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Students at the Olive Crest NOVA charter school earn college credits

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NOVA Students

Editor’s Note: This is the second in our series of articles about charter schools in Santa Ana.

The Olive Crest NOVA charter school works in partnership with Olive Crest, Santa Ana Unified School District and Santa Ana College (SAC), which means that the Olive Crest Academy students receive both high school and college credits.  NOVA is one of 60 schools awarded by the US News and World Report to receive the 2010 Bronze Medal for the Best High Schools in California.

There are many exciting new additions in the NOVA instructional program for the 2012-2013 school year, including: Continue reading→

Bravo’s top chef star Fabio Viviani to cook at Olive Crest’s Spring Fundraiser

Posted on by Posted in Charities, Entertainment, Orange County, Restaurants, Youth Activities Leave a comment

OLIVE CREST WELCOMES BRAVO TV’S TOP CHEF STAR FABIO VIVIANI TO ITS HIGHLY ANTICIPATED SPRING FUNDRAISER AND GOURMET-FOOD TASTING, HARVESTING HOPE FOR THE OLIVE CREST KIDS ON SATURDAY, MARCH 19, 2011

Mike Donnelly, President of Ralphs Grocery Company, Returns as Honorary Chair while Debbie Ferrée, Vice Chairman and Chief Merchandising Officer of DSW Inc., and Christi Haley Stover, CEO, Platinum Resource Group, Serve as Event Co-Chairs, Along with Grocery Industry Committee Co-Chairs Mickie Sharp-Villanueva, Vice President / Warehouse Beverage, Hansen Beverage Company, and Chuck Balassa, Regional Business Manager, Nestlé Direct Store Delivery

Orange County philanthropists will enjoy the sweet smell—and taste—of fundraising success when they gather for an evening of gourmet food prepared by Top Chef star Fabio Viviani during the popular springtime fundraising event, Harvesting Hope for the Olive Crest Kids.

The fourth annual Harvesting Hope will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2011, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., at Big Canyon Country Club in Newport Beach. The evening’s centerpiece event will be a gourmet Chefs’ Presentation, where Chef Fabio, a fan favorite on Bravo TV’s Top Chef, will prepare one of his signature Italian specialties. In addition, the event’s festivities will include gourmet culinary stations, ranging from a Bertolli Olive Oil-hosted station to a cupcake tasting table from Casey’s Cupcakes; the chance to taste and savor fine wine with admission to a Premier tasting room, available for an additional charge; luxury-themed silent and live auctions; and music by DJ Trey Jarvis, who will also serve as auctioneer for the night.

Individual tickets for $195 (or individual tickets with Premier Tasting for $220) and sponsorships ranging from $1,000–$20,000 are now available at www.olivecrest.org/hhk. Sponsors already on board are: Ralphs Grocery Company as the Presenting Sponsor, DSW and Kylie Schuyler and Douglas Hodge and Family as Gourmand Sponsors, and Duane and Kelly Roberts as an Epicurean Sponsor. Other participating sponsors include Bertolli Olive Oil, Rutan & Tucker, LLC, Merrill Lynch, The Frome Family Foundation, Willis Insurance Services and Crevier BMW/Mini.

All proceeds will benefit Olive Crest’s Project Independence, a transitional living program that provides safe and affordable housing, builds a support network and teaches essential life skills to foster youth, 15–24 years of age, to help them become independent and successful adults. Project Independence changes lives by providing a sense of family through counseling and mentors. One of the highlights of the Harvesting Hope evening will be a moving presentation by young people who have personally benefited from Project Independence.

“Harvesting Hope is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a fantastic evening while doing truly great things for the young people served by Olive Crest,” says Donald Verleur, CEO of Olive Crest. “Project Independence changes lives by providing a sense of family—and I’m happy to welcome all the extended members of the Olive Crest family to this celebratory event.”

Last year’s Harvesting Hope event raised more than $240,000 for Olive Crest. This year’s event is expected to be just as successful under the guidance of honorary chair Mike Donnelly, President of Ralphs Grocery Company; event co-chairs Debbie Ferrée, Vice Chairman and Chief Merchandising Officer of DSW Inc. and Christi Haley Stover, CEO of Platinum Resource Group; and grocery industry committee co-chairs Mickie Sharp-Villanueva, Vice President/ Warehouse Beverage, Hansen Beverage Company; and Chuck Balassa, Regional Business Manager, Nestlé Direct Store Delivery.

