College Bound Seniors: Bakersfield.com

Local high school student recipient of national scholarship

Bakersfield – The National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society, Southern California & Nevada Chapter, is giving more than $1 million in scholarships to students around the country this year. More than 800 applications were submitted nationwide, and one local high school student, Liberty High School’s Cameron Califf, was chosen to receive one of the awards. Califf was honored during a ceremony at Liberty High held on World MS Day, May 25.

Califf, who is graduating this year with a 4.5 GPA, will be receiving $1,000 from the Society and plans to attend the University of Southern California where he will major in Mechanical Engineering. He said he chose USC because of its reputation and because of everything the school has to offer. “USC has everything a college would want—a successful football team, strong academics, and the fact that it is located in the heart of L.A., so there will always be something to do,” he explained.

Besides receiving the scholarship last Wednesday, Califf was also recognized for being at the top of his class (and earning the highest GPA possible in the Kern High School District). He was also involved with the school newspaper, The Revolution, and was on the “We the People” constitutional debate team, which went to state in February. But his achievements go beyond past the classroom; he has also been instrumental in raising multiple sclerosis awareness in Kern County.

In 2009, Califf was chosen as “Youth Volunteer of the Year” for the entire Southern California & Nevada Chapter, which serves 20,000 living with MS. He was honored for two projects he completed for the National MS Society as he was trying to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout – the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts. He designed and created 10 signs that have been (and will continue to be) used during Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week in Bakersfield. Califf also designed and constructed a “Wall of Honorees” so the Bakersfield office can publicly recognize those who have made generous donations, those who are top fundraisers, and those local volunteers who have received honors from the Chapter. Because of his accomplishments, he was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout at a ceremony on May 29.

Califf chose to do his Eagle Scout project for the Society because of his mother, who was diagnosed in 1997. “She became involved with the MS Society in 2002 and because of her close connections, I have also had the privilege of working with them,” he said. “I am just glad that I could help out and help try to find a cure for MS.”

Every year, the National MS Society awards scholarships to high school students with a connection with MS. Last year, Paige Brock, a Frontier High School student living with MS, along with Bakersfield Christian High School’s Siobhan O’Rourke, the daughter of a Bakersfield woman who has MS, received the scholarships.

About Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis interrupts the flow of information between the brain and the body and it stops people from moving. Every hour in the United States, someone is newly diagnosed with MS, an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are moving us closer to a world free of MS. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with more than twice as many women as men being diagnosed with the disease. MS affects more than 400,000 people in the U.S., and 2.1 million worldwide.

About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

MS stops people from moving. The National MS Society exists to make sure it doesn’t. We help each person address the challenges of living with MS. In 2010 alone, through our national office and 50-state network of chapters, we devoted $159 million to programs and services that improved the lives of more than one million people. To move us closer to a world free of MS, the Society also invested $37 million to support 325 new and ongoing research projects around the world. We are people who want to do something about MS NOW. Join the movement at nationalMSsociety.org.

Local High School Students receive scholarships from Assistance League

Assistance League of Bakersfield has awarded $6,000 in scholarships to seven graduating high school students. the scholarships are based upon academic achievement, leadership, financial need, and community service.

The recipients are:
Jordyn Francisco, Ridgeview High School

Amanda Chaves, Highland High School

Alyssa Medina, McFarland High School

Michael Perez, Shafter High School

Daniel Torres, McFarland High School

Anais Perales, McFarland High School

Giovanna Martinez, McFarland High School

The scholarships are funded by the Assistance League Dean and Adah Gay Scholarship Fund.

Founded in 1956, Assistance League of Bakersfield is a non-profit, all volunteer organization. The scholarship program is one of five philanthropic programs that Assistance League provides to our communituy.

For more information about Assistance League of Bakersfield, please contact us at: 661.323.0838.

college bound student

I am proud to announce my daughter, Megan Ann Frye will be graduating

from North High School 2010 with several honors and high GPA, continuing

on for college at the Bakersfield College this Fall, and plans to graduate

from there and transfer to Cal Poli, Ca. to become an architect. She has

been on the North High Cheerleaders, worked with teachers as students

community service, tutors students, and now is working at Faast Pharmacy

as a cashier. I am a proud mom, including dad in heaven, brother is Marines/Medic

and sister who all love and support her. Way to GO! Love, mom

American Idol contestant Jim Ranger in Concert

American Idol contestant Jim Ranger in Concert

Friday, February 19 @ 7pm
at New Life Center located at 4201 Stine Road Bakersfield, CA 93313

This will be a FREE concert that you will

not want to miss!

