2011-2012 Bright Futures Scholars

Quality of Life Center, Inc.

The mission of the Quality of Life Center, Inc. is to develop and manage centers with multi-cultural pro- grams and services designed to ensure that opportunities for success are equally shared by all participants with a desire to improve their quality of life.

Greetings from the CEO: It is my privilege to share our believe that youth strive to of you for your ongoing loyal- Quality of Life Center, Inc. meet the expectations that ty, support and feedback. newsletter. You have now are set for them - and at the There is still much to be entered into the fascinating, Quality of Life Center, these done. WE NEED YOU!! cutting edge world of new expectations are high. We and innovative Youth nurture, prepare and encour- Development Programs and age every individual in our associated Family Assistance programs to maximize his/her Services. We appreciate your potential. We believe that the Knowledge interest and hope that you quality of education and op- will use this opportunity to portunities provided are re- learn more about who we are flected in the achievements of is Power! and what we do. our participants. The dedica- tion of our Board of Directors

and staff, ensure that our We’re Bright I am extremely proud of the program participants and Dr. Sandra E. Thomas success of our agency and their families receive uncom- Futures our now nationally acclaimed promised services that will Dean of Scholars programs; one such being the improve their quality of life. Bright Futures Scholars Sup- Scholars! port Program. Participating Inside this issue: scholars focus on daily lead- To this end, we continue to Bright Futures Scholars 2 ership development as well as set new goals and reach Mentors marketability preparation them. As we move forward towards future goals. We in excellence, we thank each Welcome Bright Futures 3 Scholars 2012 Bright Futures Scholars Events: Scholars Show Case 4

Special points of interest: Annual Christmas Celebration 5 January 7, 2012: BFS Meeting February: Scholars Month! January BFS Meeting 6 February 4, 2012: BFS Meeting Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise! Calendar 7 Leadership Retreat April –6, 2012: Leadership Retreat Health education, at all levels, is provided to Thank You April 7, 2012: BFS Meeting our scholars to assist in maintaining healthy 8 living and positive life choices. Washington DC BFS Meeting May 5, 2012: 2011-2012 BFS 9 Graduation will be held on Sunday June 3rd at June 2, 2012: Graduation Rehearsal the Pasadena Convention Center 2011-2012 BFS 10 June 3, 2012: BFS Graduation 2011-2012 BFS 11 Contact Information 12 Congressman California Congresswoman California State Senator California Assembly Member Los Angeles County Supervisor nd 29th District 32 Distrct District 21 District 44 5th District Adam Schiff Judy Chu Carol Liu Anthony Portantino Michael D. Antonovich

Mayor of Pasadena Altadena Council Chair Los Angeles County Sheriff Pasadena Council Member CEO Quality of Life Center, Inc. Leroy D. Baca District 3 Dr. Sandra E. Thomas Chris Holden

2011-2012 Mentors

Pasadena City Manager Pasadena Chief of Police Altadena Sheriff’s Station Captain California Highway Patrol in Altadena Michael J. Beck Phillip L. Sanchez John Benedict Captain Steve Strull

Pasadena Water and Power Los Angeles County Fire Chief PUSD PCC Superintendent/ General Manager Daryl L. Osby Superintendent President Jon Gundry Dr. Mark W. Rocha Phyllis Currie

Pasadena Superior Court Superior Court Judge Superior Court Altadena Sheriff’s Altadena Sheriff’s Judge Philip Soto Michael Carter Judge Lia Martin Station Captain (Ret.) Station Captain (Ret.) Steve McLean Captain Roosevelt Blow 2011-2012 Page 3

