Brown Comes to La Strada!

Elizabeth and Mercedes from the Brown Admissions Office enjoyed an afternoon at La Strada in San Pablo with the Brownies, their parents, and Board Members/Teachers from the district. On behalf of the WCCUSD, we are honored to have both Elizabeth and Mercedes join us to give us an insight about Brown and speak with us one on one, answering questions and concerns.

Not only did they expand our knowledge of Brown itself, but more importantly the unique cirriculum of Brown. Brown places a strong emphasis on "learning for the sake of learning." In other words, this means that students choose courses that they are interested in taking and exploring different fields.

The food was delicious and the service was outstanding.

I'll see everyone at orientation on June 1st ... in casual clothing!

Hello School Board!

May 13, 2010 is a night of great memories. It was full of supporters and people that know the importance of this program. It was amazing at how much happens in this school district. To be honest, this is the fist school board meeting I have ever been to, but this is not going to be my last. It has been such an enriching experience to hear all those positive comments on how we have grown from six people to twenty-nine.

One of the things that kept me alive was the speech. Ever since I walked through those doors, I was still thinking of what to say or how to say it, but when I went up there, they all vanished. One of the only problems I had was keeping my paper flat. It kept folding on itself. I hope it wasn't noticed, even though my fellow Ivy League members kept saying how well it was. If there are any requests to those that missed it or would like to see it visually, feel free to leave a comment saying you would like to see it.

What had to be one of the biggest things was when the public statement went on. I wish I remembered her name because what she said made me feel proud of myself along with everyone that was there. I couldn't point out one thing to say because everything she said was amazing. Also, hearing the past Ivy League student was a very good thing to hear, as it reminded me that we are still making history as each year goes by.

After all the speeches and standing in front of everyone and seeing all the sponsors, were the photographs. I sure hope they turned out right. It's funny how I walked in nervous about a speech and walk out nervous about some photo's.

Over all, I know it was a success and it was great to see everyone dressed up and professional. It reminded me that I could never be overdressed for an Ivy League Connection event and it further embeds in my mind to know that we have the support of an entire district and how I am grateful for it.

Inspiring School Board Meeting

The school board meeting tonight was very inspiring and warmed my heart just knowing that I'm part of this great program that no other school district has. After seeing the tremendous amount of support from the school board and sponsors, I have the deep urge of showing them that this student from Pinole Valley High School can compete and show others that no matter what your background is, dreams are still a possibility. Again, I would like to thank Mr. Ramsey and the school board for their continuing dedication towards this program even though they may be tired of hearing this over and over again. It's just that I'm very grateful for them to create and sponsor such a special program.
The speakers were excellent tonight. Irene, the speaker's name was Tamy Campbell who is one of our most dedicated parent at Pinole Valley High School. And I also have to agree to what she says; that we, the students, are the seeds of the future and we must make sacrifices to allow for students to become those leaders in the world and to guide others. Again, thank you Mr. Ramsey, the school board, the sponsors, and everyone who made not only my dream become reality but others as well.
Till next time.

Board Meeting

I was very happy to hear all of the words of gratitude that the various student speakers, chaperones, and former participants in the Ivy League Connection had to say about the program tonight at the WCCUSD School Board meeting. I'm glad that I was finally formally presented in front of the School Board. Thank you again to everyone responsible for making the program possible.

During the public comment period, I was inspired by everything the sole speaker said (I didn't catch her name). She said that young people are the future. I agree. Young people have an opportunity to really change the world they grew up in. I hope for and look forward to the experience this summer that will help me to change the world around me for the better.

Meeting with the School Board

Today we had our meeting with the school board members. I was really excited to be there. I felt really honored to be part of such a great program and to have the privilege to go to Brown. I felt proud of myself and everyone else when we were introduced to the school board.

I was able to see that many of the students who were given this wonderful experience really enjoyed it. I liked the tip that the student that got accepted to Columbia University gave us. He said that we should try to make friends with other students, but we should also try to be really good friends with the professors.

Hearing that seven out of seventeen members of the Ivy League program were accepted into an Ivy League school really encouraged me. I feel grateful that people like Mr. Ramsey, Don, and the other Board members created such a wonderful program that encourages us to apply to Ivy League schools.

In the end, Don Gosney took pictures of all of us. I would like to thank Don for taking time to take all of our pictures. I just hope I didn’t blink too much. I tried really hard not to. I have to admit I was a little nervous about going to the meeting because I didn’t exactly know what was going to happen, but it turned out great. I met with my chaperone who seemed really nice and friendly. I really enjoyed going.

Once again, I would like to thank the school board members again for all their support. Without them I wouldn’t have this marvelous opportunity. Thank you all!

A Wednesday Night

Tonight was a night to celebrate. Presented before the School Board were the Ivy League Connection's students all anxiously waiting for their trips to prestigious universities this summer. We arrived and were patiently waiting to be announced and introduced by our fellow school district representatives. Indeed, it was a night that contained nothing but the utmost joy and appreciation by the School Board, ourselves, our parents and all other supporters who contribute to the Ivy League Connections programs.

We were formally introduced before the School Board and several students were asked to speak on behalf of the rest of the group, including me. Though I was nervous, I felt the need to reach out to our main contributors to let them know the importance and impact ILC has given us. It truly is a blessing to have distinguished opportunities--as well as amazing and passionate people--given to us. I have confidence that all of us will certainly make the most out of our trips to the east coast over the break.

In retrospect, tonight's atmosphere was one of celebration. Not only were we presented before the School Board and the community, but also had a chance to see some of the former Ivy League Connection's students live out their college dreams. This gives us hope that we have the potential to be in such an honorable position this time next year. The ILC has given us this confidence. I headed home with the satisfaction of knowing the hard work of students, parents, schools and community truly bring to fruition the dreams and aspirations of our fellow pupils.

Noteworthy Board Meeting

Tonight, ILC participants from the Brown, Yale, Cornell, and Columbia were honored and presented with a certificate of recognition by the School Board. It was a pleasure seeing everyone tonight - parents, sponsors, teachers, Don, Dr. Bruce Harter, and of course co-founders Ms. Kronenberg and Mr. Ramsey.

It is truly an amazing experience to witness just how large the ILC has grown over the past couple years. Growing from a mere 6 to now 29 participants inevitably shows dedication, commitment, and drive. Each person that is part of the ILC plays a vital role in making the ILC a nationally recognized program.

Like Ms. Kronenberg said, we are not going to step back but instead step right into the spotlight. We are earning our name and our status through our very own efforts. No one gave us this lifetime opportunity, but instead, we worked for it. We earned an appropriate grade point average, and more importantly, we earned our spots in studying on the East Coast at highly prestigous universities.

I was impressed by the presence of everyone tonight. Attire was appropriate and the speeches made were outstanding. I would like to thank Don for all the photo opportunities thus far, and especially today with the extra large group.

Let's go ILC !