Harvesting Hope for the Olive Crest Kids is made possible by the hard work of two volunteer committees who work hand-in-hand to bring the evening to fruition—the Event Committee and the Grocery Industry Committee. Event Committee members include: Darrel Anderson, retired, Knott-Anderson Enterprises; Mark Anderson, TrueNorth International; Tiffany Ashland, Trabuco Canyon philanthropist; Lorraine Bader, Seven Gables North; Steve Bernardy, Merrill Lynch; Dan Brussell, WCH Group; Paul Cannon, Goodrich, Thomas, Cannon & Reeds, LLP; Justis Cook Charay, Don & Sons; Pati Cinkle, Alar Staffing Corp.; Lawrence Henry, Union Bank; Nate Kuchera, Coast Capital Group; Jeff Mathews, Arden Limited Partnership; Mike Mattos, enCards; Marcy McKenna, Simply Solved Innovations; William Meehan, Rutan & Tucker, LLP; John Melbon, USI Insurance Services; Cindi Morales, Newport Beach philanthropist; Lisa Neal, Rutan & Tucker, LLP; Bill Neavel, T.D. Service Financial Corporation; Kelly Neavel, The Giardinelli Law Group, APC; Paul Nienow, NIENOW & TIERNEY, LLP; Glenn Nishibayashi, University of California, Los Angeles; Kylie Schuyler, Newport Beach philanthropist; Terri Sjodin, Sjodin Communications; Sarah Swee, AECOM; Leslie Wulff, Surfside community leader; and Jennifer Young, Platinum Resource Group.

The Grocery Industry Committee members are: Mary Armstrong, Fresh Dairy Direct; Allan Baum, Rowen Sales & Marketing LLC; Blake Buckley, Winery Exchange; Vic Chiono, Coca-Cola Refreshments; Paul Christianson, Christianson West, LLC; Bob Paul, ARSG Merchandising; Brianne Van Scotter, Hobert-Walters, Inc.; and Dave Van Winkle, The Performance Group.

Bravo TV’s Top Chef All Stars Season 8 competitor and Top Chef Season 5 “Fan Favorite” Fabio Viviani is the owner of Café Firenze in Moorpark, California and Firenze Osteria in Toluca Lake, California. Born and raised in Florence, Italy, Chef Fabio has traveled across Europe and is trained in classic Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. He is the author of Café Firenze Cookbook, Mangia e Bevi, penned with business partner and best pal since the age of 12, Jacopo Falleni; his next cookbook, My Son is On Google, Recipes & Memories from an Italian Mom, is due out in the fall of 2012.

All Harvesting Hope guests will receive a specially designed DSW tote filled with gifts to remember the evening by, including copies of Chef Viviani’s favorite recipes; a bottle of Bertolli Olive Oil; and a cornucopia of gourmet food and beverage items courtesy of the grocery industry sponsors.

Individuals and companies who would like to participate as sponsors or donors can contact Olive Crest’s Tina Fuertes at 714-543-5437 ext. 1184 or tina-fuertes@olivecrest.org.

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Media Contacts

Alison Hill 714.444.9731, ext. 201, alison@currentpr.com

About Olive Crest

Since 1973, Olive Crest has transformed the lives of over 50,000 abused, neglected, and at-risk children and their families. We work tirelessly to meet the individual needs of kids in crisis by providing safe homes, counseling, and education for both youth and parents. Our many innovative programs reflect our conviction that strengthening the family is one of the most powerful ways to help heal children. With unwavering compassion, the Olive Crest family maintains a lifelong commitment to the youth and families we serve even after they have graduated from our programs.

Olive Crest serves nearly 1,000 children and families each day throughout California, Nevada, and the Pacific Northwest. For information call 1-800-550-CHILD (2445) or visit www.olivecrest.org.

