2008Winners

Brianna J. Brooker, age 19 – Brianna is the daughter of Deputy Kenneth Brooker, Ret. She is a 2007 graduate of Buena High School. After graduating from high school, Brianna studied language abroad at Elsa-Bränsdström Shule in Elmshorn, Germany, for one semester. She is presently enrolled at Cal State Channel Islands, where her major field of study is Communications, and at Ventura College where she is pursuing her German language study. Brianna hopes to transfer to Cal State Long Beach in 2009 to pursue the German Masters Program there. She currently holds a 3.7 grade point average. She is a dedicated Advocate for Buena’s German Exchange Program and for language exchange programs generally, and has spoken at schools and boards about the educational and cultural value of such programs. In addition to her academic load, Brianna has worked since age 15 as a hostess and waitress, and has assisted as a hospital volunteer and with CPR classes. Her language skills earned her a Bank of America Award in German, she was a graduation speaker, and she participated in Girls Soccer while at Buena High School.

Alisa S. De Los Santos, age 17 – Alisa is the daughter of Captain Mike De Los Santos. She will graduate from Rio Mesa High School in June 2008 and also attended Oxnard College in the summer of 2006. Alisa is currently first in her class and holds a 4.636 grade point average. She was accepted for admission at a number of prestigious colleges, including Harvard University, and has decided to attend the University of California at Los Angeles where she will major in Biology. Alisa’s goal is to become a surgeon. She has received eight Department Excellence awards at Rio Mesa, was a Girls’ State Delegate, and was a Finalist for the College Board’s National Hispanic Recognition Program. Alisa participated in Varsity Track & Field for 4 years in the high jump and sprints, and Varsity Volleyball for 3 years. She served as president of the Key Club and Drama Club, and as Historian for the California Scholarship Federation. One of Alisa’s favorite volunteer activities is assisting with the CineMagic Program sponsored by the Pleasant Valley Educational Foundation. She has also volunteered at St. Mary Magdalene Church as a confirmation peer leader, earned the Optimist Service Club Award and is a Telesis Community Service Scholar.

Madelyn R. Findlay, age 17 – Madelyn is the daughter of Sergeant Matt Findlay. She will graduate from Paraclete Catholic High School in May 2008, currently holds a 4.2 grade point average and is the Valedictorian of her class. Madelyn will attend the University of Portland where she plans to major in English. Her career goals include writing, social work and becoming a physical therapist. Madelyn has made the Principal’s List throughout high school, has received Subject Awards in English and Religion, and is a member of the English and Spanish Honors Societies. She has participated in Track & Field and Soccer, was Soccer Manager, and is an avid surfer during her free time, which she credits with teaching her patience and perseverance. Madelyn is the National English Honors Society president, Eco Club Vice-President, and secretary of the Pro-Life Club. She has also provided assistance annually with fundraising for the Pregnancy Center.

Esperanza Reyes, age 20 – Esperanza is the daughter of Senior Deputy Eduardo Reyes. She graduated from Channel Islands High School in June 2005, attended Ventura College from 2005 to 2007, and has been attending Missouri Valley College since 2007 where she currently holds a 3.2 grade point average. Esperanza’s major fields of study are Sociology and Criminal Justice. She plans pursue a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice and hopes to have a career in Criminal Forensics upon graduation. Esperanza was a Dean’s List student at Ventura College and recipient of the Governor’s Scholarship Award at Channel Islands High. She played Varsity Softball all 4 years in high school and was starting shortstop at Ventura College for 2 years. She also assisted as a youth softball coach while at Ventura College and has just started her first year of softball at Missouri Valley College.

Hayley L. Stewart, age 18 – Hayley is the daughter of Captain Guy Stewart. She will graduate from Buena High School in June 2008 and also attended Ventura College in May and June of 2007. Hayley currently holds a 3.83 grade point average. She plans to attend either Arizona State University or Gonzaga University upon graduation, and will major in Business Management and minor in Criminal Justice. Hayley hopes to have a career with the FBI or NCIS investigating computer fraud and white-collar crime. She has received the Renaissance Award each year of high school and has played basketball for four years; one year JV, 2 years Frosh/Soph and 1 year Varsity. She received the Team Captain Award and Coaches’ Award for basketball, and also participated for two years in Track & Field at Buena. Hayley has volunteered her time to tutor and assist elementary school children with their homework and reading comprehension skills, including second, fourth and fifth graders. She also worked with the BARK program to provide academic assistance to struggling high school students.

Andrew J. Werre, age 17 – Andrew is the son of Sergeant Todd Were. He will graduate from Santa Clara High School in June 2008 and currently holds a 3.6 grade point average. Upon graduation, Andrew will attend California Polytechnic University at San Luis Obispo where he will major in Aerospace Engineering. He intends to pursue a graduate degree in engineering and plans a career in the aerospace industry after college. From 2004 to 2008 Andrew was named to the Blue and Gold Honor Roll for maintaining a grade point average of 4.0 or higher. He received the Chemistry Award in 10th Grade, the Christian Service Award, was named a Scholar Athlete in golf and was Academic All-League in golf in 2007-2008. Andrew is currently the Senior Class President and previously held the position of Sophomore Class Secretary/Treasurer. He has played Varsity Soccer from 2005-2008, and Varsity Golf from 2004-2006 and 2007-2008, when he was named Captain of the Golf Team. Andrew has volunteered his time as an AYSO referee and lineman, in his class service project with Operation “Clean Sweep”, and at Santa Clara Parish in the soup kitchen and preparing Christmas gifts for the needy.