Math wiz

Alexander Aliaga, an eighth grader at Turlock Junior High School, took home the top spot in mathematics at the Stanislaus County Office of Education Academic Pentathlon last weekend. Aliaga competed in the "Honors" division for students who have a grade point average of 3.75 to 4.0. He answered questions for algebra 1 and geometry to earn his math title. He also took home a third place finish for ...

Musical partnership

Students from Dutcher and Turlock Junior High schools teamed up to perform in front of a nearly sold out crowd at Pitman High School during the District Music Festival on Tuesday. More than 720 students throughout Turlock Unified School District will participate in the festival, which spans four shows in four nights this week.

Good citizen award

The Turlock chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented Hilmar Middle School student Alexandra Britton the DAR Good Citizenship Award on Friday. The Hilmar eighth grader was selected by several teachers who recognized her qualities in five categories: honor, service, courage, leadership and patriotism.

Student overcomes loss of teacher, friend

For most high school seniors the start of their final year on campus is a time of excitement and determination for meeting their goal of graduation. For Denair High School senior Leina Mansilla the start of her senior year was a time of tragedy and confusion.

Cooking up a win

For Turlock High School, last year's Iron Chef loss to cross-town rival Pitman High was a bitter pill to swallow. This year, however, the Bulldogs took the lion's share of points and emerged the winner of the second annual Iron Chef Turlock, held Saturday evening at the Assyrian-American Civic Club.

Keyes girl knows keys to success start with education, commitment

At 11 years old MacKylah Miles has seen and overcome many obstacles in her life.

Credit union doubles Merced College kids scholarships

Educational Employees Credit Union announced Thursday it will match scholarship contributions to Merced College's College for Kids program dollar-for-dollar up to $7,500.

eCademy ready for state approval

Pending state approval, the eCademy at Crane charter school will open by the start of next school year for students in grade K-12.

Local students earn ag scholarships

The future of agricultural education is strong thanks to 11 local college-bound students who intend to keep their talents in the ag community for the foreseeable future.

Pitman student overcomes language, cultural barriers to excel

Pitman senior Ziti Qin, 17, proves that where there's a will, there's a way.

Wakefield siblings learned fairness in the home

March Character Counts Profile: Fairness

MJC students succeed in California Agriculture Leaders competition

Modesto Junior College students earned a first place team win in the College Bowl and numerous individual awards at the March 4 California Agriculture Leaders competition.

Local students to compete in state finals for Odyssey of the Mind

Students from Dutcher Middle and Cunningham Elementary schools recently competed in the Odyssey of the Mind competition, earning spots in the State Finals to be held later this month in Brentwood. Odyssey of the Mind is an international competition that provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students from kindergarten through college. Team members apply their creativity to solve problems that ...

EDUCATION: WISE LESSON

Nancy Haydock of the Stanislaus Wildlife Care Center presented a horned owl to students at Wakefield Elementary School in Turlock. Haydock's presentation was part of Go Green Week, a partnership between the City of Turlock and The Turlock Unified School District.

Stanislaus students to be honored by journalism society for uncovering Palin speaking documents

Two California State University, Stanislaus students will be awarded the James Madison Citizen Award from the Society of Professional Journalists next week for their efforts to uncover a draft version of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's contract to speak at the University Foundation's 50th Anniversary Gala Fundraiser.

UC Merced names first Alumni Association Board

Now with more than 1,200 alumni to its name, University of California, Merced on Thursday announced it has established the first-ever board of directors for its Alumni Association. Christopher Abrescy ('09), Uday Bali ('08), Josh Bolin ('07), Jason Castillo ('09), Efferman Ezell ('09), Sam Fong ('09), Jose Godinez ('11), James Kirby ('10), Jacqueline Miramontes ('10), Elizabeth Perkins ('11) and Yaasha Sabba ('09) will serve as the board's founding members. The board will ...

Kamali named dean of CSU Stanislaus College of Natural Sciences

Reza Kamali, the current dean of the School of Science and Technology at Cameron University in Lawton, Okla., has been named the new dean of the CSU Stanislaus College of Natural Sciences.

