FOUNDATION FOCUS #2 2007-2008

The Fremont Union High Schools Foundation would like to congratulate the 2007 Outstanding Student honorees.

THE ANNUAL RECOGNITION DINNER FOR THESE OUTSTANDING STUDENTS
WILL BE ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7TH AT THE HISTORIC DEL MONTE BUILDING. PLEASE VISIT CALL 408-773-1218 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Every year, the Foundation honors one student from each high school chosen by the faculty and administration for their exceptional achievements both academically and personally. These students are true inspirations throughout the District.

STEPHAN MITCHELL - Alternative Programs 
Stephan Mitchell came to Fremont High School four years ago as a freshman in Special Education.  Stephan is now a senior.  He possesses a great spirit which conveys to others what it really means to be a Fremont Firebird, both in the classroom and around campus, as well as in uniform on the football field during a game. To Stephan, having a learning disability didn’t equal limitations — it means persistence and not giving up.

MELISSA KO - Cupertino High School
Melissa Ko is a remarkable young woman and is a very caring person who puts others before herself.  Melissa is academically outstanding; in fact, she’s a National Merit Semi-Finalist, and is earning straight A’s in a host of honors and Advanced Placement classes.  Melissa lost her mom to breast cancer when she was in middle school and about a year ago, her father suffered a severe stroke.  Melissa now is the only person in her family who can drive; she takes her dad and sister to all of their appointments and errands and is still at school everyday excelling.  Melissa has had to endure and overcome more than most teens and she has done it well, with grace and a smile.

ASHLEY NOVOSAD - Fremont High School
Ashley Novosad is a Fremont High School senior, an ASB leader, a two-sport athlete and currently receives A’s and B’s in her classes.  After experiencing instability in her home life during elementary and middles schools, Ashley became the first emancipated minor in the state of California for 2006.  As an emancipated minor functioning as a true adult, Ashley comes to school at 7:30am every morning, plays sports after school, then goes to work.  She works 30 hours per week that usually leaves 10 or 11pm-1am as the prime studying hours.  And yet, she never complains.  She is grateful and hopeful, planning a future at a local college—Cal Berkeley, Santa Clara or one of our local state schools. 

TRAVIS KENYON- Homestead High School
Travis Kenyon’s enthusiasm for learning is an inspiration to staff and students at Homestead High School.  Travis has achieved his high school goals and aspirations despite many hardships and has never allowed his disabilities to stand in his way.  Throughout his high school career, Travis has maintained a new perfect academic record, earning a 3.8 GPA and has also earned several Green and White awards for excellence in PE, choir, and English.  After high school, Travis would like to pursue either a career working with computers or in an area that would allow him to showcase his musical talents. 

ERIC SURPRENANT - Lynbrook High School
Eric is by nature a hard worker and intelligent, but had never experienced the academic success that he could reassure himself with.  He was diagnosed with a learning disability and he recognized the need to tell teachers how he learns best.  With help from supportive teachers and staff, he has also learned about who he is as a learner and what he needs to be successful.  Eric also credits his participation and accomplishments in sports as helping him become more confident.  Eric is an inspiring example of how one can soar over life’s obstacles, both on the field and in the classroom.

KENTA AKAOGI- Monta Vista High School
Kenta is probably one of the most phenomenal clarinetists that our band directors have ever heard, and certainly the best they have ever had as a student.  He has been involved in All County Honor Band for the past 3 years, has made All State Honor Band 2 of those years, and last year made the top band and sat as the 3rd best high school clarinetist in the State.  He recently auditioned and made the San Francisco Youth Symphony Orchestra, which is an incredible accomplishment since there are only 4 clarinet spots available. This young man is one in a million with a great head on his shoulders and without question, Kenta will be doing great things in the music world when he graduates from college.