In a continuing effort to help women advance their education, the local Fillmore chapter of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Education Organization) will be offering financial awards this spring. To be eligible, you must be a woman who attends, or has applied to, an accredited undergraduate degree program or a vocational/skills training program, live within the 93015 Zip code area, and have at least a 3.5 grade point average. Anyone interested should contact the College and Career Center if you are a student at Fillmore or Sierra High School or contact Patricia Morris at tallpat@earthlink.net or (805)231-4085. The deadline for application is March 5, 2020.

The Ventura College Foundation Board of Directors has added two new board members: Harald Wulff and Abra Flores.

Wulff is a retired chemical industry executive. He served on the management board of Henkel KGaA headquartered in Dusseldorf, Germany. As the business was spun off into a self-standing entity called Cognis GmbH, he served as CEO of the new company, and became chairman of the board after it was sold to Goldman Sachs and Permira.

"Industry needs young people with technical skills and young people need well-paying, challenging jobs," says Wulff. "I hope to see Ventura College expand its STEM and STEAM programs, particularly in vocational training."

Flores retired in 2018 after a decades-long career as the resident costume designer at Ventura College. She initiated and developed costume design and makeup programs at the college where she currently teaches classes in these subjects part-time.

As a child, Flores was in and out of the foster care system. She understands how difficult learning can be. It was a simple $50 scholarship, given by her undergraduate university, which made a huge impact on her education. That small grant created a feeling that success was possible, and that her dreams had validity. Flores instituted and funded a scholarship program at Ventura College known as the "Excellence in Volunteering in Costume Design." It is awarded each year to performing arts students who show excellence in production work.

"I'd like to do more outreach to high schoolers about the college's theatre department and the available funding and resources through the foundation and the VC Promise paid tuition program," says Flores. "The more we can help students access educational funding, the better chances for success in their career path."

"Harald and Abra bring different skills and experiences to the board," says Rob van Nieuwburg, Ventura College Foundation board chair. "What unites them is their love of learning and their desire to share the value of education to our students. We look forward to their contributions and insight."

Established in 1983, the Ventura College Foundation provides financial support to the students and the programs of Ventura College to facilitate student success and grow the impact and legacy of Ventura College as a vital community asset. The Foundation also hosts the Ventura College Foundation Marketplace; an outdoor shopping experience held every weekend on the Ventura College campus east parking lot. For more information, contact Julie Harvey at (805) 289-6502 or jharvey@vcccd.edu or visit www.VenturaCollegeFoundation.org.

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By Jadyan Brant

“Fall Banquet” - On October 1, 2019 all Fillmore Exhibitors for the Ventura County Fair were honored for their hard work and accomplishments at the Ventura County Fair 2019. We want to congratulate all 33 exhibitors that participated this year and all of our winners! We also want to congratulate our 56 Greenhand Degree Recipients!

“Opening and Closing Contests” - On October 9, 2019 Fillmore FFA students traveled to Santa Paula High School where 8 teams competed on the Sectional Public Speaking Contests. Students took home multiple awards including 1st place Novice Team, and Outstanding Novice Positions!

“Fall on the Farm” - On October 29th the Fillmore FFA hosted “Fall on the Farm” for all FUSD preschools, Pre-K, Kindergartens, and K-1 classes. They had 350 students attended the new event held at the School Farm. Students were toured around the farm by FFA members, they also got to pick their own pumpkins and learned about the livestock animals and projects the high school students have there. Thank you to Golden State Hay in Santa Paula for working with us on this event! Fillmore FFA had a wonderful time hosting the young students and are looking forward to making it an annual event!

“NNN Parli Pro Workshop and B.I.G Contest” - On November 13, 2019, Fillmore FFA hosted the sectional Parliamentary Procedure Workshop and Best Informed Greenhand Contest where Fillmore FFA took 1st place as a team. They also took 1st, 2nd, and 5th place as Individuals! Go first year students!

We are currently selling our chapter shirts through @fillmore.ffa on Instagram if you are interested and selling our FFA 2020 Calendars! Please contact Ms. Lemus for more details!

In response to a need to improve emergency communications, the Ventura County Community College District is implementing a state-of-the-art emergency mass notification system to disseminate real-time information to all students, guests, faculty, staff and administrators, whether they are on a campus or not. These notifications will be prior to, during and after an emergency such as fire, earthquake, severe weather, active shooter, hazardous material, power outage and more. The system is capable of delivering notifications 24/7, 365 days a year at Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges, Ventura College East Campus in Santa Paula, Oxnard College Fire Technology/Academy, Oxnard College Marine Center and the District Administration Center.