AESC California Chapter awards Scholarships

The following students have been awarded Scholarships by the California Chapter of the Association of Energy Services Companies (AESC).

New awards were issued to; Alexis Cannon- Coalinga High School will attend Cal State, San Marcos. Amylia Pounds- Liberty High School will attend UC Davis. Breanna McAulay- Taft High School will attend Bakersfield College. Megan Brimm- Liberty High School will attend San Francisco State. Cody Barrett- Foothill High School will attend Bakersfield College. Cherrity Ahrens- Liberty High School will attend Cal Poly, SLO. Monique Gremaud- St. Bonaventure (Ventura) High School will attend Pace University in New York. Carlos Pelayo- Golden Valley High School will attend USC. Katie Hannah- Frontier High School will attend Rogue Community College in Oregon. Christopher Whitaker- Centennial High School will attend Point Loma Nazarene University. James Fields- Righetti High School (Santa Maria) will attend Fresno State. Stevie Hughey- Frontier High School will attend Boise State University. Lucia Martinez is attending Stanford University. Taylor Atkins- Fillmore High School will attend UCLA.

Continuing students receiving renewal awards are; Jamie Beasely- Cal State Bakersfield. Janett Garcia- Cal Lutheran University (Thousand Oaks). Daniel Palmer- Cal Baptist University (Riverside).

AESC Scholarships are made available to all dependents of employees of member companies of the AESC. Scholarship recipients are selected based on GPA, SAT scores, Class Rank, Community Service and Activities, and a written essay.

The Association of Energy Services Companies is an international asscociation comprised of companies and individuals providing essential services and products to the oil and gas industry.

CCAPW Scholarship Deadline Approaching

Deadline for submission of application and required documents is May 15, 2009. All documents must be postmarked by May 15, 2009.

Central California Asian Pacific Women announces scholarships are available for the 2009-2010 academic year. The purpose of the scholarship awards is to provide financial assistance to Asian and Pacific Islander women residing in Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced or Tulare Counties. The selection criteria include academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and financial need. Applicants may be entering, continuing undergraduate, or re-entry students in a college or university. Special awards are also available for students studying in the areas of health, business, or early childhood education.

Announcement of recipients will be made on or around July 1, 2009. The awards will be presented on Saturday, July 25, 2009 in Fresno, exact location to be announced. For more information about CCAPW please see: www.ccapw.org.

Application forms may be obtained by email: rmerzoian@sbcglobal.net

BC opens registration as one study lauds affordability, another highlights enrollment crisis

Whether you are starting or continuing your college education, planning to switch careers, or looking into ways to improve your job skills, Bakersfield College has classes and programs designed to fit your needs and your lifestyle at a very affordable price. Open registration for Spring 2009 classes began Wednesday and classes begin on January 20, 2009.

Course options at Bakersfield College include day, evening, weekend, online and television classes. Bakersfield College has three dedicated campuses which make education convenient for students across the southern valley: Panorama Campus, Delano Center Campus and the Weill Institute. The College also operates satellite facilities at Stockdale High School in southwest Bakersfield, at the Olive Drive Training Center in northwest Bakersfield, at the WESTEC (Westside Energy Services Training and Education Center) facility in Shafter, and in Arvin, a community 23 miles southeast of Bakersfield. A complete list of available Spring 2009 classes and locations where they are offered can be found online at bakersfieldcollege.edu.

The National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education study Measuring Up 2008 released on December 2 gave an overall flunking grade to the affordability of higher education across the country, and California’s passing grade was only as a result of the community colleges’ affordable fees. Fees for California residents to attend Bakersfield College are only $20 per unit and financial aid is available for those who qualify.

“In the current economic climate of California and the country as a whole, people are going to look for affordable ways to improve their careers prospects,” said Dr. Greg Chamberlain, president of Bakersfield College. “Bakersfield College provides our community with an affordable option for higher education and career training that is convenient for a working student’s schedule. We’re pleased that this was recognized in a national study.”