Welcome Bright Futures Scholars! It was a warm Saturday in the settled in, Dr. Thomas began ad- na City College students, and parents their scholars had now taken their Altadena/Pasadena area, but that did dressing them with a brief introduc- and guests. "This first meeting of first step towards a bright future (pun not stop hundreds of Scholars from tion of the program along with a BFS was a roaring success!" said intended). We can talk endlessly attending their first Bright Futures few words of wisdom on how LSC chairman Jordan Harris. about stimulating the economy, add- Scholars (BFS) meeting that on the "education is vital" for their future. "Several of the experienced scholars ing jobs, securing our boarders but 1st of October. All participants were are looking forward to the upcoming such changes are either only short- welcomed to the orientation which Under Dr. Thomas' leadership, the events that the leadership committee term or make little to no difference." included new and returning scholars BFS program educates youth to will be planning," she added. April's Education is a very important aspect from all PUSD middle and high become leaders of, not only their Washington DC Leadership Retreat in life, our community, and society" schools. Bright Futures Scholars is communities but also the nation. is one of numerous events Scholar's says Harris. "I don't think I would one of many programs offered by With today’s economic challenges are looking forward to. Other events have the knowledge or ability to Quality of Life Center, Inc, a charita- many, though academic achievers, taking place during this exciting year comprehend certain subjects or issues ble non-profit 501(c)(3), which was lack the mentoring or resources are the city council meetings, Board that I am experiencing in life without founded in 2004. The specific purpose needed to allow them to flourish. of Education PUSD meetings, TV a proper education." As the scholars of its BFS program is to academically Fortunately, BFS offers the mentor- tapings airing on Channel 32, Pajama looked at each other they became aid and mentor students from the ing along with the resources, so it Movie Night, and of course Gradua- aware that on that warm Saturday Altadena, Pasadena, and bordering is no surprise that "100% of stu- tion rehearsal along with many other they were all there united for a com- communities. dents in this program all enroll in a educational and fun events. With so mon interest: to improve the quality college" says Dr. Thomas. What much for the Scholars to look for- of life. Young men and women, ranging from sets BFS apart from similar pro- ward this year it is no wonder the grades 6-12th, participated in the grams around the nation is the auditorium was filled with exciting Bright Future Scholars Leadership support from its many dedicated faces including many proud family Development Program. As scholars community leaders such as those members. signed up, grabbed their shirts, and shown on page 2. took their photos they were directed As the meeting drew to a close the to the auditorium where Dr Sandra E. During the first meeting were also scholars gathered together for a Thomas, who is the Dean of Scholars introductions by the Leadership group photo and a final farewell until and staff greeted them with open Steering Committee (LSC), BFS their next meeting. Their parents arms. Once the scholars and parents Students-self introductions, Pasade- observed with great satisfaction as Page 4 2011-2012 2011-2012 Page 5

2011-2012 Bright Futures Scholars at the November 6th meeting with mentors from the Sheriff’s Station.

Bright Futures Scholars Annual Christmas Celebration Christmas began early for the Bright Futures Scholars as they gathered on Saturday, December 3rd at the Altadena Community Center for an event full of activities, games, prizes, food, and a surprise guest appearance. The Bright Futures Scholars Christmas meeting, put together by the Leader- ship Steering Committee and the Student Work force, consisted of three games and activities with several raffles in between. Prizes included stuffed toys, candy canes, Santa Clause hats, and the grand prize: a flat screen TV.

But before any games, activities or raffles took place, there was an announcement to remind us how fortunate we are during these holidays to have food on our table and gifts in our living rooms. Some families, however, are not as fortunate, but the Altadena Sheriff Station Toy Drive will make sure that some 350 families will have a white Christmas this year. Therefore, the Quality of Life Center, Inc. made sure to aid the Sheriff Station by spreading the word that during these holidays, members of our community need us.

Following the announcements, the Scholars were separated into groups for the game of charades, during which the teams (pears, bananas, oranges and apples) would compete against one another for an overall team prize. The game was beyond humorous as Scholars acted out Christmas words and phrases such as "Christmas tree", Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer" and "Hot Chocolate". The Candy Cane Hunt followed and it involved the Scholars going on the hunt in front of the Community Center to find as many candy canes as possible, some hidden in the bushes, stairs and the oddest of places (hanging from tall trees). The Scholar with the most candy canes would win a special prize.

