Community
Service Clubs & Entertainment by Joan Ray
AAUW Sends Six
Girls to Tech TreK The American Association of University
Women was founded in 1881 to help promote education and employment opportunity for women. AAUW’s San Clemente-Capistrano Beach branch (AAUW-SCCB) was formed al- most 135 years later, after enormous changes had been made, and they are still finding a myriad of ways to encourage and promote these issues. Scholarships awarded to young women
and single mothers, have enabled their move from two years at Saddleback College to a de- gree path at an accredited university changing the lives of hundreds of families. But the advent of Tech Trek may prove an even more impor- tant cog in the wheel of women’s educational opportunities. Tech Trek is a statewide summer camp pro-
gram (currently expanding nationwide), held at a local college or university, which introduces girls entering 8th grade to educational and em- ployment opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). That grade was chosen because it’s the time most girls begin to move away from their previous interest in stem fields. This year the branch was able to send six
local girls to Tech Trek summer camp at the University of California, Irvine. Recipients were chosen based on a teacher’s recommenda- tion, a written essay and a brief interview. Ju- liana Craft, Viviana Moiso, Anisa Rind, Jenna Yeam, Carly Bunim and Isabelle Peloso enthu- siastically endorsed the opportunity. The girls spend a week on campus, living
in the dorm and studying with college instruc- tors as well specialists in specific fields. Each
The mission of the Dana Point Symphony is to provide world-class classical music to Dana Point and surrounding communities, making it accessible to everyone. The Symphony Orchestra is photographed at Dana Point.
girl chooses two subjects to pursue from a list of about 10, including topics like environmen- tal science, medicine, forensics, biology and ro- botics. General classes were also held so every girl received an introduction to every subject. Student Juliana Craft said, “I was so ex-
cited to go and it was even more than I had ex- pected. I learned so much: I learned to embrace every opportunity that is offered; to succeed you need to learn to set goals and not be afraid
to fail, and so much more.” Alisa Rind also said she learned much more
than anticipated. “They even had a finance class,” she bubbled. “And we learned social skills, how to get along with those you work with. I also learned that women can attain any- thing they make up their mind to, and I’m going to be like that.” Carley Bunim called it, “the best experi-
ence I’ve ever had. There were so many women there to inspire me; it was eye opening. I am so grateful to have been chosen for this opportu- nity.” This year the chapter’s Tech Trek co-chairs,
Cathy Batton and Mary Jo West had a get-ac- quainted party for the girls at Velvet Yogurt, awarding each with a Tech Trek teddy bear. They both continue to be impressed with the intelligence and responsiveness of the students, wishing they could offer every applicant this opportunity. For more information about the local
AAUW branch, its many programs and how you can be involved, call Joan Nielsen at (949)492- 8446 or go to http:
sccb-ca.aauw.net. And check the “Interest Groups.” You’ll find study groups on movies, books, bridge, French, etc - something for everyone.
Casa’s Berenika Schmitz Named Artistic Director of
Dana Point Symphony Berenika Schmitz, executive director of Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens
in San Clemente, has earned the title of founder and artistic director of the Dana Point Symphony. A classically trained concert pianist, Berenika realized soon after moving to South Orange County that though the area’s most popular events included musical presentations, it had no symphony orchestra. Berenika discovered that Dana Point had
some exceptional venues and after additional planning, contacted Dana Point’s then mayor, Scott Schoeffel, hoping to make the symphony a reality. They partnered with conductor and musical director Dean Anderson and in less time than expected, the dream came true. At- tendance the first year averaged 500 guests per performance; the second year attendance al- most doubled, and has continued to increase. On occasion, the symphony presents in-
credible productions, such as the two-day amal- gam of orchestra, opera, theater and aerial ballet held on the Ocean Institute’s tall ship Pil- grim. But most concerts are held at St Edwards Church in Dana Point, a beautiful, classically designed structure, with, Berenika reported, “incredible acoustics and a floor to ceiling backdrop of the ocean behind the stage…there is no better way to enjoy a live symphony or- chestra.” Ample parking, comfortable handicap access and plush theater seating complete the perfection. The symphony’s 5th season will open Feb-
ruary 27, at 7:30pm, featuring violin virtuoso Aya Kionaga performing the popular Brahms Violin Concerto, Brahms Hungarian Dances and works by Grieg and Smetena.
SANCLEMENTEJOURNAL 13
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