2019 Lifelong Learner Awards

On March 19th, HBAS hosted its 2018-2019 Lifelong Learners Awards.  Administrators, teachers and staff joined family and friends to recognize eight exemplary students as this year's Lifelong Learners. Nominated by their teachers out of thousands of students, these Lifelong Learners persist, succeed and inspire others.   

As Principal Steve Curiel explains, "while many people struggle to find or make the time to better themselves through education," our Lifelong Learners "have overcome similar challenges and have succeeded."

The Lifelong Learner Awards is always a special celebration of our students and the impacts they have in our school and community.  Stay tuned in the coming weeks for in-depth features on each of our Lifelong Learners.   

• Download high resolution photos from our Flickr Album. 

Jediah Andrews - Diploma Program, nominated by Ann Cosgrove

Jediah’s entry into HBAS involved a chance encounter at our Westminster Mall Learning Center. He was looking in the windows when Front Office Assistant Heidi Offerdal invited him in.

As a teenager working to support his mom and siblings, Jediah dropped out duing his senior year at Marina High School. He later made a pact with his wife (and high school sweetheart) to get his diploma before their first child finished high school.  

Jediah enrolled in our Diploma Program and completed the 50 credits needed to graduate. Currently head butcher at Smart and Final, he plans to transition into management. For right now, Jediah’s celebrating the accomplishment of his first goal: graduating from high school four years ahead of his oldest son. 

Two years ago, Imelda Perez walked into the Westminster Mall to make a quick purchase and found herself enrolling at HBAS. This June, she’ll be returning to the mall in a cap and gown to collect her High School Diploma.   

Imelda was able to complete sixteen courses with high marks, all while caring for her grandson and mother-in-law. She is self-guided, a leader amongst her peers and constantly looks for ways to improve. 

Imelda ensured not only her success but also the success of HBAS as she offered her insight and time on the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) committee.  Moving forward, Imelda will pursue a position as a Teacher’s Aide and continue her education at Orange Coast College in the fall.  

Maria Galvan - ESL, nominated by Deborah Quintana

At 16, Maria Galvan came to the U.S. to work and send money back to her mom in Mexico.  She married and had three children. 

Maria has sacrificed and worked hard to give her three children the education she was not given as a child. She tried to take ESL classes at HBAS for many years, and each time had to quit because of her work schedule. But Maria never gave up on her dream of studying English.  

Once her children reached their goals, her family said it was time they sacrificed for her.  Now, Maria's only job is going to school! At HBAS, she is an asset to her class, always ready to lead and help others.  Maria has been through so much, and continues to press forward until she reaches her goals. 

Mercedes Weiner - ESL, nominated by Deborah Quintana & Jim Turnbough

Mercedes Weiner’s life began in a very small town in Guatemala, in a home with no running water or electricity. She only completed second grade in her home town. She left home to find work at 10 years old. Mercedes came to the US at 23 years old and gave birth to a son, but had to return to Guatemala several months later.  

Mercedes moved permanently to the United States and began learning English at HBAS. She also cares for a son with many medical conditions. She has overcome so many barriers to keep learning. Mercedes is very grateful to God for being able to care for her son, attend school, and make it through each day. 

Mercedes is continuing with her education, learning English and taking Conversation, Citizenship, and Computer classes.  On January 17, 2019, she reached another dream: becoming a U.S. citizen!   

 

Linda Lee is in her 70s, retired, with three children and four grandchildren. All of her children attended prominent colleges and have prestigious careers. From 1987-2007, Linda worked many jobs to put her children through college.  

 

This belief in the value of education and hard work that she instilled in her children continues now for herself as she pursues her goal to learn English. She is passionate about learning, and dedicates herself every day to achieving her goal.  

 

Linda comes to class every day, always offering help when she sees a need, whether passing out papers or helping fellow students master an oral test. She is an outstanding student and an exemplary model of a true lifelong learner.   

 

 

Michelle was in retail business for over ten years when she decided to change careers. She became interested in the medical field when her sister told her about Phlebotomy and Medical Assisting.  

 

Michelle went back to school and got her phlebotomy license. She has been working as a phlebotomist for over a year. Michelle is currently in the Medical Assisting Program at HBAs and is excelling with a 98% grade in the class. 

Michelle is eager to jump into the medical field and be a great asset to a company. She is hoping to be done with the program this summer.   

 

 

Roberta Fuentes completed her Pharmacy Technician program at HBAS back in 2018. She is a hard working mother with a full-time status at Walgreens Pharmacy. She also bears the prestigious nationally recognized title as Certified Pharmacy Technician with the PTCB.  

The growing trend in pharmacy billing brought Roberta back to HBAS to continue her education as a Medical Billing and Coding student. Her educational effort is admirable and we know she will be a great contributor in the healthcare field.  

Roberta is a driven student, a source of strength and a role model to her child.