Bakersfield College has a nearly 100-year history of serving the community in times of crisis. As the current joblessness rate climbs, so does the college’s enrollment tally, which crested 18,000 students for the first time in the College's 95-year history. Coupled with the recently-announced enrollment cap at the state’s California State University system, Bakersfield College’s enrollment is expected to increase as the economy dips toward recession.

In a separate study released by Community College Week on December 1, Bakersfield College ranks number 8 in a national study of fastest-growing public two-year colleges with enrollments 10,000 or higher, at a rate of 9.8 percent from Fall 2006 to Fall 2007. Three other California community colleges appear in the top seven on the list.

“We know, and expect, our enrollment to increase dramatically. It’s almost as though our enrollment is an excellent predictor and indicator of recession,” explained Chamberlain. “We watch for sudden spikes in enrollment which indicate more people are seeking alternative career paths to pursue because of employment crises in their field.”

Also factoring into the struggles that Bakersfield College will face for the Spring 2009 semester is the looming budget cut to community colleges statewide. These cuts will most likely affect programs and services already being offered to students. The College, however, has worked to establish a reserve to carry through difficult economic times and delays in passing state budgets.

“Budget stalemates and cuts are inevitable in California,” said Tom Burke, chief financial officer for the Kern Community College District, which serves three colleges including Bakersfield College. “We set our watches by them. But this time we have a financial reserve that helped us bridge the three months that it took for the legislature to pass the budget. Our Kern Community College District board of trustees established that reserve following the last budget crisis to carry us through difficult periods.”

The reserve is what kept Bakersfield College among a select few community colleges in California which did not have to borrow money to make payroll or pay bills while the state budget was deadlocked in Sacramento. The reserve also allowed the college to pay out financial aid to students who qualified while the disbursements awaited a passed state budget.

“The fact is that the California legislation was unable to get a budget together and it is not fair to our students to be penalized for their lack of ability to pass a budget,” said Burke. “It was vital to the District and our board of trustees that students were able to continue with their education without any financial surprises during the course of the semester.”

While the College works to meet the needs of students during an economic crisis, students continue to enroll for classes at a growing rate. Before open registration began on December 3, the College had already met 45 percent of its enrollment goal. Registration for priority students and special populations started in mid-November. As of the close of business on December 2, the College had more than 7,300 students already registered for classes.

“This spike in registration numbers is expected,” said Chamberlain. “Where it will end we just don’t know. I wouldn’t be surprised if Bakersfield College had more than 20,000 students in the next year or so.”

With the influx of students, the availability of courses is expected to decrease. Bakersfield College encourages students to register for classes as soon as they are ready and to prepare to take classes in non-traditional hours such as evenings. Waiting to register increases a student’s chances of finding the classes they are interested in closed. Students can call 395-4301 for help with admission, 395-4421 for a meeting with a counselor and 395-4427 for financial aid.

Free Computer Training

Kern Assistive Technology Center has partner with COMPTIA to offer local individuals who qualify to receive free comptuer training. The Creating Futures program is offered locally through KATC thanks to a relationship the Center has with other Community Technology Centers around the country. Creating Futures provides IT career opportunities to individuals with disabilities; at-risk youth; transitioning military personnel, and dislocated workers worldwide. The program works with employers to identify their hiring needs, then tailors education and training programs to help individuals obtain the skills employers are looking for.

The Creating Futures program is offering the following online courses to Creating Futures candidates

§ CompTIA A+

§ CompTIA Network+

§ CompTIA Server+

§ CompTIA Security+

Individuals interested in obtaining online training should contact Kern Assistive Technology Center to register. Candidate applications will be screened and selected applications will be notified. Training and certification vouchers are at no cost to those applicants that qualify and have been selected to participate in the online training program. Individuals will be provided free access to the internet at Kern Assistive Technology Center. Only candidates dedicated to complete the online training with 90 days and take the certification exam within 2 weeks of completing training will be allowed to participate. For more information or to obtain an application call 852-3291.

Gregory Ryan Bailey

Gregory Ryan Bailey
Graduating Stockdale High School
Attending California State University Long Beach

Geoffrey Becker

Geoffrey Becker will be graduating from Foothill High School. We are so proud that he was accepted into the Smittcamp Family Honors College at Fresno State. He will be pursuing a Civil Engineering major.