Olive Crest launches its first K-12 independent study program for homeschool students

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OLIVE CREST LAUNCHES ITS FIRST K-12 INDEPENDENT STUDY PROGRAM FOR HOMESCHOOL STUDENTS IN ORANGE AND RIVERSIDE COUNTIES

Interested Students and Parents Can Attend a Family Information Night on Monday, August 23 at 6:30 PM

Olive Crest’s Orange County Office: 2130 East 4th Street, Santa Ana

Olive Crest, whose NOVA Academy in Santa Ana was recently awarded a 2010 Bronze Medal by U.S. News and World Report in their rankings of the Best High Schools in California. announces the formation of a new educational program for home schoolers residing in Orange and Riverside Counties. Olive Crest Academy K-12 Independent Study Program will launch this fall for the 2010-2011 school year.

For more information, please call Olive Crest at (714) 543-5437 and select option 7. Leave a message and your call will be returned within 24 hours.

Olive Crest Academy K-12 Independent Study Program is the latest of many education-themed programs sponsored by Olive Crest, which was founded by Dr. Donald Verleur and his wife, Lois Verleur, in 1973. The innovative program will give families the option of having students attend an on-site classroom two days a week, with the other three days spent learning at home. Alternatively, students may choose to spend all five days a week utilizing the homeschooling option. The Orange County on-site classrooms will be located at Olive Crest headquarters in Santa Ana (address above); there will also be on-site classes held in Temecula.

In either case, a credentialed teacher will assist families in creating an individualized curriculum that meets the needs of each student; preparing lesson plans; and scheduling. High school students can take advantage of the Early College High School Program, earning college credits while attending high school.

An education through the Independent Study Program includes:

• Experienced, professional, and compassionate staff committed to students’ individual needs

• Regular review and evaluation with a credentialed teacher regarding your individualized student plan

• Math and writing small group tutorials

• Enrichment activities including art, music and sports programs

• Computer-based educational programs

• Annual standardized testing

• College tours

• Concurrent transferable units at a local community college

• Graduation ceremony for Kindergarten, 8th and 12th grades

“Olive Crest is interested in serving families with various needs, and we feel that this program will do just that,” says Olive Crest ISP principal Jesse Leyva, who has been a principal for 15 years and is a five-year veteran of the ISP school model. “In the traditional environment, there are some kids who are not allowed to work at an accelerated pace and others who are hurried; we plan to be sensitive and accommodating to both. We believe in serving kids from all backgrounds and doing so in a loving and caring manner.”

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Olive Crest’s Nova Academy now enrolling for the Fall 2010 semester

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OLIVE CREST’S NOVA ACADEMY, RECENTLY NAMED ONE OF THE BEST HIGH SCHOOLS IN CALIFORNIA BY U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT, NOW REGISTERING STUDENTS FOR FALL SEMESTER

With small classes, personalized attention and the opportunity to take college courses, NOVA helps all students—including at-risk teens—excel in high school

Parents and students invited to learn more about the benefits of NOVA and tour the campus during an Open House on Monday evening, August 9th at 6:30pm

Olive Crest’s NOVA Academy, recently awarded a 2010 Bronze Medal by U.S. News and World Report in their rankings of the Best High Schools in California, is currently registering students for the Fall 2010 semester. Students ages 14– 20 can register to enter grades 9 through 12; school begins on August 30, 2010. Families are invited to:

  • Pick up an application at the NOVA offices at 2609 W. 5th Street, Santa Ana between the hours of 7:30am and 2:00pm; OR
  • Call 714.569.0948 to request that an application be mailed to them; OR
  • Attend an Open House on Monday, August 9th at 6:30pm at the NOVA campus on 5th Street (applications will be available at the meeting).

NOVA Academy is an Early College High School that offers unique opportunities to teens who are not only committed to succeeding in their high school careers, but also want a chance to take college courses as well. These include teens from low-income families, those who will be the first in their families to graduate from high school or college, and at-risk kids. NOVA Academy is the first early college high school (ECHS) model in the country—and currently the only one in Orange County—to address the unique learning, emotional and financial issues of these students The school provides individualized support to assist the students through the complicated college application process. NOVA ECHS serves students in grades 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th.

