BRIEFLY IN EDUCATION

First-graders share with U.S. soldiers

El Morro first-graders in Cheri David’s class have adopted a platoon of U.S. Army soldiers under the “Soldier’s Angels” program, which matches soldiers with people who want to communicate with them.

David had told parents that she hoped to find a project to help students learn about people outside their world and allow them to share with others.

Brendy Michael, Christina Schineller and Giselle Sveningson responded by contacting Soldiers’ Angels, which began with the mother of two American soldiers and has blossomed into a worldwide organization with nearly 200,000 volunteers. Soldiers’ Angels provides comfort and aid to the soldiers and their families.

The class adopted U.S. Army Sgt. Brian Robert and his platoon. The class collected goods for holiday care packages and created holiday cards.

Accompanying the 11 care packages was a letter from the class expressing gratitude for the soldiers’ sacrifices and service.

Torch Club kids are gathering canned food

Kids in the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach Torch Club have joined forces with Second Harvest Food Bank in their “Tackling Hunger” program to collect canned foods.

Torch Club is a small group of 11- to 13-year-old club members who agree upon, develop and implement their own programs and activities. The group’s focus is on developing character and leadership skills. Torch Clubs nationwide foster positive self-esteem and personal growth.

Torch Club youths conduct service projects in their clubs and communities, like the “Tackling Hunger” program. Karen Crumlich, education and technology director, leads the Torch Club, which has eight members.

The goal is to bring in 1,000 cans of food for the food bank. The most-needed items are canned meats, chili, soup and canned fruits and vegetables. For more information call (949) 494-2535.

Students may apply for art scholarships

The Festival of Arts 2009-10 scholarship program is now open to all high school seniors who live in Laguna Beach, regardless of which school they attend.

The four-year, competitive scholarships are awarded to students who excel in film, performing arts (dance, music and theater arts), visual arts and writing.

Applications will be available after Monday online at the festival’s website www.LagunaFestivalofArts.org or at the Festival of Arts office at 650 Laguna Canyon Road.

Applicants may apply for any or all of the four categories, but will be awarded only one scholarship. The application deadline is March 6.

“Students with talents in multiple fields are encouraged to submit an application in more than one category,” said Festival of Arts Board Secretary and Scholarship Chair Pat Kollenda. “This is an excellent opportunity for students who are considering a career in the arts.”

Auditions and interviews will be scheduled in March and April 2009.

Scholarship awards begin at a minimum of $1,000 and can be renewed for a total of four one-year scholarships. Students must return each summer to reapply for a continuation of scholarship status.

Last year, the Festival of Arts awarded $83,500 to 40 college students for the 2008-09 academic year.

Many scholarship winners pursue successful careers in the arts, and some even return to the festival as exhibiting artists.

In addition to Kollenda, other committee members include Steve Dicterow, Bob and Marge Earl, Tom Lamb, Jacquie Moffett, Marta Santillano and Ann Webster.

The Festival of Arts produces The Festival of Arts “” California’s Premier Fine Art Show and the Pageant of the Masters. For more information, call (949) 494-1145 or visit www.LagunaFestivalofArts.org.

Pollution project involves Orange County students

More than 500 students from Orange County’s Title I schools have had the opportunity to participate in the Pinniped Pollution Project at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach, thanks to a grant from the California Coastal Commission.

The program, designed for fourth- and fifth-graders, focuses on the effects of pollution on ocean habitats and specifically the effects it has on pinnipeds “” seals and sea lions, the center’s patients.

While at the center, students investigate how their neighborhoods and schools are a potential pollution source. The students see the effects of pollutants on marine life firsthand, and learn how their own behavior makes a difference.

“For many of them it was their first time seeing a wild marine mammal, and it made quite an impression,” said Kelli Lewis, education director at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center.

In letters sent to the center after the trip, students asked about the animals’ health and reported how they were recycling and reducing the amount of trash they made and trying to make sure none of it ended up in the ocean.

This is the first year for this new program, and already all 15 spots allotted by the grant from the Coastal Commission have been filled, with several schools on the waiting list.

“We hope to gain additional funding to continue this program once the grant funds are expended,” Lewis said. “These children are going home inspired about how they can help keep the oceans clean, which is the progress we need to help preserve our oceans for future generations.”

Pacific Marine Mammal Center is at 20612 Laguna Canyon Road.

The center and gift shop are open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. For more information about Pacific Marine Mammal Center, call (949) 49403050 or visit www.pacificmmc.org.

Children’s holiday palettes on view

The Children’s Holiday Palette Exhibition is up at Laguna Beach City Hall through Jan. 2.

The Arts Commission accepted entries from children age 5 to 17. Nearly 300 entries, double the entries received last year, were submitted from young artists living or attending school or art programs in Laguna Beach.

Twelve were selected and mounted on wooden artist palettes for the exhibit.

The artists selected for the exhibition are: Luka Salib, 6; Lucinda Becker, 7; Natelie Kleinecke, 7; Sofia Heffer Smith, 7; Luke Colburn, 8; Marccon Salib, 8; Michael Davidson, 9; Mekena Augenstein, 9; Kitra Razin, 10; Jahslyn Barrack, 10; Daniela Lucidi, 11; and Veronia Clancy, 12.