Local students win National History Day competition
Two student groups from Orange County won first place in their categories at National History Day, an annual national competition in the fall where students present original historical research projects to a panel of judges for prizes and awards at the University of Maryland in College Park.
The students and their projects were:
Junior Group Website: Shawn Castrapel, Max Castrapel, Irvine, Sierra Vista Middle School; Rights and Responsibilities: The Hetch Hetchy Dam and Its Environmental Impact
Senior Individual Exhibit: Samantha Bailey, Irvine, Orange County School of the Arts; Forbidden to Fundamental: Perez v. Sharp’s Defense of Marriage Rights and Call for Constitutional Responsibility
Nearly 3,000 students from across the country presented history projects in five categories (documentary, exhibit, performance, website and paper), focused on the theme of “Rights & Responsibilities in History.”
The theme encouraged students to examine how individuals and communities have claimed – and responded to – rights throughout history.
More than 500,000 middle and high school students participated in National History Day’s local, regional, state and national competitions this year.
Tustin teen earns Congressional Award Gold Medal
Kavin Patel, 17, from Tustin was awarded recently the Congressional Award Gold Medal, Congress’s highest honor for civilian youth.
To earn the Gold Medal, participants must complete at least 400 hours of voluntary public service, which means sharing their time and talent for the betterment of the community.
Also required are 200 hours of personal development, which can include developing social and life skills as well as interests, and 200 hours of physical fitness, spent in any way that improves health and quality of life. Additionally, participants must spend at least five days and four nights exploring a new environment or culture.
To earn the award, Kavin co-founded Support for Seniors, a community-driven initiative aimed at enhancing the lives of older adults through personalized support and wellness programs for mental health. The program began with providing one-on-one assistance to seniors at local community churches. These sessions were designed to help them with technology challenges.
The program grew by offering assistance and resources to older adults at the local farmers’ market. As it gained traction, it expanded to offer structured classes at a senior center, covering topics such as technology and social connection. These classes have received outstanding feedback and have become an integral part of the community’s senior services.
Support for Seniors also participated in and sponsored senior center resource fairs at the Tustin Area Senior Center.
Support for Seniors has reached more than 1,000 older adults, providing them with essential support and building stronger connections within the community.
Based on positive feedback, the program is expanding to include companion walking and stretching classes aimed at improving seniors’ physical health and mental well-being. These new classes focus on encouraging active lifestyles, providing companionship and helping seniors maintain flexibility and mobility.
– Submitted by The Congressional Award
Irvine native supports U.S. Navy Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron
Petty Officer 2nd Class Aryan Saphir, from Irvine, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74.
Saphir graduated from Irvine High School in 2018 and earned an associate degree in electrical engineering and computer science from Irvine Valley College in 2020.
“Something that has helped me in my time in the Navy is having a sense of accountability,” Saphir said. “I was living by myself when I joined the military, and I had to be accountable and responsible for myself.
“You have to work up to get qualified to perform more difficult jobs on the helicopters. Eventually, you get enough qualifications to become a collateral duty inspector, and then you’re overseeing someone else’s work,” he said. “When I sign off on the helicopter, I’m taking accountability for my work and the team’s work on that helicopter. No one else is going to check it over. You have to take all of that seriously and be accountable for all your work.”
Saphir joined the Navy five years ago. Today, he serves as an aviation structural mechanic. Members of HSM 74 fly and maintain the MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, the Navy’s most advanced rotary wing maritime strike platform.
– Submitted by Ashley Craig, Navy Office of Community Outreach
A special tribute for a special man
A new sign on the 91 Freeway is keeping alive the memory of Detective Terry Lee Fincher, a Brea police officer who died in the line of duty.
The special dedication came at the request of Doug Dickerson, a Yorba Linda Parks and Recreation commissioner and a retired city of Brea police captain who worked with Fincher. Fincher was gathering evidence related to a felony assault when he was struck by a train and died.
“Terry Fincher lived with courage, served with integrity and cared deeply for the people around him,” Yorba Linda Mayor Janice Lim said at the previous dedication. “His life reminds us that public safety is not just a duty carried out during a shift – it is a calling, rooted in love for one’s community and the willingness to give of oneself for the greater good. Terry answered that calling with honor, and today we honor him in return.”
Dickerson spoke of his friend: “Terry said he didn’t want to change the world or solve a monumental problem. He just wanted to make a small difference. If he could help change one person’s life, just turn one person around, that was his mission.”
According to a memorial page, Fincher was a Vietnam veteran and had served with the Brea Police Department for 16 years, including when it patrolled Yorba Linda. He earned numerous awards, including the Medal of Honor and Police Officer of the Year. He is survived by his wife, two sons, two stepchildren and a grandson.
Junior League of Orange County celebrates ‘Find the Good Day’ with service to Orangewood Foundation youths
Junior League of Orange County joined recently in celebrating “Find the Good Day.” In partnership with Orangewood Foundation, JLOCC members honored the occasion by supporting young people in Orange County who are transitioning from foster care or facing other challenges.
Seven members volunteered in the Orangewood kitchen, serving dinner, dessert and drinks provided by JLOCC to about 30 transitional-aged youths. During the evening, members reflected on the league’s long-standing connection with Orangewood and toured the facility to learn more about its programs.
The spirit of giving extended beyond the meal. In preparation for the celebration, JLOCC’s Community Impact Council assembled and donated 24 hygiene kits for Orangewood youths. JLOCC’s board of directors prepared an additional 10 hygiene kits.
Over 40 years ago, JLOCC joined forces with other local nonprofits to raise more than $8 million to bring Orangewood Foundation to life, and it remains committed to advancing opportunities that strengthen the Orange County community.
Junior League of Orange County is an organization dedicated to advancing women’s leadership for meaningful impact.
– Submitted by Junior League of Orange County, California
The Bravo! section highlights achievements of our residents and groups. Send news of achievements for consideration to ocrbravo@gmail.com.