Merced College president retires

Merced College President Benjamin T. Duran will retire at the end of the academic year, he announced Tuesday. "I have contemplated this move for the last year or so but could never find the right time to make this life changing decision," Duran said. " … After reflecting on this and talking with my family for the last few months I came to the conclusion that there is never a right time to ...

Stanislaus to offer first accredited online MBA in state

California State University, Stanislaus will be the first institution in the state to launch a fully online Master of Business Administration degree program which is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. "The fully online MBA represents an exciting opportunity for increased access that allows each individual to study anytime, anywhere in pursuit of their graduate business degree," said CSU Stanislaus President Hamid Shirvani. "We are extremely proud to offer ...

A garden gala

Julien Elementary School held its 13th Annual Garden Celebration on Friday. The garden has been a focal point of instruction for the school in science and nutrition. Julien Garden Coordinator Janet Wheeler said students have learned a solid foundation for later horticulture and environmental interest through learning about how the food cycle works, soil, insects, worms, nature and nutrition. This year the garden has produced chard, kale, carrots, radishes, lettuces, beets, edible flowers, poppies, ...

Denair Academic Avenues gives parents, students choices

When Denair Academic Avenues opened last year the administration and staff wanted to give parents a choice. Choices and exploring new "avenues" in learning are what Denair's only full time, classroom-based charter school is all about. Known as D2A, the school is a dependent charter of the Denair Unified School District and it offers full core curriculum standards in English language arts, science, social studies, physical education and mathematics. However, what D2A ...

Pitman High parents, students learn about road to college, career

Planning for a prosperous and fulfilling future was the theme Wednesday night at Pitman High's annual College Night. Admission counselors and recruiters from public and private universities, vocational schools, community colleges and the military were on hand to answer questions and provide advice to hundreds of parents and students. According to Associated Student Body President Isais Rumayor, the event was a crash course to educate both parents and students on how to ...

Prospective students look for ‘right fit’ at CSUS preview day

For scores of high school students, one concern reigns supreme: getting into college. And not getting into just any college, of course, but the right college. On Saturday, California State University, Stanislaus opened its gates to more than 400 prospective students and their guests, offering visitors a chance to see if the university is truly right for them. "I wanted to know more about the campus," said Alex Senior, 16, of ...

Officials advocate early education over incarceration

CSU Stanislaus wins grant for graduate education

A California State University, Stanislaus effort to increase the percentage of Hispanic and low-income students in graduate programs, and the rate of degree completion among those students, will continue for a second year following renewal of federal grant funding. "This second year of funding is further acknowledgement that the university has demonstrated substantial progress toward the grant project's primary goals and objectives," said President Hamid Shirvani. "I am very pleased with the headway ...

Gunner and Mac have the bridge at THS’ NJROTC

From 2003 to 2006, U.S. Navy Chief Warrant Officer Wardee "Gunner" Bruce served as the Naval Reserve Junior Officer Training Corps instructor at Turlock High and then he retired to a life of philanthropy through organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. And then the call came this summer - it was time to report back for duty at Turlock High School. The call came after THS had ...

Hilmar Homecoming: 100 years of Yellowjacket Pride

Walk to school day

Hundreds of Walnut Magneteers and their families participated in the school's Walk to School Day on Wednesday. The event was organized to raise awareness about the health benefits of walking to school and the potential negative health effects of sedentary lifestyles. In the United States, nearly one in three children are either overweight or obese.

Schools help break Guinness World Record for jumping jacks

More than 5,000 pre-K to college students in Turlock participated in what is believed to be a Guinness World Record for the most people doing jumping jacks in a 24-hour period. Nationally, more than 100,000 people joined in the effort, led by first lady Michelle Obama and sponsored by National Geographic Kids magazine. Erin Hall of California State University, Stanislaus' Kinesiology Department said the previous record was 20,00 in a 24-hour period ...

Hilmar High celebrates 100 years

This week the Hilmar community will celebrate the 100th birthday of Hilmar High School with what is sure to be a historic series of events and celebrations. Of course, the highlight of the week will be the homecoming parade on Friday - featuring "Glee" star and HHS' most famous graduate Dot Jones as marshal, followed by Yellowjackets taking on Riverbank High. The parade will take place on Lander Avenue at 2 p.m. <p ...