Students of the Month

OUR YOUTH OF THE MONTH AWARD recognizes hard-working pre-high school and high school students who attain high levels of scholastic achievement, community involvement and leadership, and daily demonstrate good citizenship both at school and at home. Students recognized for the month of February were Emma Youngblood from Sebastian River Middle School, Mikayla Moring from Storm Grove Middle School, Pedro Aguilar from Sebastian Charter Junior High School and Tamika Lazarre and Anvar Ashrapov from Sebastian River High School.
Emma Youngblood is an exceptionally hard worker that always strives to do well. She has an excellent work ethic and is always willing to help others. She is an incredible young lady who is a role model for her peers, coming prepared each day to do her best in class. She portrays all of the IB Learning profile traits, especially by being caring, thoughtful, inquirer and principled. In accepting her award Emma said, “Thank you for nominating me – it is a pleasure to be here.”
Mikayla Moring is a hard-working student who strives for excellence. She embodies responsibility, being respectful, and stands out as a role model by always doing her best, making sure others can as well, and being kind to everyone she encounters. She shines academically as well as personally. She is responsible and diligent with her studies and always very respectful of adults as well as her peers. Mikayla currently taking both Spanish 1 and Algebra 1 Honors as high school credit classes and is applying to be in the IB program at SRHS next year. Mikayla is an active member of the National Junior Honor Society and Lagoon Guardians. In accepting her award Mikayla thanked her family, teachers and our club for “presenting her with this award.”
Pedro Aguilar is dedicated to being the best version of himself and puts a great amount of effort into everything he does. He is supportive and collaborative with his peers which makes him a great role model in class. He is a positive influence on others and always willing to lend a helping had to his classmates. His math skills are phenomenal. He is a student of character, a wonderful reflection on the support he gets at home. In accepting his award Pedro thanked his family and teachers for their support and our club for this award.
Tamika Lazarre is an IB Diploma Candidate with a Weighted GPA of 4.51 and Class Rank of 9/401. She is Vice President of Excel Club, a member of the National Honor Society, and Art Club (winning best of show in the 2018 Superintendent’s Art Competition). She is a volunteer at King’s Baptist Church, Mission Service and United Against Poverty. She also runs her own company which allows her to sell her artwork globally. In accepting her award Tamika thanked our club saying, “I am really honored.” And thanked her mom saying, “I love you.” She plans to attend Florida Atlantic University with her twin sister and major in architecture.
Anvar Ashrapov is also an IB Diploma Candidate with Weighted GPA of 4.316 and ranked among the top 6% of his class. He is a member of the Excel Club, National Honor Society, Helping Paws, and is on the swim team, water polo team and competes in Masterminds. Anvar was a member of NJROTC in 9th and 10th grades. He works hard and stands out among his peers as someone with tremendous commitment to his studies. IN accepting his award Anvar thanked our club and his family and said that he plans to attend USF or UF to major in premed and “Hopefully one day become a doctor.”
Guest Speaker Series

On February 26th our guest speaker was Steve Baran (husband of new member Susan Baran), who is a Senior Chaplain at Reclaimed Ministries. This is a 501(c)(3) community outreach non-profit organization. Her work in Christian ministry has impacted and changed the lives of people here in our community. Reclaimed Ministries helps the homeless find appropriate housing, helps people with alcohol and substance abuse, helps with hurricane relief, provides financial contributions for families in need, and continuously serves this community. It also participates in a nationwide program Teen Challenge Schools with a facility in Vero Beach, Treasure Coast Boys Academy. Treasure Coast Boys Academy provides a safe haven for boys ages 12-17 years of age with out-of-control behaviors. The 15-month program includes on-site schooling in a classroom setting, daily discipleship, chapel, and worship. The young men are presented with opportunities for group and individual counseling, family counseling, organized sports and recreation. Leadership skills, developing integrity and the importance of work are learned through indoor and outdoor chores and responsibilities.Teen Challenge Schools boasts an 89% success rate nationally. For more information contact TreasureCoastAcademy.com or visit their facebook page.
This and That
We have money in the foundation account to spend – if you have a suggestion that fits our cause, please submit your request to a board member! The first four weeks of the Youth Guidance King of the Hill Tournament at The Boulevard Tennis Club was exciting tennis by our local pros. February 11th will start the last four weeks at The Moorings Yacht & Country Club. Please remember to email or call Bonnie Brown every Monday throughout the tournament if you would like reserved seats with your name or enjoy the seats in the designated sponsor areas. Thank you! bbrown@youthguidanceprogram.org.
Laurie Riley from Art-Craft signs is donating our new 2020 BWO sponsor board…. Thank you for your support!
Sean Prescott announced that the North County Charter Elementary School will be holding a golf tournament fund raising event on March 7th. The funds raised will fund a science coach for the children. If you are interested contact nccharter.org and click on the golf tab.
Phil Barnes stated that the Jr. Blue Water Open will be held on March 28th from 8a.m. – 1 p.m. for children ages 8-12. There is a list of volunteer needs being passed. He hopes to have 50-60 kids attending from Gifford Youth Achievement Center, Boys & Girls Club and Youth Guidance. Also members’ relatives are welcome. Lunch will be provided. He plans to also have members of FWC and the SPD Community Coach and Explorers attending. Contact Phil for further information. Volunteers are still needed!
Lyse McDonough headed up our Hygiene Supply Drive for E-angels. Members brought personal items to be distributed to the children or cash for purchases. The drive continued through the month of February and she collected two big boxes of supplies and $215 in cash for needed items. Thanks to all who contributed and to Lyse for heading up this drive!
Felix Cruz announced that after a trip to Italy he has decided to retire from his position as Executive Director of Youth Guidance. We will miss you Felix. . . enjoy.
Phil Barnes announced that he has accepted the Executive Director position with Youth Guidance. . .congratulations Phil! And thank you both for the contributions you have made to your professions and to our club! Community Giving
I am deeply appreciative of our board of directors for my recent nomination as our club’s Volunteer of the Year at the Sebastian River Area Chamber Awards for Community Engagement luncheon.
I want to also thank those members who were able to attend the meeting and support me. This is such an honor to be recognized and I am very proud to have been chosen as this year’s recipient. Margie Duffell (center) flanked by fellow members Paul Williamson, Karen McElveen Mike Natale, Terry Gardner and Kathy Burns
Welcome New Members

