Grants and Camps, AAUW Celebrates Young Women's Achievements
Submitted by S. Lucacher
(L-R), Front row: Rachel Liao(Joaquin Moraga Middle), Andrea Tamminga ( Orinda Intermediate), Rosealinda Carrillo (St. Mary's College) Back row: Katie Wikler (Stanley Intermediate), Molly Howland (Campolindo High), Brenna Casey (Miramonte High), speaker Karen Ramorino, PhD (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) Jenny Reich (Acalanes High)
Photo K. De Groot
On April 21, The American Association of University Women (AAUW) gathered with parents and friends to celebrate the achievements and drive of 7 remarkable students. One young woman from each high schools (Acalanes Campolindo and Miramonte), and one from St Mary's told the impressed audience about the achievements that had brought them the recognition of the group. Three from the local middle schools students talked about their interest in science.
The high school and college seniors were offered a scholarship. The Acalanes 2009 graduating senior was Jenny Reich. School principal, John Nickerson, states, "Jenny is a well-rounded student who maintains a top GPA while taking a rigorous course load." Reich's most impressing achievement was how, for her Girl Scout Gold Award project, she sponsored legislation in the California State Assembly to broaden the high school modern world history curriculum for Africa, Asia and Latin America.
The 2009 Campolindo recipient was Molly Howland, whose record shows A's in every course. Her Campolindo counselor comments that Molly is an "academic powerhouse and has taken almost every advanced course the school offers." Her current passions are those of neuroscience and psychology. In her essay she stated that she would like to pursue study and research about the human brain in order to improve the lives of many people.
Brenna Casey was the Miramonte recipient. At Miramonte High School, she is the Student Body President and Varsity Cheerleading Captain. She participates in and has held offices in the Orinda Teen Advisory Council over the last six years. At Santa Maria Catholic Church, Brenna is a Youth Corps Leader and has worked with community outreach and volunteer service projects for several years. The Director of Youth Ministries, Carlo Fiatarone, commends her "impassioned and engaged leadership."
Rosealinda Carrillo represented St. Mary's College. She will graduate in May with a major in English and minor in Women's Studies. She has been an active volunteer in service projects offered through the Catholic Institute for Lasallian Social Action (CILSA). Carrillo started working with CILSA's Jumpstart program during her sophomore year, a national service program that aims to help build literacy, language, and social skills in young children from high-need areas.
From the three middle schools, three 7th graders read the motivation letter they had submitted to earn a week to Tech Trek camp. They are Rachel Liao (Joaquin Moraga Intermediate), Andrea Tamminga (Orinda Intermediate) and Katie Wikler (Stanley Middle School).
The ladies of AAUW, with some of them having graduated from college in the 50's were touched and proud to hear the talks and feel the burning energy of these young women, ready to affect change and improve lives around them.
The high school and college seniors were offered a scholarship. The Acalanes 2009 graduating senior was Jenny Reich. School principal, John Nickerson, states, "Jenny is a well-rounded student who maintains a top GPA while taking a rigorous course load." Reich's most impressing achievement was how, for her Girl Scout Gold Award project, she sponsored legislation in the California State Assembly to broaden the high school modern world history curriculum for Africa, Asia and Latin America. 
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA