RECOGNITION FOR THE 2002 GRADUATES

JENNIFER E. SAMONTE

(Graduate School)

Jennifer E. Samonte was born and raised in San Diego, California. Ms. Samonte attended Mt. Carmel High School in Rancho Penasquitos where she was a cheerleader, Athletics Commissioner for the Associated Student Body, and a member of the California Scholastic Federation. Shortly after she graduated from high school in 1995, Ms. Samonte obtained her real estate license at the age of 18 and sold real estate through college.

Jennifer attended San Diego State University where she also a cheerleader and an award-winning member of the speech and forensics team. She graduated from SDSU with honors, double majoring in Spanish Language and Speech Communication. She worked for a local non-profit organization where she represented the company in various media spots, such as "Money in the Morning" on KSDO radio and posed as an agency-wide Spokeswoman for tradeshows like San Diego Union Tribune's "Right on the Money". 

Jennifer attended San Francisco State University and obtained her Master's degree in Speech Communication. She graduated from SFSU with Summa Cum Laude honors and was awarded the University's Graduate Student Award for Distinguished Achievement", the highest honor awarded in the University's graduate program.

Jennifer is currently works as Professor of Communication at Miramar College. She has more than two decades of classical dance experience, enjoys spending time with her nephews and family, and is getting married to Troi Valencia in March 2003.

JOANNE N. ARIGO

(College)

Joanne N. Arigo is the daughter of Frank and Blanquita Arigo. Her family currently reside in Scripps Ranch, San Diego. In 1997, Joanne graduated from the Academy of Our Lady of Peace. Her cumulative high school grade point average was 3.9. After graduating, she went on to attend the University of Southern California. After completing the mandatory five-year architectural program, Joanne graduated on May 10, 2002 with a Bachelor of Architecture. 

While at the University of Southern California, Joanne was on the Dean's List. Her cumulative college grade point average was 3.5. Joanne designed projects that were published in the USC Chronicle and Sea Magazine. In addition, Joanne was accepted to the competitive study abroad program where she spent a semester living in Italy, while in studying architecture and traveling throughout Europe. 

Joanne enjoys playing golf, snowboarding, swimming and traveling. Joanne future plans are to work, prepare for graduate school and to obtain her MBA. 

JEFFREY M. JIMENEZ

(College)

Jeffrey Jimenez is 24 years old and was born in Philadelphia, PA.He is the youngest son of Don and Mary Jimenez and has three other siblings, Irma, Mimi and Ray.

In Jeffrey's high school days he played football and was a successful wrestler for the Mt. Carmel Sundevils.Jeffrey attended the University of California, San Diego and received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering this past June.

Jeffrey enjoys lifting weights, playing the drums, working on electronic devices, and especially spending time with his 9 nephews and nieces.His girlfriend, Chanelle Melad is his inspiration and guardian angel.

Jeffrey's is currently working as a Field Support Engineer at Nokia.He would like to become a CISCO Network Associate.In the future, he hopes to attain a Masters in Business Administration and learn his Dad's business.

CRISTILYN L. TAMAYO

(High School)

Cristilyn Tamayo was born on December 16, 1983 at Clark Air Force Base, Philippines. Cristilyn and her family lived in Baguio City where she cherished some of my childhood memories. She attended preschool, kindergarten, and first grade in Baguio. After a disastrous earthquake, Cristilyn's Parents decided to move the family to America when Cristilyn was only 6 years old. It was difficult to adjust to the unfamiliar culture. She was scared, but as time progressed I overcame that fear. Cristilyn's family became residents of Clairemont, San Diego. She attended Sequoia Elementary School, followed by Ray A. Kroc Middle School, and then graduated from James Madison High School in June 2002. Her cumulative grade point average was 3.97 and her last semester her grade point average was 4.5.

Cristilyn is very proud of my successful education and also various accomplishments. For example: honor roll every year, academic achievements, awards in various classes, honors for the Golden state exam in Writing Comprehension and Spanish, Published for four consecutive years in "Who's who in American High School! Students," graduated in the top ten percent of my class with academic distinction, honored the Clairemont Town Council Scholarship, found eligible for free tuition through the California Veteran Program, etc.

In addition, Cristilyn is very proud of the several activities she was involved in: She danced and sang for the Madison Show Choir, she was a member of the California Scholarship Federation, She was a student intern for the principal, and she currently hold a job at the L.A. Fitness Sports Club working with children. Some of her hobbies include: singing, dancing, dancing hula, snowboarding, eating, shopping, and hanging out with friends. 

Cristilyn plans to attend University of California, San Diego where she will pursue my to become a pediatrician because she love working with children as well as helping others.

THOMAS P. GAMBOA

(High School)

Thomas Palomares Gamboa was born on January 31, 1984 at Pomerado Hospital in Poway, California. Thomas lives with his parents, Tita and Mel, his brothers, Meljohn and Gameliel, and his sister, Mirasol, in San Diego, California. He has recently graduated from Rancho Bernardo High School, where his cumulative grade point average was 3.587

Thomas started his activities with Scouting as a Tiger Cub at the age of 6. Afterwards, he joined Cub Scouts as a member of Troop 685 in Rancho Bernardo, California. As a scout, Thomas held the positions of Patrol Scribe, Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Troop Guide, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and Senior patrol Leader. Thomas also served as Assistant Patrol Leader for the Boy Scout Troop 60 for the National Jamboree in 1997 and as the head Senior Patrol Leader for the 2001 District Camporee. He became an Eagle Scout in Feb 2002.

Thomas has been active in the school's music program. He has played clarinet for 7 years and has played with the high school marching band throughout his high school career. Thomas has also led the marching band as the Military Parade Drum Major for 2 years and for the Rose Parade 2001. He has competed in many Drum Major competitions where he has scored significantly higher than all of his other competitors and has earned himself 1st Place in the Military Drum Major Southern Regional Championship 2002. Furthermore, he has been involved as the Principal Bassoon player in the high school's prestigious Wind Ensemble and Orchestra. Thomas has also been active as the Principal Bassoonist in the San Diego Civic Youth Orchestra for the past two years and has also been placed in the honor groups such as the All-Southern Honor Band 2002 as Principal Bassoon and the All-State Honor Band 2002.

During the summer, Thomas will be Drum Major Instructor at Drum Major Camps with the United Spirit Associations. Next fall, he will be attending the University of California, Los Angeles where he will double major in Psychology and Music with an emphasis in Music Education. Thomas hopes to someday become a music professor for a University.