On February 12th Janie Franklin was installed as our newest member. Janey and her husband Harland were previous members until he became ill and passed away. Janie is now back with us so please introduce yourselves and help welcome her back.
2019-2020 SCHJS Jr Excel Officers

Jason Fuegel- President-Elect, Matthew Acosta – President, Aiden Rico – Treasurer and Alexandria Simpson, Secretary hold club banner with other club members SCJHS Principal William Dodds and Advisor Tammy Cruz have been very supportive of this club. On January 15th in honor of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day members made thank you cards/posters for their school’s Resource Officer. (Pillar – Americanism) On February 5th our member, Officer Donald Hart spoke to the club about the meaning of civil rights and the importance to our citizens. (Pillars: Americanism and Community) He also spoke of the many personal contributions that his father has made to the Gifford community and the legacy that he carries. The presentation was impressive and thought provoking for everyone. Thank you, Donald, for taking the time to share your family’s history and accomplishments with us.
Sebastian Police Officer Donald Hart (center back) gave a Civil Rights Presentation to SCJHS Jr Excel Club members Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month. If you are interested in helping with this Junior Excel Program please contact Kathy Burns, Margie Duffell or Terry Gardner.
Excel Club of Sebastian River High School
At the February 4th meeting members worked on decorating collection boxes for the 9th annual Teens for Jeans Campaign which mobilizes young people to collect jeans for teens experiencing homelessness across the country. (Pillars: Community & Youth) At the February 18th meeting members planned a future social and new member drive. On February 25th a list of volunteers for Jr. BWO and BWO was taken. Meetings are held on Tuesdays of each week immediately after school at 2:00 p.m. School Advisor Jaime Sturgeon has been instrumental in launching this club at SRHS. Contact Kathy Burns, Margie Duffell or Terry Gardner if you are interested in helping with the SRHS Excel Program.
March Anniversaries John Ashley 1 Year Alicia Hjalmeby 2 Years Justin LeFebure 2 Years Lyse McDonough 2 Years Fred Reichert 2 Years Monin Mark 5 Years Karen McElveen 15 Years Tony Donini 29 Years
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY |
This Quarter’s Visitors – Please Come Again!
01/08 – Janie Franklin – (Jeff Slade)
Dale Stoneman (Lyse McDonald)
01/15 – Kim Sviben, Pelican Landing (Mike Natale)
01/22 – Capt. Dave Acosta, Sebastian Police Department
(Donald Hart & Jason Gillette)
01/22 – Patrice Campbell SRHS Row Team (Mike Natale)
01/29 – Cara Brown, Capt’n Hiram’s Event Catering
(John Ashley)
01/29 – Jeff Cagun – Kids Entertainment (Mike Natale)
02/19 – Jeff Cagun (Mike Natale)
02/19 – John Caprice – Sebastian Fishing Club (Mike Natale)
Our American Flag – Did You Know?
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If it touches the ground and is not soiled it does not need to be disposed of
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It can be washed or dry cleaned
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The proper way to dispose of it is to deliver to the American Legion or VFW for proper burning and burial
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It must be illuminated at night
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There are 13 folds in the triangle. The triangle represents the hat that the patriots wore during the revolutionary war
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The 21-gun salute was originated as the ships welcome to vessels coming into the harbor (8-6-7)
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While a prisoner on an English ship Francis Scott Key wrote the Star-Spangled Banner
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The flag never fell fully to the ground but was held at a 45-degree angle by bodies of patriots who had died
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The English gave up the war when they could not make the flag fall to the ground
Calendar of Events
March 03/04 – No Meeting (Board Only)
03/11 – Willbe, Bikers Against Child Abuse Brevard Chapter
Birthday Cake
03/18 – Students
03/25 -TBD 6-8 pm BWO Kickoff Party – Tiki Bar & Grill
03/28 – Junior Blue Water Open
April 04/01 – No Meeting (Board Only)
04/08 – TBD
04/15 – Students A.C.E. and Youth of the Year Sharky’s Café at SRHS
04/22 – TBD
04/29 – TBD
District Director Rene’s Corner Sebastian Club: We have funded seven $2000.00 scholarships in 2019 including recipients in 2018 and 2019. Some have deferred the scholarship their first year which we allow them to do. Some students get lots of money their first year and not so much after that.
Scholarships this year have been awarded to Stephanie Giordano, Kassandra Alvarez, Anthony Scaramuzzi, Fatima Perez, Nathaly Moreno-Pons, Raegan O’Rourke and Alyssa Wiles from Sebastian River High.
Indian River Club: The club will hold its Toss Out Child Abuse Charity Cornhole Tournament on March 7th at Walking Tree Brewery. Entrants will participate in one of two ability levels that will be determined by qualifying rounds. A total payout of $1000 prize money will be awarded. There will also be auction items and a 50/50 raffle. For more information contact exchangeclubofindianriver.org or call John Binkley at 772-532-3975.
Margie Duffell