information, call Joan Gomersall at 996-8050 or Yosh Okada at 867-3141. Applications must be received by May 1.

SHS student wins speech contest

The Saratoga Lions Club recently announced that Saratoga High School student Jennifer Chin won the 1998 Lions High School speech contest.

Chin, a senior, is now eligible to compete regionally, and, if successful, would progress to the state and national levels for cash and scholarship awards from the Lions.

This year's national-level topic is the pros and cons of censoring the Internet as a protection for children.

Entries accepted for Youth Hall of Fame

The 21st annual Santa Clara County Youth Hall of Fame has begun accepting entries from high school seniors. A total of $7,600 in educational scholarships is expected to be awarded to finalists.

Students will be judged on community service and contributions, school achievements and activities, leadership roles and family life activities. Any graduating senior from a public or private school in Santa Clara County is eligible to apply.

Winners will be announced on May 13. Among the 20 finalists, a male and female will each be designated a youth ambassador and will receive a $1,500 scholarship. Male and female alternates will be chosen for first- through fourth-place prizes and receive scholarships ranging from $400 to $200. Ten fifth-place alternates will be selected to receive $100 scholarships. One student will also be selected most inspirational and receive a $500 scholarship, and five achievement awards will be given to outstanding students, with each receiving a $100 scholarship.

Completed applications must be received by March 13 at 5 p.m. For more information and an application, contact Suzette Galloway at 298-2644.

[ Back to Contents Page | Saratoga News Home Page | Archives ]