With 206 students total (2009-10), NOVA is able to offer small classes, personalized attention, extensive teacher involvement, a bilingual English-Spanish environment, and complete financial support to help kids excel in school. NOVA students can begin taking college classes as early as the second semester of their 9th grade year, and also have the opportunity to begin vocational courses. The costs of college tuition and books are completely covered by NOVA.

Founded by Dr. Donald Verleur, a leader in education for at-risk youth and the founder of acclaimed nonprofit Olive Crest, NOVA is funded in part with a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation through the Foundation for California Community Colleges.

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Media Contact @ CurrentPR

Alison Hill 714.444.9731, ext. 201, alison@currentpr.com

Olive Crest’s NOVA Academy wins the Pimco 2010 Excellence Award

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State Senator Lou Correa with NOVA Academy Valedictorian Ashley Cadena

PIMCO OF NEWPORT BEACH AWARDS OLIVE CREST’S NOVA ACADEMY

WITH PIMCO FOUNDATION’S “EXCELLENCE AWARD 2010,”

INCLUDING $25,000 GRANT TO THE ACCLAIMED EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

Amid Tears and Triumphs at NOVA’s Graduation Ceremony, PIMCO Exec
Surprises NOVA’s Staff and Students with the Award, Citing NOVA’s
Commitment to Improving the Lives of Its Students and the Community at Large

 NOVA Presents PIMCO with the School’s “Soaring Eagle” Trophy, Praising

PIMCO’s Generous Donation of Time and Talent in Creating and Teaching

“Tools for Tomorrow” Life Skills Class for NOVA’s At-Risk Teens

Adding a dramatic surprise to an afternoon filled with triumph and emotion, PIMCO executive Mark Porterfield announced during the graduation ceremonies of Olive Crest’s NOVA Academy Early College High School that the PIMCO Foundation was awarding NOVA its “Excellence Award 2010,” including a $25,000 grant to the acclaimed charter school for at-risk teens.

“We at PIMCO have been extraordinarily impressed with the work being done at NOVA Academy to educate, motivate and inspire at-risk students to go on to lead productive and thoughtful lives,” said Porterfield, executive vice president and head of PIMCO’s media and public affairs activities. “The school’s mission is exactly in keeping with the PIMCO Foundation’s goal to reward organizations that improve the quality of life in our communities around the world.”

The PIMCO Foundation is the charitable arm of the Newport Beach-based money management firm PIMCO. The PIMCO Foundation is committed to making communities better, stronger and healthier places to live, learn and work by investing in organizations that empower people globally to reach the long-term goal of living sustainable, rewarding and responsible lives.

Astonished NOVA faculty, staff and students gave PIMCO a rousing and lengthy round of applause following Porterfield’s announcement.

Dr. Dennis Eastman, NOVA Academy Principal, Mark Porterfield, Executive Vice President and head of PIMCO’s Media and Public Affairs Activities, Dr. Donald Verleur, Olive Crest and NOVA Academy Founder, Sarah Middleton, PIMCO Manager, Community Outreach, and Jason Tockey, PIMCO Foundation Administrator

PIMCO has worked closely with NOVA students throughout the school year: PIMCO executives created and taught the invaluable “Tools for Tomorrow” life skills class that educated the teens about financial planning and preparing to live independently.

During the graduation ceremonies, Olive Crest and NOVA founder Dr. Donald Verleur presented PIMCO with the school’s “Soaring Eagle” trophy, in recognition of PIMCO’s generous donation of time and talent to the school and its students.

 “It’s difficult to express the depth of our gratitude to PIMCO for all that they have done for our students throughout this school year—and now for this astoundingly generous award and donation!” said Verleur. “The wonderful people at PIMCO have taught NOVA students so much about financial responsibility, and today they’ve also provided a fantastic example of visionary leadership and social conscience. We will put the PIMCO Foundation’s donation to immediate good use in educating new generations of responsible and wise young adults.”

NOVA Academy founder Dr. Donald Verleur, NOVA Salutatorian Jose Benitez, Javier Mier, Chairman of the Board at the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and President of the Mier Benefit Group

During the afternoon ceremony, 22 NOVA seniors graduated from the school—many of them, including Salutatorian Jose Benitez, becoming the first in their families to graduate from high school.

