Community Corner
Meet Oceanside's Eric Vielma, This Week's Whiz Kid
At 15 years old, Eric Vielma turns his back on street violence and turns his focus on career pursuits. He takes this week's honor as a Patch "Whiz Kid."
This week, Camp Pendleton Patch recognizes El Camino High School student Eric Vielma as this week's Whiz Kid. Here are some reasons why he stands out among his peers:
- Whiz Kid's Achievement: Eric Vielma chooses to be an active participant, helping others at the San Luis Rey Community Resource Center. He has two brothers and three sisters, and at 15, he still makes time to help younger kids in the community. Vielma was nominated by Joanne Rush, Community Resource Center assistant, for being dependable, easy to get along with, and just pleasant to be around. "You can count on him to do anything," Rush said.
- Whiz Kid's Awesomeness: Vielma's favorite subjects in high school are engineering, wood shop and art. He has been a member of the Community Resource Center since he was 6, and said it "keeps me out of trouble. I come here and play soccer." Vielma is a member of the "Breakers" soccer team, likes to create art in his free time, and has exceptional watercolor paintings of landscapes decorating the walls of the Resource Center.
- Whiz Kid's Legacy: Vielma plans to go to college and become a computer technician. His mentor, Poncho Flores from the Resource Center, just finished college and inspired Vielma to follow in his footsteps. With encouragement from Joanne Rush to behave in school and keep away from gangs, Vielma's message to other kids is, "Go to college and stay out of trouble."
We congratulate Eric Vielma for his choices in life. Keep up the good work, Eric, and best of luck in all of your goals!