In between the games several gifts were raffled, one which included a flat screen TV. A group photo followed along with a group photo of all the winners of the raffles. With the year coming to an end, the meeting was a great success and allowed the Scholars to end on a grand plateau after having worked very hard throughout the year. It was a chance for them to win prizes, enjoy themselves, receiving words of wisdom, and see each other one last time before the long Christmas break. Page 6 2011-2012

Bright Futures Scholars New Years Resolution “Putting Our Best Foot Forward”

For many people the beginning significance within volunteer- of a New Year usually means ism and the legacy that can be committing to a New Year’s created by leaving pieces of resolution. We have all been your heart here and there. For there, done that: We want to lose the year ahead of us, we can a few pounds for the upcoming only expect many Scholars to summer season, improve our focus not only in improving grades in school, our savings or their grades and earning a little investment accounts, or simply more money, but also to bright- make more leisure time for our- en the future of those in our selves. While the aforemen- communities, as tioned resolutions are great for From listening to dedicated personal development, we often leaders from our community, time find ourselves seeking for the Scholars have received a more even after we have accom- more complete understanding of plished those goals. Perhaps we the significance within volun- have not fully contented our- teerism and the legacy that can selves? When the Bright Futures be created by leaving pieces of Scholars attended the first meet- your heart here and there. For ing of the year, their New Year’s the year ahead of us, we can resolutions were about to only expect many Scholars to change. The Scholars were about focus not only in improving to realize, early in their lives, their grades and earning a little that the best New Year’s resolu- more money, but also to bright- tions is, sometimes, the one en the future of those in our where you give back to the com- communities, as well as our- munity in the form volunteerism. selves. As Martin Luther King Jr. best puts it "life's most per- From listening to dedicated lead- sistent and urgent question is: ers from our community, the What are you doing for others?" Scholars have received a more complete understanding of the 2011-2012 Page 7

February is the month when the brilliant academic achievers in the Bright Futures Scholars program are acknowledged for their efforts.

CONGRATULATIONS BRIGHT FUTURES SCHOLARS! Page 8 2011-2012

Thank You! on behalf of the 2011-2012 Bright Futures Scholars, Bright Futures Scholars Alumni, Quality of Life Center, Inc. The Quality of Life Center, Inc. Board of Directors and Staff.

The Quality of Life Center, Inc. wishes to express its sincere appreciation to our mentors, supporters, partners, advocates, and friends for your commitment of time, expertise, and financial assistance, which ensure that our programs provide the skills, knowledge and opportunities needed for all participants to succeed.

We truly value the role you play in helping us improve the Quality of Life for all associated with our center.

Bright Futures Scholars during the Washington D.C. Retreat with Congressman Adam Schiff 2011-2012 Page 9

Animo South LA Charter Eliot Middle School Principal Antonio Garcia Principal Peter Pannell 11100 South Western avenue 2184 N. Los Angeles, CA 90047 Altadena, CA 91001 ( 3 2 3 ) 7 7 9 - 0544 ( 6 2 6 ) 3 9 6 - 5680 Currently participating are: Currently participating are:

11th grade 6th grade 7th grade

Amari Wilson Eric Smith Brenda Sanchez-Pina 8th grade Brian Paul

David Ochoa Heidy Mejia Jose Garcia Anahi Diaz Nicole Chaves Paulina Flores Brittney Harris Samantha Cruz Sean Goldson Jr. Camilla Larkin Tyree Carter Cheyenne Goddard Blair IB Magnet School Principal Trudell Skinner Dajuan Brown

1201 S. Marengo Ave. Leonel Buneo Pasadena, CA 91106 Michaela Jordan ( 6 2 6 ) 4 4 1 - 2201 Currently participating are:

7th grade 8th grade 9th grade

Aleena Drummond Beverly Johnson Amairany Gonzalez Attila Hengedus Jr. Sumayyah Muham- Preston Araki Juan Rivas mad Ryan Callahan Symphony Brown

12th grade

10th grade Amber Moore

Daniel Hegedus Devon Stephens 11th grade Iyana Banks “To Dream the Impossible Saidy Amador

Dream” This is our Quest!