“The District is continually seeking to improve its campus and site facilities in all aspects of infrastructure, physical presence and a positive learning environment, including safety and security measures for students, employees and visitors,” said VCCCD Vice Chancellor of Business Services David El Fattal.

Work on the system installation is planned to be in two phases. Global CTI will complete Phase One using the current infrastructure so mobile and desktop solutions can be made available immediately. Phase Two will involve cabling, configuration and device installation. The system at all VCCCD sites is expected to be completed in 2021. Phase One began this fall at Ventura College.

“Safety and emergency preparedness at our campuses is of the utmost priority,” added Board Chair Dianne McKay. “Global CTI is a leader in the emergency notification industry with a proven track record of implementations at other California community colleges.”

The District’s planned Emergency Notification Solution (ENS) infrastructure will provide notifications through computer monitors, digital signage, outdoor speakers, short message service, public announcements, email and mobile apps. By integrating multiple communication methods, people will see and hear simultaneous audible and visual alerts. Messages will be distributed through indoor and outdoor speakers, classroom displays, dual-sided LCD devices in hallways, text messages on personal devices, and instructions from faculty, staff or administrators, who will also receive alerts on individual mobile apps.

The system’s solution is designed to be highly flexible and scalable and allows for growth as requirements change over time.

About Ventura County Community College District
The Ventura County Community College District is a member of the 115-campus California Community College system, and serves more than 32,000 students annually. The District’s three colleges--Moorpark, Oxnard, and Ventura--offer programs in general education for degrees and certificates, transfer to four-year colleges and universities, career technical education, and provide opportunities to engage in co-curricular campus activities. For more information, please visit vcccd.edu.

It’s showtime folks! Get the popcorn and the Junior Mints ready. Fillmore High School is putting on another great play! The Writer, Director, and Producer, Mr. Josh Overton, and the Fillmore Drama Club will be performing Guides at the Fillmore High School Theater in Fillmore, Friday, November 8thand Saturday, November 9th at 7 p.m., and Sunday, November 10th at 2 p.m.: and again on Friday and Saturday, November 15th and 16th at 7 p.m., and Sunday, November 17th at 2 p.m.: then the last weekend on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, November 21st, 22nd, 23rd , all showtimes 7 p.m.

The outstanding cast is as follows: Dedawen played by Mariam Bazurto, Dunnwindy played by Presley McLain, Leanne played by Erin Overton, Danny played by Anthony Campos, Luke played by Fidel Escoto, Bob played by Sam Kafka, Madam Lucinda played by Hannah Fairall, Sarah played by Evelyn Martinez, Genie played by McKenna Taylor, Betty played by Tamara Rodriguez, Grace played by Joy Zerrudo, and of course Mrs. Ruby played by Judy Fairall-Woods.

I had an interview with The Man Himself Mr. Josh Overton and this is how it went:
Question: What is a Guide?
Overton: Someone who has “passed over” to the hereafter. Guides are tasked with helping mortals who may be on the wrong path.
Question: How many years have you been doing plays at F.H.S.?
Overton: John Wilber hired me to be the Drama Coach in 2001. His main reason for hiring me over someone else? Back then I had hair, and looked like a young William Shakespeare.
Question: What are your three favorite plays you have done at F.H.S.?
Overton: Every one of the shows we have put on at Fillmore holds a special place in my heart. I loved “In the Cards”, but only a handful of audience members were in attendance. Also, in order “Death and Nicotine”, “Totally Rad 2 Camp Bigfoot”, and “Guides”. I also loved “The Rainmaker”.
Question: What are your drama students nickname and why?
Overton: My actors proudly own the moniker “NERD”. A nerd is anyone who is deeply passionate about something. My herd of nerds love acting and it shows. Yes, their nerd is showing.
Question: Has the school closing for six school days because of high winds and fire danger affected your production of Guides?
Overton: Yes and no. We lost a lot of rehearsal time because all facilities were inaccessible. But this wonderful cast of Nerds created their own rehearsal opportunities.
Question: What are your feelings about this cast?
Overton: This group is overflowing with talent and personality. So much of what you will see on the stage originated from these quirky young actors. Their creativity made this one of the easiest plays to direct. I can’t wait for the show to open so that everyone can see their excellence.
Question: Does this ever get old for you? Or is just in your D.N.A.?
Overton: Each production has its own difficulties and “Guides” is no exception. But every time I question my ability to take on the new project, one of my Nerds spontaneously reminds me of the joy of live theatre.
Question: Who would you like to thank?
Overton: The cast of “Guides” deserves my thanks first and foremost. They have dedicated countless hours for the pure love of performance. My beautiful wife, Inger, she has always been a great supporter of our shows.
Question: Will there ever be a sequel to “Guides”?
Overton: I have been working on “Guides 2” for years now. I finally feel I can finish that script. Look for it to take the Fillmore High School drama stage next spring! It will be called (Drum Roll!) “Death is Weird”.
Question: What is your dream for Fillmore High School drama? What would you love to see 10 years from now?
Overton: The Nerds of Fillmore High School drama deserves a real theatre. We feel blessed to have the opportunity to create art in the drama room. Unfortunately, the drama room is just a converted band room. Most of the amenities of a proper theatre are missing; a scene shop, dressing rooms, fly space above the stage. The list goes on and on. We don’t even have our own restrooms for our audience--you! Someday we’ll have a real theatre. Until then, we will continue to work our magic in the drama room.