“This was an incredibly exciting day for me and for my family,” said Benitez, who will attend CSUF in the fall. “NOVA made a huge difference not only in my life, but in the lives of my parents, who are so proud to see me become the first high school graduate in the family.”

Valedictorian Ashley Cadena graduated with a dual high school degree and her AA degree from Santa Ana College. She will attend California State University, Long Beach in the fall, majoring in Kinesiology.

“It was a real honor to represent my fellow students as valedictorian—this was a day I’ll never forget,” said Cadena. “My years at NOVA gave me the chance to grow and stretch myself, and accomplish even more than I thought was possible. Thank you, NOVA!”

Keynote speaker Dr. Juan Francisco Lara, the retired Assistant Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Services at UC Irvine, offered an entertaining and inspiring bilingual English-Spanish address in which he exhorted students to get rid of los cucuys, aka “the monsters under your bed,” and pursue your dreams.

Another inspiring speaker was California State Senator Lou Correa (Orange County), who flew down from Sacramento specifically to present Ashley Cadena with her dual valedictorian and AA stoles. 

Other VIPS in attendance included:  Pastor Dan de Leon, Templo Calvario; Mavis Mitchell, Charter School Financial Services Coordinator for the Santa Ana Unified School District; Sarah Middleton, PIMCO Manager, Community Outreach; Javier Mier, Chairman of the Board at the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and President of the Mier Benefit Group; Enrique Perez, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Education Services for the Rancho Santiago Community College District; and Jason Tockey, PIMCO Foundation Administrator.

NOVA Principal Dr. Dennis Eastman conferred the diplomas on NOVA’s graduates.

“This was a red-letter day for all of us at NOVA,” said Eastman. “I’m so proud of our 22 graduates and all that they have achieved personally and academically during their years here. These kids have overcome the kind of obstacles that would stop many adults, and they have done it with tenacity, commitment and good humor. I’m sad to see them leave, but so excited about the opportunities that lie before them.”

Students at NOVA are at-risk teens, many of whom are currently in foster care; NOVA, which received a bronze medal from U.S. News & World Report in 2009, is the only Early College High School in the country specializing in the particular needs of at-risk and foster teens.  “Tools for Tomorrow,” which was led by PIMCO’s Howard Chan, Chris Kemp, Erika Lowe, Sarah Middleton, Nishant Upadhyay and Matt Woods, is a life skills class that teaches students the value of smart financial habits, including banking, saving, investing, and buying insurance.

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Media Contact

Alison Hill, 714.444.9731, ext. 201, alison@currentpr.com

About NOVA Academy

In 2005, Donald and Lois Verleur, founders of Olive Crest, had a vision. That vision was to create a learning environment where students are empowered to develop self-sufficiency and a sense of pride in their academic success. NOVA Academy is the realization of this vision. There are several benefits of attending NOVA, which is designed to promote a culture of high academic performance and encourages logical and critical thinking. As a charter school that works in partnership with Olive Crest, Santa Ana Unified School District, and Santa Ana College (SAC,) NOVA students receive both high school and college credits. Students may begin attending courses at Santa Ana College as early as the second semester of their ninth grade year and also have the opportunity to participate in vocational programs.  Students focus on individualized learning and develop career plans with the assistance of NOVA staff. NOVA Academy ECHS strives to provide each and every student with a complete education designed to fit their needs.

NOVA is currently accepting registrations for the fall 2010 semester.  For more information on the school and how to apply, please contact Dr. Dennis Eastman or Nina Coull at 714-569-0948 or visit nova www.nova-academy.org.

About PIMCO

PIMCO is a global investment management firm that was founded in Southern California in 1971. The firm serves an array of clients and manages retirement and other assets that reach more than 8 million people in the U.S. and millions more around the world. Our clients include state, municipal, union and private sector pension and retirement plans, educational, foundations, endowments, philanthropic and healthcare institutions, individual and investment saving

accounts, public sector reserve management and other public entities in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. PIMCO has more than 1,200 employees. In addition to its headquarters in Newport Beach, California, the firm has offices in Amsterdam, Hong Kong, London, Munich, New York City, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto and Zurich.

 PIMCO is owned by Allianz S.E., a global insurance conglomerate.