Carnegie Middle School Principal Verna B Stroud John Muir High School 21820 Bonita St. Principal Sheryl Orange Carson, CA 90745 1905 N. Lincoln Ave Pasadena, CA 91103 ( 6 2 6 ) 7 9 8 - 7881 7th grade Currently participating are:

Asiah Arch 9th grade 11th grade Isaiah Arch

Daylon Davis Elcin Ruiz Logan Patton Malik Pearson

Carson High School 10th grade Principal Windy Warren 12th grade

22328 South Main Street Erick Marroquin Jewelia Murrell Royal Craig Carson, CA 90745 ( 3 1 0 ) 8 4 7 - 6000 Currently participating are:

12th grade

Tywon White Page 10 2011-2012

Los Osos High School Narbonne High School Principal Chris Hollister Principal Gerald Kobata 6001 Milliken Avenue 24300 Western Ave Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91737 Harbor City, CA 90710 ( 9 0 9 ) 4 7 7 - 6900 ( 3 1 0 ) 2 5 7 - 7 1 0 0 Currently participating are: Currently participating are:

12th grade 9th grade 10th grade

Devon Stephens Peighton Mercier Briana McCormick

Marshall Fundamental School Principal Keith Derrick 990 N. Allen Ave Pasadena, CA 91106 ( 6 2 6 ) 7 9 8 - 0713 Scholars, Currently participating are:

6th grade 8th grade 10th grade Strive for excellence!

Sarah Quan Aramis Carson Brandon Salmon Arman Dashyan David Solis 7th grade Bryson Moore Javier Yanez Christopher Simmons Joaquin Robles Anna Guerra Cory Woodard Marissa Zuniga Dexter Myers Dana Chavez Diego Alvarenga Joshua Quan Elan Garfias Miaya Potter Giovanni Vargas Priscilla Solis Ilse Shimizu Valerie Arebalo Ireene Nelson Isabelle Lepesant 11th grade Kahlil Herron Mariah Benn Gilbert Gonzalez Pasadena High School Samil Siddiqi Madeleine Lepesant Scarlett Posadas Principal Gilbert Barraza Jr. 2925 E. Sierra Madre Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91107 - 1898

( 6 2 6 ) 7 9 8 - 8901 9th grade Currently participating are:

Genesis Rogel 9th grade 11th grade Katherine Salmeron Malik Powell Andrew Loeza Mariana Porras Aolani Dunlap-Speed Hanan Worku Natalie Martinez Aram Karikian Jordan Harris Samantha Zaldana Hillary Santos Ibeth Ochoa Melvin Vasquez Karesha Martin Luis Honorato Trinity Skinner Miguel Ordaz Nikka Batisla-Ong Stefanie Jennings McKinley Middle School 12th grade Principal Marisa Sarian 325 South Oak Knoll Avenue 10th grade Hanan Worku Jessica Guerra Pasadena, CA 91101 Aimee Nava Samuel Batisla-Ong ( 6 2 6 ) 3 9 6 - 5630 Amanda Becerra Currently participating are: Andrew Bonilla Bryant Luna 6th grade 7th grade 8th grade Christian Bedoyan

Daniela Garcia Daniel Cobian Dalton Ludt Evin Davis Damian Contreras Dashia Saunderlin Jamie Kim Kyle Irving LaTiara Allen Juharah Worku Michelle Guerra Rhema Taylor Maya Rollins Nataly Quintana Tyler Bradley Taylor Contreras Sebastian Jordan Victorian Lepesant

2011-2012 Page 11

Robert E. Peary Middle School Warren Lane Elementary Principal Dr. L. Gail Principal Dawnyell Goolsby 1415 W. Rosecrans 9330 South Eight Ave. Gardena, CA 90247 Inglwood, CA 90305 ( 3 1 0 ) 2 2 5 - 4200 ( 3 1 0 ) 6 8 0 - 5330 Currently participating are: Currently participating are:

