Westview’s NJROTC Competes with Top Dogs
This year, Westview NJROTC has worked themselves tirelessly in order to compete with the top dogs of Area 11. With almost 15 hours a week of practice time for the competition teams, Westview NJROTC’s dedication has paid off with a first place win at almost every event. Whether its between their many marksmanship wins that span from Coronado High School Marksmanship to Chaffey High School Marksmanship, or their two field meet wins at El Camino Real and Orange Glenn, the NJROTC has showed that hard work pays off.
Principal Accepts Blue Ribbon Award
Principal Deanne McLaughlin accepted the U.S. Department of Education’s Blue Ribbon Award for Los Peñasquitos Elementary School at a conference and awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. in November. The Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools that are either high-performing or have improved student achievement to high levels, especially among disadvantaged students. Each year since 1982, the U.S. Department of Education has sought out schools where students attain and maintain high academic goals, including those that beat the odds. PUSD now has 15 schools recognized as Blue Ribbon Schools, including: Bernardo Heights Middle (2000), Black Mountain Middle (1991, 2000), Chaparral Elementary (1992, 2001), Meadowbrook Middle (1985, 2000), Mesa Verde Middle (2000), Morning Creek Elementary (1994), Mt. Carmel High (1989, 2000), Park Village Elementary (2001), Pomerado Elementary (1990), Poway High (1991), Rancho Bernardo High (2000), Twin Peaks Middle (1984, 1991, 2000), Sundance Elementary (1988) and Westwood Elementary (2001).
Trails Receive Face Lift Thanks to Eagle Scout Three trail heads at the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve recently received a face lift thanks to Tyler Quackenbush of BSA Troop 642. Tyler’s Eagle Scout Project consisted of constructing and installing four wooden “trash can enclosures” at each location. The wooden boxes were created to cover the 55 gallon trash and recycling cans which had been vandalized and become an eyesore. Covered in dog-eared ceder planks, each box resembles a small fenced enclosure, standing roughly three-and-a-half feet tall. The project was funded through donations from the Friends of Peñasquitos Canyon, the Peñasquitos Town Council, Lowes, Home Depot, and money raised through a fundraiser held at Golden Spoon in 92129. Over 100 man-hours from members of the community poured into planning and completing the project. facebook.com/92129magazine
PQ’s Rachele Dusa Helps Needy Students
An 11-year-old Rancho Peñasquitos student has made it her project to help needy elementary children in the Philippines. Rachele Dusa started the community service project when she was 10 after her maternal grandfather, Jess Vasallo, told her of his vision to help the children at the Caingan School in the Philippines. She learned of the needs of the school – located in a poor neighborhood – and felt the immediate need to assist. She enlisted the help of her relatives and friends from her Girl Scout Troop 8422. Collection of school supplies was just the beginning of her quest to enable the children at the school to have a higher quality of life in and out of the school environment. Because of her outreach to these disadvantaged children, Rachele has received a plethora of recognition. The Rancho Peñasquitos Town Council selected her to receive an award presented to students who excel in community service. Shortly after that honor, Rachele was among 200 out of 37,000 nominees nationwide who received a $1,000 college scholarship from the Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program. “I was excited and didn’t know what to say,” Rachele said when she learned that she had won a scholarship for her community service. “From feeding the homeless at a local shelter, collecting goods for the less fortunate, or volunteering time at a community garden, these kids are making a huge impact on communities nationwide,” said Julie Gardner, Kohl’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “We are inspired by their stories and are thrilled to recognize their service.” Since 2001, Kohl’s has recognized more than 13,000 youth volunteers and distributed more than $2.6 million in scholarships and prizes. For details, go to www.kohlskids.com.
PQ Resident Launches New Medical Service
Audrey Miranda – a long time 92129 resident – recently launched a new medical service. QodeMed, a San Diego based mobile healthcare service, launched its innovative product in the San Diego region. QodeMed is a subscription based online program that utilizes individual QR codes to provide first responders with rapid access to vital medical information. It utilizes widely accepted QR reader technology. Information is entered and updated via a user name and password secured website providing various levels of access determined by the subscriber. The site is accessible by a variety of Tablet or SmartPhone platforms including iPhone, Android and Blackberry. ER doctors say that 90% of diagnosing a patient in an emergency situation is having access to information. 60 million Americans have a medical condition that can be a life or death situation if not communicated to emergency medical personnel. In an emergency, first responders require certain medical knowledge such as pre-existing medical conditions, current medications, allergies, or aspirin dosage before they can confidently begin treatment. QodeMed enables first responders to locate, scan and access this critical information – whether at home, at an accident or even at a retirement community – within minutes via their Smartphone or Tablet, assisting them in making rapid, better informed care decisions. For additional information or to sign up for the service, visit www.qodemed.com.
February | March 2012
92129 Magazine
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