Community Corner
Gandhi at Grossmont: Brandon Vitton Chosen as NBC Inspirational Student
Also: April Pools Day and a teen's book club at the La Mesa Library
One day at Grossmont High School, Brandon Vitton heard one of his Middle East classmates ask: “Why don’t the American kids talk to us?” Later that day, Vitton picked up a club application from the Associated Student Body. He formed what would become the United Friends of America Club.
For his efforts to bridge cultures on campus, Vitton last week was tapped as NBC San Diego’s Inspirational Student of the Month. The award is a partnership between Bridgepoint Education and the county Office of Education.
“I thought I was going to faint, to be honest,” Vitton said after his name was announced by Randolph Ward, the county superintendent of schools. “I didn't expect that at all.”
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In his blog, schools Superintendent Ralf Swenson said: “An inspirational student selected for recognition is defined as an outstanding individual on his or her high school campus and within their community.”
Vitton, a graduating senior, was chosen from among 500,000 students in the county. His club works to connect international and American students through many activities, including sports, bowling, dancing and potlucks.
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Many of these international students are from the Middle East, a population growing at Grossmont High, according to Swenson.
“We need to start opening up and welcoming people more,” Vitton said in the NBC San Diego segment on his selection. “Be the change you wish to be in the world. That's what Gandhi said.”
STAY AFLOAT: To kick off National Drowning Prevention Month, which is May, the La Mesa City Pool is hosting a free event Saturday, April 30, that’s sure to get your feet wet—and probably much more.
From noon to 3 p.m., activities for all ages are planned, including infant swim demonstrations, water safety presentations and a mock rescue performed by members of the Lifeguards and Fire Department.
“Kids can swim with a Navy SEAL while practicing their life-jacket skills,” said Becky Jackman-Beeler, the recreation supervisor of aquatics and sports at La Mesa Community Center.
On Tuesday, Jackman-Beeler accepted the proclamation for May as Drowning Prevention Month at the City Council meeting. For more information, call 619-667-1495 or email bjackman@ci.la-mesa.ca.us.
PAGE-TURNERS: The Teen Book Club will meet at the La Mesa Library on Thursday, April 21, to discuss the suspense novel Shattering Glass by Gail Giles. Copies of the book can be picked up at the library’s reference desk.
If you’d like to have a say on what is read in the future—or about any of the eight teen events hosted by the library throughout the year—the Teen Advisory Council is set to meet at 4 p.m. Thursday, April 28. For more information, call 619-469-2151.
