DeLaveaga Elementary, part of Santa Cruz City Schools, has been named a California Distinguished School by the California Department of Education. DeLaveaga is being recognized for exceptional student performance and achievement.

Since 1985, the California Distinguished School program has been celebrating schools that achieve among the highest levels of English Language Arts and Math across all student groups. DeLaveaga met this criteria and has been recognized for strong indicators of student engagement and positive school climate.

“Our entire staff is grateful and pleased that DeLaveaga is recognized for its achievements in instruction and narrowing the achievement gap for students,” said DeLaveaga Principal Thien Hua in a press release. “I am humbled every day by the work of our educators and staff, and am thrilled that all of our collective work is making a difference in kids’ lives. We work on these goals together and it is an honor to be celebrated for meeting them and lifting up our students.”

DeLaveaga Elementary opened in 1969 and serves 485 students. In addition to a traditional TK-5 program, DeLaveaga is also home to the “Dos Alas” bilingual dual immersion program. The Dos Alas program provides a bilingual TK-5 education to students, presenting lessons in both English and Spanish and enjoying an extremely high success rate of students retaining Bilingualism and receiving the State Seal of Biliteracy in High School.

“I am so happy that the incredible work of our school is being recognized and celebrated,” said Santa Cruz City Schools Superintendent Kris Munro in a press release. “We are so glad to be narrowing the achievement gap and bringing every student up to their highest potential. These are goals we set as a district, and I am incredibly proud of the Educators at DeLaveaga for their dedicated work and for achieving this recognition.”

Monte Vista Christian student raises funds for Little League

As part of his Sophomore Personal Project, Monte Vista Christian School sophomore and varsity baseball co-captain Mikie Melenudo sought to make a meaningful impact in the community through his passion for baseball. His vision materialized into a schoolwide Hit-a-thon on Feb. 21, raising funds to benefit the Santa Cruz Little League Challenger Division.

Melenudo raised $3,060 through the 99 Pledges platform, resulting in a total donation of $2,932.14 to the Challenger Division. This division of Little League is dedicated to providing developmentally and physically challenged youth with the opportunity to enjoy the game in an environment tailored to their abilities.

In addition to the financial contribution, Melenudo is currently working alongside MVC baseball coach Johnny Ramirez to deepen the team’s involvement. Plans are underway to host Challenger Division players and their families at an MVC home game, fostering a sense of community and inclusion. The MVC Baseball Program is coordinating a date to volunteer as Buddies during a Challenger Division game, creating meaningful connections through mentorship and support.

Melenudo, a two-year varsity starter with a 4.318 GPA, exemplifies sportsmanship both on and off the field. A 2024 recipient of the Richard Chamberlin All-Sportsmanship Team (PCAL Gabilan) recognition, his leadership and dedication continue to inspire his peers and the local baseball community.

Group names county Old Timers of the Year

The Santa Cruz County Old Timer Men’s Group named Bruce McPherson and Ed Lake as its Old Timers of the Year during their 83rd annual luncheon at CPDES Hall last month. Kim Stoner, their president, said the theme this year was “Vintage Wheels — Old Cars and Motorcycles.” A buffet luncheon was provided by Marina & Co. Many friends and attendees shared stories about the wonderful history of Santa Cruz County.

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