Point Loma student earns National Merit honor
Jeffrey Kosmo of Point Loma was recently recognized as a 2008 National Merit Commended Student, placing in the top 5 percent of 1.4 million students who entered the competition.
The National Merit Scholarship Program is a nationwide academic competition that began in 1955.
Students who meet the standards of the preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship qualifying test are recognized or awarded scholarships.
The program offers four types of scholarships through the program, which include the merit scholarship, the corporate-sponsored merit scholarship, the college-sponsored merit scholarship and the special scholarships.
As a commended student, Kosmo received a letter of commendation for his academic excellence and is eligible to receive special scholarships, which are corporate and business sponsored. Kosmo is a senior at St. Augustine High School in North Park.
For more information about the National Merit Scholarship Program, visit www.nationalmerit.org.
Correia wins education grant for technology
The Cox Kids Foundation has awarded 15 middle schools throughout San Diego County a total of $59,000 in “Innovation in Education” grants, including a Point Loma campus.
The money will be used to promote education, purchase new equipment and materials and create or build upon classroom projects.
Correia Middle School was awarded $5,000 for a technology program that enables teachers and students to complete homework and correspond through PowerPoint software.
The Cox Kids Foundation is a community outreach program sponsored by Cox Communications. Cox employees donate funds from their paychecks to the foundation and the company matches the donations 100 percent.
For more information about the Cox Kids Foundation, visit www.cox.com/sandiego/community/ckf/.
Point Loman earns hostelling award
Don Schroeder of Point Loma received the Monroe and Isabel Smith Award on Nov. 10 for his dedication to hostelling. The award is Hostelling International USA’s highest honor.
Schroeder has been involved with the San Diego Council of Hostelling International for more than 20 years and served as president for the organization in the ’90s, according to Sue Schaffner, executive director for Hostelling International USA, San Diego Council.
The award serves as a lifetime achievement award for those who have influenced hostelling at a local, regional and national level, according to Schaffner. It is named in honor of Isabel and Monroe Smith, founders of American Youth Hostels, now Hostelling International USA.
“He (Schroeder) gives up his Christmas every year for our organization,” said Schaffner.
Every year, Schroeder leads a six-day, 400-mile Christmas bike trip around southern San Diego, herding 80 to 100 bicyclists and helping provide appropriate accommodations for the bikers at the end of a long day.
Hostelling International is a nonprofit membership organization that was founded in 1934. The San Diego Council operates two hostels and also provides cultural education programs. For more information, contact Hostelling International, San Diego at (619) 338-9981.
Former PLHS student tapped as bank manager
Michelle Streeter, a former Point Loma High School student, will be the new branch manager at First Bank’s Kearny Mesa office.
Streeter has more than 25 years’ experience in banking and attended Chapman University in San Diego. She is also a graduate of the LEAD San Diego program and has an array of memberships in organizations throughout San Diego.
Her new responsibilities include managing customer service, marketing, business development, sales, and budget projection.
OB, Pt. Loma seniors earn National Merit honors
Emily Hill and T.J. Warwick of Point Loma and Liz Ahern of Ocean Beach ” all seniors at Francis Parker School ” have been recognized in the 2008 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Hill was recognized as part of the College Board’s National Hispanic Recognition Program, which acknowledges the academic achievements of Hispanic high school seniors, according to organizers.
Ahern was selected as a semifinalist in the 2008 National Merit Scholarship competition, along with Hill. Semifinalists are the top-scoring students in the preliminary SAT and the National Merit Scholarship qualifying test in their state. As semifinalists, Ahern and Hill have the opportunity to advance to the finals and receive scholarships.
Warwick was recognized as a National Merit Student, receiving a letter of commendation and placing in the top 5 percent of 1.4 million students who entered the competition. As a Merit Student, Warwick also has the opportunity to receive scholarships sponsored by businesses and corporations.
For more information about the National Merit Scholarship Program, visit www.nationalmerit.org.
Historic chapel at Liberty Station to host tours
The historic Navy North Chapel at Liberty Station in Point Loma was recently restored and will be open for tours on Saturday, Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 29 from 9 to 11 a.m.
The chapel was built in 1942 and was restored by C.W. Clark, Inc.
It now features an updated sound system that is available for musical events, concerts, weddings, memorial services and other nondenominational events.
People who attend the tours will enjoy the sound of the original Rogers pipe organ and the sight of stained glass and hand-carved pews.
For more information, visit www.thenorthchapel.com or send an email to [email protected].