On March 26, 2022, the Don Jose de Ortega Chapter held its Annual Student Essay Awards Program. A big thank you to District VIII American History Representative Jane Belmont along with Don Jose de Ortega Chapter American History Chair Lillian Leigh for running a well-organized and competitive contest. Lunch was enjoyed at the beautiful Woodland Hills Country Club with the four Stars Academy winning students from 5th, 6th, 7th, who also won at district level, and 8th grade, along with their parents. Afterwards, they read their essays and received their awards. The Don Jose de Ortega Chapter winner of the Good Citizen Award also won at district level. She is from Faith Baptist School and unfortunately, was unable to attend the awards program. Talented and hard-working patriotic students like these are needed to support and preserve American history.

Photo L to R: Sophia Romany’s grandmother, 7th grade Don Jose de Ortega Chapter and District VIII winner Sophia Romany and her mother Sharra Romany; District VIII American History Representative Jane Belmont; Regent Linda Hodgkinson; 6th grade winner Easton Machlovitch and mother Codi Machlovitch; Eric Whitmyre and son Nikolas Whitmyre-Lopez, 5th grade winner; 8th grade winner Daron Fordham II with parents Angel Tyree and Daron Fordham I; and Don Jose de Ortega Chapter American History Chair Lillian Leigh in front.