Source: OC Breeze
The La Palma-Cerritos Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) recently sent four outstanding young girls to Virtual STEM Tech Trek Camps sponsored by AAUW California this past July. Sophia Chicas was one of 640 girls throughout California who were selected to attend one of three camps in June and July
of 2021.
She was honored by Principal Jennifer Brown at Walker Jr. High School’s Eighth Grade Graduation on Zoom on May19, 2021, by being selected as “Viking of the Year” for “superior academic achievement and a strong commitment towards excellence.”
She also received a framed Proclamation from the California State 65th Assembly, signed by Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva, for being awarded” the highest distinction which can be bestowed upon a student at Walker Jr. High School.”
The following is information which Sophia sent by e-mail about her recent awards and her future plans at John F. Kennedy High School.
By Sophia Chicas
The Viking of the Year award is given to the top eighth grade boy and girl every year. We are chosen by the staff and are chosen for academic grades, involvement in school and an overall positive attitude. I was chosen specifically for maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout my two years in junior high school, being in the honors program, being in ASB, being in the Bridges Club representing Walker at local elementary schools and being President of the Kindness Club. During my last year in junior high school, I was trying to make the most of my online experience with virtual classes on Zoom which led me to be involved in so many activities. Unknowingly to me, the staff recognized me and my involvement which led to my getting the Viking of the Year Award.
Now that I am entering high school, I have plans to make it memorable. For example, I was chosen to be Freshman Class President. I intend to be a part of ASB for the next four years. I also intend to be involved in the sports offered at my school, such as cross country. After attending Tech Trek, it sparked the idea of starting a club that is STEM based. I am unsure of what it will be right now, but in my freshman and sophomore year, I will start working on the idea. Not only do I want to start a new club, I also want to be a member of a few other clubs, as I was in junior high school. Again, I am unsure of what clubs I will join at this time.
Lastly, I want to thank the La Palma-Cerritos Branch of the AAUW, my branch sponsor, and Qualcomm for an incredible experience at Tech Trek. I would also like to thank Edna Ethington and the branch Tech Trek Committee for helping to make it possible for me to attend the Virtual Tech Trek Camp this year. I hope to be involved with AAUW and other things STEM-related in the future because of it