Congratulations to seniors Caz Arroyo, Raquel Villanueva and Jack Spear for being honored by the National College Board for receiving the National Hispanic Recognition Award. The awards program honors the academic achievement of students from the Hispanic, African-American, Indigenous or rural communities through standardized testing results in the top 10% in their state, and grade point averages of 3.5 or higher.
It is fitting during the celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month that Arroyo, Villanueva and Spear were honored for their accomplishments as outstanding students, as well as members of the Hispanic community.
“We are thrilled the College Board has recognized these students’ outstanding work. Each one brings their unique gifts and talents to Oaks Christian, and we celebrate this honor with them,” said Director of College Counseling Jeff Morrow.
Villanueva has been a part of the equestrian club, representing Oaks Christian at the Interscholastic Equestrian League. Last year the team came in first place. She has also been a part of the rowing club for two years. Last year was the first time the girls’ team competed in the West Coast Scholastic Rowing Championship, placing second. In addition, she has also been a part of the library committee and a student ambassador.
Arroyo is on the varsity baseball team as a pitcher and as a rising senior this past summer played with the SoCal Halos in the California Collegiate League, a high-level summer league. As an underclassman, he also played junior varsity baseball.
Spear, who has been a Boy Scout since the age of six, just completed his Eagle Scout project and has been a senior patrol leader in his troop. While in middle school, he earned his blackbelt in Tae Kwon Do.
- Academics