Well folks, you have all you might need to know about the show. I do want to say something from my heart. I have been around the drama program over the years; I am proud to say I am a nerd! What Josh Overton does for this program is way above the call of duty as a teacher at Fillmore High School. Like so many teachers at Fillmore Unified School District, he works so hard for their programs and their classes. I support our teachers and I would hope you all will too. So, we will see you at the play. It is cheaper than a movie ticket and a better show. Don’t forget the candy and soda, and come support the arts!

”Get ready for another fantastic live theatre production from our Fillmore High School Drama Department! Opening night is Friday, November 8th and we present to you "Guides", written and directed by FHS drama teacher Josh Overton, is an uplifting story of Leanne, a high school girl who has fallen for the wrong guy and has suffered through a string of poor life choices. Help comes from an unexpected source: her guides from the Hereafter! This comic drama features some top-notch performers bringing their engaging (and sometimes hilarious!) characters to life.

All performances take place in the FHS Theatre and open Friday, November 8, and runs three weekends. Enter Fillmore High School at the Second Street gate, across the street from the Fillmore Veterans Memorial Building.

Thursday, Friday & Saturday shows begin at 7pm, and Sunday matinees at 2pm.*

The theatre opens 30 minutes prior to each performance.

Tickets are just $7 for general admission,
$5 for senior citizens & students and will be available at the door.

We will be selling snacks for your enjoyment that will help support our FHS Drama Department, so bring some friends, buy some snacks & get ready for a great show!

*Show dates & times:
Friday, Nov. 8: 7pm **Opening Night!
Saturday, Nov. 9: 7pm
Sunday matinee, Nov. 10: 2pm

Friday, Nov. 15: 7pm
Saturday, Nov. 16: 7pm
Sunday matinee, Nov. 17: 2pm

THURSDAY, Nov. 21: 7pm
Friday, Nov. 22: 7pm
Saturday, Nov. 23: 7pm **Closing Night!!

Written by Michelle De Leon

Jesus Vega, a first-generation college graduate, did not always believe higher education was the right path for him. During his high school years, Vega prioritized friendships and his parents became tired of receiving calls about his behavior at school.

“My father gave me the ultimatum of going to school or working alongside him in the fields of the Oxnard Plain harvesting celery and lettuce. Being a stubborn teenager, I opted for working in the fields. I thought to myself ‘How hard could this be?,’” said Dr. Vega, assistant dean at Ventura College East Campus (VCEC) in Santa Paula.

Vega remembers leaving the house before sunrise his first day of work. He did not make it 30 minutes before he was in their white Ford F150 crying. He realized his father was right and education was the right choice.

“To this day, I thank my father for those 30 minutes.”

Vega had the opportunity to attend a four-year university out of high school, but he chose to attend nearby Oxnard College, which enabled him to save money and discover his passion for learning.

“I was academically eligible, but I was not emotionally mature to be out on my own. I did not have the necessary soft skills to survive on my own,” he said.

Transitioning from high school to college was humbling for Vega, who realized the habits that served him in high school would not provide the same results in college. He learned that he needed to adapt to each course, learning the individual language and writing style for each subject.

