Good deed, musical ability earn praise

Jessica Gutierrez of Dixon was the star of the day in her hometown Thursday after she found a pouch with hundreds of dollars in cash inside while walking to school one recent morning, and promptly turned it in at her school.

The 7-year-old’s honesty, instilled in her by her mother, was cause for praise across the community.

Jessica’s special day included a police escort as she traveled Thursday in a limousine provided by Bryan-Braker Funeral Home. She and her siblings received T-shirts from Cattlemens Restaurant. Her family received free pumpkins for life from Cool Patch Pumpkins and the World’s Largest Corn Maze. Mary’s Pizza Shack provided lunch for Jessica and her classmates at Tremont Elementary School.

It goes without saying that the woman who lost the money, who wished to remain anonymous, was happy to have it returned to her.

Honesty is indeed the best policy. Good job, Jessica. You did your family, your school, your city and Solano County proud.

The magic of music

Fairfield High School sophomore Kevin Tran, Armijo High School freshman Kamina Delacruz and Alexia Williams, a third-grader at Rolling Hills Elementary School, successfully completed the Music Teachers’ Association of California Annual Certificate of Merit Evaluation on March 9.

Independent evaluators were music teachers outside of Solano County. Kevin was promoted to level seven, Karmina to level six and Alexia to level three. Kevin’s and Karmina’s promotions allowed them to participate in the honor event March 16. Both excelled in sight-reading, technique, repertoire of three to five pieces from different musical periods, written theory and ear training.

“We have a right and reason to be proud of the achievements of our students,” said Cheryl Melton, who teaches all three at Happy Hearts Piano Studio in Fairfield.

Congratulations to all.

It’s scholarship season

The Wednesday Club of Suisun City will offer a $1,000 nursing scholarship for those who qualify.

The qualifications include being a resident of Solano County or being a graduate of a school in the county, having completed a year of a nursing program and applying by April 5.

Interviews will take place on the evenings of April 23 and 24 at the Wednesday Club, 225 Sacramento St.

Each candidate needs to submit a letter of reference from an individual, other than a relative, who is acquainted with the plans and abilities of the applicant. The letter must accompany the completed application.

Those interested should call either Mikella Johnson at 422-1279 or Pat Broschard at 864-0356 to obtain an application form.

The Solano County Bar Association is offering 10 $500 scholarships to high school seniors throughout Solano County. The goal of the Raising the Bar Senior Scholarship is to provide hope and inspiration to young adults.

All students, regardless of grades, are eligible to apply. All applicants must select one of the following books, “Think Big” by Dr. Ben Carson, “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand, or “My Beloved World,” by Sonia Sotomayor. Students will be given a free copy of the book they select.

Students will have six weeks to complete an essay from a set of questions provided with the book they select. Students with the most thoughtful essays will be invited to discuss the book with a panel of judges before scholarship winners are selected.

Those interested must request their book selection by May 1 by contacting Julie Hilt at 422-5087 or at scba@solanobar.org. Students can also download an application at www.solanobar.org.

It’s great to see such opportunities for local teens and residents. These scholarships confirm that the citizens of Solano County do, indeed, care about the educational future of our children. Great job Wednesday Club and the Solano County Bar Association.

Also, an extra “good job” to the Solano County Bar Association for offering the scholarship to all high school seniors, not just those with excellent grades.

Reach John Glidden at 427-6981 or jglidden@dailyrepublic.net. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter/glid24.