Olive Crest Safe Families program results in a happy ending at Saddleback Church

Posted on by Posted in Charities, Churches and Religion, homeless, Housing, Orange County, Santa Ana, Women, Working Families 1 Comment

A BRAND-NEW “BLIND SIDE” STORY TAKES PLACE IN THE O.C., AS OLIVE CREST’S SAFE FAMILIES PROGRAM BRINGS TOGETHER
A FAMILY IN NEED WITH A FAMILY WHO CARES

The Sheffield Family of East Orange, Members of Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church, Take in 17-Year-Old “Kyle” During a Time of Temporary Crisis

SANTA ANA – It sounds like a re-creation of “The Blind Side,” the Oscar-nominated Sandra Bullock film about a wealthy Memphis family that takes in a homeless teen (and outstanding athlete) from the wrong side of town. But in this case, the story is unfolding right in Orange County, California—and the teen’s mom is not a drug addict, as in the film, but a devoted single parent who wants the best for her son, even if for the moment she can’t provide it herself.

In the West Coast “Blind Side” story, Chrissy and Peter Sheffield of East Orange fill the roles played by Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw in the film. Before this all began, the Sheffields already had a full life and a full house. They own and run Platinum Container, Inc. in La Habra. They’re busy raising three kids: 18-year-old Tony, who attends Santiago Community College; 11-year-old Mia; and six-year-old Nate. They attend Saddleback Church, and take to heart pastor Rick Warren’s mandate: “You want to see it, then be it.”

So when the Sheffields learned about the Safe Families program coordinated by Olive Crest of Santa Ana, they knew they wanted to “see it” at Saddleback Church—and that they would “be it” by becoming a Safe Family and opening their home to a family in crisis. Continue reading→

Nova Academy Early College High School’s Open House set for March 22

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Santa Ana’s Nova Academy Early College High School, which serves students from the 8th to the 11th grades, is having an Open House on March 22, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at their campus, which is located at 2609 W. 5th St., in Santa Ana.  Refreshments will be served.  Parents are invited!

As a charter school that works in partnership with Olive Crest, Santa Ana Unified School District and Santa Ana College (SAC), NOVA students receive both high school and college credits. Click here to read more about the educational programs* and admission requirements.

Students begin attending courses at Santa Ana College as early as the 10th grade and have the opportunity to begin vocational courses. The 11th and 12th grades (and 13th if needed) will focus on individualized learning and career plans developed by NOVA staff.

Some of the features of this award-winning charter school include: Continue reading→

Vons donates $15,000 to Olive Crest, to help foster youth

Posted on by Posted in Charities, Janet Nguyen, Santa Ana, Youth Activities Leave a comment

OCBTMVons

Left to right:  Orange County Board of Supervisor Janet Nguyen joins Olive Crest founders Lois and Dr. Donald Verleur as they accept a check for $15,000 for its Bellflower Family Resource Center from Vons Vice President of Retail Marketing Gary Rocheleau and his family, son Dalton, and wife Bernice

Contact: Carlos Illingworth, Vons Public Affairs
(626) 821-7031 or (626) 367-0786

MEDIA ADVISORY
December 15, 2009

OLIVE CREST RECEIVES $15,000 TO HELP FOSTER YOUTH

WHAT: Olive Crest, a non profit organization committed to preventing child abuse, will receive a $15,000 grant from The Vons Foundation to support the organization’s Bellflower Family Resource Center, which provides food vouchers, bus passes and other essential services to foster children and their families. Continue reading→

Nova Academy’s 2009 Career Day featured Assemblyman Jose Solorio

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Eastman and Solorio

 Dennis Eastman, Nova Academy principal and Assemblyman Jose Solorio

Santa Ana’s Nova Academy held a very successful Career Day on Oct. 27.  Assemblyman Jose Solorio stopped by to make opening remarks.  Then the students heard from numerous professionals in breakout sessions leading up to lunch.

Nova’s students are on a dual educational path that includes both college and high school simultaneously. The idea behind their Career Day was to help them to prepare a career by listening, first hand, to individuals with experience in that career field.

Speakers included doctors, lawyers, a forensic lab specialist, and other area professionals.  Below are a few pictures from the event: Continue reading→