While satisfying a general education requirement, a love for history emerged. He remembers how Professor Tomas Salinas’s U.S. History course incorporated the underrepresented accomplishments and contributions of minorities to this country.

“We, as a collective, have made such wonderful contributions to society and our communities, but our stories are never told,” said Vega, who went on to pursue a bachelor’s degree in history from UC Irvine.

This new love complemented an old passion—accessibility and equity in high school education.

“I wanted to be the change agent in students’ lives, where they could realize that a college education was for them as well as anyone else,” said Vega, who has a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies form California State University, Northridge. “My career path did not end up the way I envisioned it, but I am still where I need to be: advocating for students.”

At VCEC, Vega oversees dual enrollment for high school students and off-campus programs. Though it has been more than 20 years since he was a community college student, he sees students struggling with the same obstacles he did.

“Being a first generation student, it was difficult figuring out how to pay for school, having to pay for textbooks and possibly not having a support system at home because my family did not understand the rigors of college. I still see that in many of my students,” Vega said.

The enduring challenges strengthen his dedication to working in higher education.

“I enjoy working with students and their families to achieve their dreams,” he said. “I enjoy listening to them and being the person that says ‘When I was younger...’ or ‘In my day...’ More than anything, I want them to know that they are not alone. I share my story of bringing my experiences and loved ones along with me. Their teachings and support are what got me through every stage of my education.”

He also loves spending his time making people laugh, watching his daughters play sports and supporting them and their teammates.

And every day he lives his life inspired by the many mottos passed down to him, including a reminder to be humble and stay true to yourself. “My grandfather and father always told me that when you lose sight of that, people will come to take everything away from you and will most likely succeed in doing that.”

Michelle De Leon is a Moorpark College alum and student at California State University, Northridge.

Families are invited to a special information night for Fillmore-area residents to learn more about Santa Clarita Valley International – a tuition-free public charter school and iLEAD’s founding school – and meet the school’s leaders. SCVi is located 20 miles east of Fillmore and has no district boundaries for families, allowing kids from kindergarten through 12th grade to attend school on a campus closer than Ventura or Moorpark alternatives.

iLEAD Schools maintain a unique emphasis on using methods that foster Learners’ social-emotional development. A cornerstone of SCVi’s educational philosophy involves Project-Based Learning, an innovative, research-based method of instruction that requires students to tackle deeply engaging projects about real-world issues. They use critical thought, inquiry and synthesis to create solutions and present their findings to their peers. For Learners in upper grades, an academic and college counselor works hand in hand with each student to create a plan to help them succeed academically, emotionally and socially. SCVi is the only school in the Santa Clarita Valley to offer the rigorous International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme for Learners in their junior or senior year of high school. SCVi also offers Innovation Studios, a unique opportunity for Learners from sixth through 12th grades that leverages technological and human resources to create a hybrid learning environment.

The school offers a high-quality arts and theatre program for all grade levels (including transitional kindergarten), and sports are offered from kindergarten through 12th grade, with Upper School teams participating in the CIF Omega League. Young athletes can play basketball, soccer, flag football, volleyball, cross-country, softball, baseball, golf, and equestrian teams.

Want to know more about SCVi? Here are a few more reasons to check out the school:

* Individualized learning plans. Whether your child needs extra help or is advanced, we will engage your student where they are and guide their academic achievement even further than you might imagine.

* Entrepreneur and internship opportunities. Our young people are creating and developing new businesses and strategies, using their 21st century skills today — not waiting until they have graduated to start changing the world.

* Options. Not all families are the same, and not all Learners are the same. SCVi offers a variety of individualized learning options, from home study to hybrid learning programs, online classes and concurrent enrollment at College of the Canyons. Whatever your Learner’s needs are, they can be met at SCVi!

PARENTS: Registering your child at SCVi is quick and easy: simply visit https://ileadsantaclarita.org/intent-to-enroll/ and fill out the form. You’ll receive an email from the SCVi registrar with further instructions. After accepting your spot, complete the registration process by either uploading your documents online or walking them into the SCVi main office at 28060 Hasley Canyon Road in Castaic. Staff are onsite all year to answer your questions, give tours and accept your registration forms.