Ellen Goes to the Beach

Congratulations to Ellen Bartling - completing her studies at Stockdale HS and heading to UCSB's College of Creative Studies.

Kaitlyn Anderson

Kaitlyn will graduate this week form Nueva High School in Lamont. She will attend New York University on a scholarship for Music Engineering and Technology, with plans to become a Music Engineer.

Natalia Garcia

Natalia will graduate this week from Nueva High School in Lamont. She will attend Bakersfield College in the fall on the way to the rest of her life!

Fernando Lugo

Fernando will graduate this week from Nueva High School in Lamont. He plans to attend Bakersfield College this fall in pursuit of a Bachelor's Degree.

Prescilla Hernandez

Prescilla will graduate this week from Nueva High School in Lamont. She will attend Bakersfield College in the fall on her way to becoming a Correctional Officer.

Jessica Olmedo

Jessica is graduating this week from Nueva High School in Lamont. She will enroll at Bakersfield College in the fall, beginning her journey to become a pediatrician.

Berenice Ortiz

Berenice will graduate from Nueva High School in Lamont this week. She will attend Bakersfield College in the Fall and pursue her dream of getting a Bachelor's Degree.

Adriana Fabian

Adriana will graduate from Nueva High School in Lamont, and attend Bakersfield College in the Fall to begin her Animal Care studies to become a veterinarian.

Naseem Alfaqeh

Naseem is graduating from Nueva High School in Lamont, and plans to attend Bakersfield College in the fall. She will major in Liberal Studies to become a teacher.

Marlon Garcia

Marlon will graduate from Nueva High School in Lamont, and will be attending Bakersfield College with a concentration in Culinary Arts.

Nathan Speirs

Nathan Speirs, of North High, will attend Brigham Young University.

Olivia Morales

Olivia Morales, of Stockdale High, will attend UC, Santa Cruz.

Briana Muñoz-Flores

Briana Muñoz-Flores, of East Bakersfield High, will attend UCLA.

Courtney Rene Nicholas

Courtney Rene Nicholas, of Centennnial High, will attend Cal Poly, SLO.

Laura Niavez

Laura Niavez, of East Bakersfield High, will attend UCLA.

Breanna Norwood

Breanna Norwood, of Stockdale High, will attend CSUB.

Priscilla Pacheco

Priscilla Pacheco, of South High, will attend BC.

Alberto Panchi

Alterto Panchi, of Taft Union High, will attend CSUB.

Courtney Parker

Courtney Parker, of South High, will attend CSUB.

Branda Peña

Brenda Peña, of South High, will attend CSUB.

Ryan Perez

Ryan Perez, of Liberty High, will attend Cal Poly, SLO.

Thomas J. Person

Thomas J. Person, of Highland High, will attend Oregon State University.

Ashleigh Phillips

Ashleigh Phillips, of Ridgeview High, will attend Cal State, Fullerton.

Erika Quiroz

Erika Quiroz, of Foothill High, will attend UC, Santa Cruz.

Katie Ramey

Katie Ramey, of South High, will attend CSUB.

Stephen Real

Stephen Real, of Garces Memorial High, will attend University of Arizona.

Carl Reyes

Carl Reyes, of East Bakersfield High, will attend CSU, Chico.

Peter William Rivera

Peter William Rivera, of Bakersgfield Christian High, will attend CSUB.

Emily Rodino

Emily Rodino, of Garces Memorial High, will attend San Jose State University.

Crystal Rodriguez

Crystal Rodriguez, of East Bakersfield High, will attend UC, Davis.

Gabriela Rodriguez

Gabriela Rodriguez, of East Bakersfield High, will attend CSUB.

Jesus Rodriguez

Jesus Rodriguez, of South High,. will attend UCLA.

Candice Romero

Candice Romero, of Highland High, will attend BC.

Dominick Matthew Romero

Dominick Matthew Romero, of South High, will attend BC.

Daniel Root

Daniel Root, of Garces Memorial High, will attend University of San Diego.

Alejandra Rubio

Alejandra Rubio, of South High, will attend UCSB.

Brett Rymer

Brett Rymer, of Liberty High, will attend Arizona State University.

Noor Saba

Noor Saba, of South High, will attend Cal Poly, SLO.

Amanda Scales

Amanda Scales, of West High, will attend UC ,Davis.

Tej Singh

Tej Singh, of South High, will attend UCSB.