6th grade 7th grade

Marcus Gates Carey Page III

Santa Fe Middle School Principal Ron Letourneau 148 W Duarte Road Monrovia, CA 91016 ( 6 2 6 ) 4 7 1 - 2700 Currently Participating are:

7th grade

Amy Abel

Washington Middle School Sierra Madre Middle School Principal Dr. Merian Stewart Principal Gayle Bluemel 1505 N. Marengo Ave. 141 W. Highland Avenue and Pasadena, CA 91103 160 N. Canon Avenue ( 6 2 6 ) 3 9 6 - 5830 Sierra Madre, CA 91024 Currently participating are: ( 6 2 6 ) 3 5 5 - 1428 Currently participating are: 7th grade 8th grade

7th grade 8th grade Isabel Pimentel Casandra Cueva Jonathan Martinez Jazmin Hernandez Angela Banuelos Brandon Mai Liseth Gonzalez Sofia Carvajal Giselle Salas Jahmelah Maat-Hotep Layla Farahani

Madison Vlcek Maral Ouzovnian

Woodrow Wilson Middle School South Pasadena High School Principal Sarah Rudchenko Principal Mrs. Jane Anderson 300 S Madre Street 1401 Fremont Ave. Pasadena, CA 91107 South Pasadena, CA 91030 ( 6 2 6 ) 3 9 6 - 5800 ( 6 2 6 ) 4 4 1 - 5820 Currently participating are: Currently participating are: 6th grade 9th grade 8th grade Elizabeth Levicke

Christina Tanwongprasert-Call Isela Gonzalez Ivory Estrada 7th grade Krystal Rodas Kyle Espirata Ke'Ara Spencer Moriah Preeto St. Michael Catholic Charter School Michael Astourian Principal Mr. Jim McMains Rolando Carpio Jr. Oliver Rodas YoungHoon Kang 1027 w. 8TH St Los Angeles, CA 90044

( 3 2 3 ) 7 5 2 - 6107 Currently participating are:

7th grade

Ramon Pereda The Bright Futures Scholars Support Program in Detail

The Program extends itself to all targeted high achieving (3.0 GPA) students, including low-income students completing high school against insurmountable odds. The goal is to provide these young people with the tools necessary to quest for suc- cess. Quality of Life Center, Inc.

A vital component in this program provides "group mentoring" as well as "individual mentoring" from our communities finest. Bright Futures Scholars Committed mentors include congressman, senators, assembly members, mayors, county supervisors, physicians, clergy, cor- 3544 Canon Boulevard porate CEO's, attorneys, scientists, engineers, artists, educa- tors, law enforcement officials, managers and administrators. Altadena, CA 91001-4008 Phone: 626-798-5433 Bright Futures Scholars participate as Junior Council Persons (representing their mentors and schools all over the nation). Fax: 626-798-5422 Monthly Scholars television tapings are aired on Public Access Television, and can also be viewed online all around the world.

Bright Futures Scholars meetings are held on the 1st Saturday of every month from 1:00pm-4:00pm at the Altadena Community Center on 730 E. Altadena Dr. Altadena, CA 91001. Telephone: 626-398-6174

We would love to hear from you. Please, contact us if you would like more detailed information about our programs, the center, or how you can help.

We need YOU!

CEO Dr. Sandra E. Thomas

Personal Email: [email protected]

For General Information: [email protected]

For all other staff, use [email protected] and put ATTENTION (staff member’s name) in the subject line.

Office Manager Greg Middleton

Finance Manager Kelli Buhr

Program Coordinator Susie Dixon

PCC Staff

Klara Hoonanian, Knar Meloyan, Vanessa Andrade, Alexandra Ross, Chaya Stewart, Ebony Vaughns

Continuous updates will be available on the website at www.qualityoflifecenterinc.com and through e-mail.