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Do you see someone new around the FHS campus? Introduce yourself to Benz from Thailand and Mujtaba from Pakistan! These two international students are living with Fillmore AFS Host Families and are working hard their senior year at Fillmore High. Both have enrolled in challenging and enriching classes and have already made many friends in Fillmore. It's an exciting school year for them... and they would like to meet you! Pictured above are Benz and Mujtaba FHS’s two international students riding in this year Homecoming parade on Thursday, September 26th. For Hosting or Studying Abroad information, please visit https://www.afsusa.org/

Fillmore Unified School District is offering a Summer Meal Program from July 18th to August 9th Monday – Friday 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., at Sespe School, 425 Orchard Street. For more information visit https://www.fillmoreusd.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID
=369903&type=d&pREC_ID=831985

(l-r) Molly Gallagher, Declan Feeney (Helen Yunker’s great nephew) and his mother Amy Feeney (niece of Helen Yunker) who presented the Helen Yunker Music Scholarship.
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(l-r) Erick Pina and Lydia Martinez-Collins who presented the Martinez y Ewens Anasazi Annual Scholarship.
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The Ventura College Foundation presented scholarships to 140 students during its 32nd Annual Scholarship Awards luncheon and ceremony, Saturday, May 4 at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach.

Ventura College students received $326,529 in scholarship funds. Some earned multiple scholarships. "I've had the opportunity to observe and interact with hundreds of scholarship recipients," says Dr. Ruth Hemming, the vice chair of the VC Foundation Board and the chair of the Scholarships & Grants committee. "Many have completed their education and returned to the community committed to giving back. Some have established scholarships of their own. 'Life-changing' is not too strong a term to describe the impact on them."

Speaking at the luncheon was Ventura College student, Erick Pina, 31, winner of the Martinez y Ewens Anasazi Scholarship, and the Niamatullah SA and A-Ishah MA Memorial Scholarship. This is the second year that Pina has received scholarships for his high level of academic work.

Attending Ventura College has made a big impact on Pina's life. Addiction to drugs had set him back. Once clean, he enrolled in Ventura College hoping to, at most, earn Cs in his classes. The now straight A student and a campus Circle Kiwanis International board member, Pina graduated this spring with a AA in sociology, and will have earned two more degrees in social behavioral science and in criminal justice next spring. He was selected to be a First Year Experience Peer Leader for Ventura College and a Ventura College Foundation Student Ambassador for the coming fall semester. "Being awarded the scholarships means someone out there believes in me," says Pina. "Donors can see that I can truly overcome obstacles in my life."

Pina says attending college changed how he looked at the world. "My success at Ventura College saved my life," says Pina. "I had no confidence in myself. That all changed. I'll be the first person to graduate from college in my family. I'll be setting a good example for nieces, nephews and my daughter."

Honored in memoriam during the luncheon were endowed scholarship creators who have left a lasting legacy to the school. Honored were Helen Yunker, George Tillquist, Miriam Schwab, Michael A Ewens and Frank Cavola.

Molly Gallagher, 20, was one of the recipients of the Helen Yunker Music Scholarship. Gallagher plays the viola. She aspires to be a professional musician and to teach the next generation of musicians. Yunker, who passed away in 2018, was passionate about music. Over almost three decades, Yunker awarded numerous scholarships and donated more than $945,000. Upon her passing, the VC Foundation received $2 million from her estate to establish endowments for the Ventura College Music Department and the Opera and Musical Theatre program.

"This is the second time I've been honored with the Helen Yunker Music Scholarship," says Gallagher, who will be transferring to a four-year university in the fall. "She was such an incredible and generous woman and I will forever be grateful for her support. The scholarships have lessened the financial burden of going to college. With the support of the foundation, I was able to buy a new viola which otherwise wouldn't have been possible. I have become a better student because of the generosity of the foundation. Being a successful student makes me a better person and gives me the courage to make my dreams possible."

"The individuals and foundations that have created these scholarships derive benefits from their generosity as well, both from receiving the heart-felt gratitude of the students but also from knowing that they are impacting the future in a positive way," says Hemming. "Many students stay in touch with their donors and keep them informed of their progress through their education and beyond."

Established in 1983, the Ventura College Foundation provides financial support to the students and the programs of Ventura College to facilitate student success and grow the impact and legacy of Ventura College as a vital community asset. The Foundation also hosts the Ventura College Foundation Marketplace; an outdoor shopping experience held every weekend on the Ventura College campus east parking lot. For more information, contact Julie Harvey at (805) 289-6502 or jharvey@vcccd.edu or visit www.VCgiving.org.