Class notes

Federighi has dedicated over 30 years to educating students at Ralston Middle School. He is known by his students as being a tough, fair teacher, according to Principal Jennifer Kollmann.

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A crowd of 50 friends and supporters gathered at the center’s rooftop playground on Sept. 8 to dedicate "Carol’s Kinder-Garden” — a garden within the playground named for education advocate Carol Wisnom Kastner.

Carol’s Kinder-Garden, in honor of cancer victim Carol Wisnom Kastner, aims to provide enriched outdoor learning experiences for Family Service’s low-income preschoolers, many of whom live in apartments without access to a backyard or garden. The rooftop garden environment encourages the children to enjoy a sensory connection to the earth by giving them the opportunity to touch, see, and feel living things as they grow.

The daughter of Family Service lifetime board member, Ruth Wisnom, and her husband David, Carol recently passed away following a long battle with cancer. Carol was a dedicated supporter of children’s educational programs, and following her death Family Service received numerous donations in her honor. A portion of the memorial donations have been used to establish Carol’s Kinder-Garden.

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Mills High School in Millbrae is celebrating 50 years. The celebration will be held on Friday, Nov. 14 at the Millbrae Recreation Center, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Food and entertainment are provided, along with a commemorative glass for the first 200 to RSVP. Cost is $35 per person. This event includes alumni, parents, current and former staff members, and friends of Mills High School. There will be memorabilia on display. Reservations requested by Nov. 8 as space is limited.For more information visit www.millshigh.org.

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Skyline College presents "What Is The What” events based on the book by Dave Eggers complementing One Book One Community — San Mateo County Reads.

"Lost Boys of Sudan,” a free film and discussion with co-director Jon Shenk, is on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at noon at the Main Theatre. "Lost Boys of Sudan” is an Emmy-nominated feature-length documentary that follows two Sudanese refugees on an extraordinary journey from Africa to America.

For more information visit www.SkylineCollege.edu, www.onebookreads.com or call 738-4311.

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Mercy High School in Burlingame recently named the recipients of the highest honors for the class of 2008.

Kimberly Ann Mathews of San Mateo received the Sister Mary Gabriel Award for excellence in sportsmanship. Emily Caroline Chambers of Burlingame received the Sister Amy Bayley Leadership Award. Kathleen Elizabeth Lund of San Mateo received the Mother M. Baptist Russell Service Award. Maria Remedios Geronimo of Pacifica received the Board of Directors Award for Academic Excellence. Tracey Ann Poland of Millbrae received the Mercy High School Principal’s Award for general excellence.

Recipients of the Bank of America plaques for excellence include: Jenelle Lauren Alexander in the field of fine arts; Daniella Marie Ciappara in the field of liberal arts; and Angie Kang in the field of science and mathematics.

Recipients of the Bank of America certificates of achievement include: Kristin Joy Donovan in American Sign Language; Adrienne Danielle Kleid in art; Nicole Diandra Adelman and Jennifer Ann Warner in dance; Emma Louise Jepsen and Mary Elizabeth Zimmerman in drama; Tracy Lynne Harris in English; Evangelina Martinez in French; Maria Kalogerias in life sciences; Marjorie Ann Ramos in mathematics; Stephanie Joy Babasa, Grace Elizabeth Komarek-Meyer and Elizabeth Micaela Owen in music; Margarette Celente Mariano in physical science; Christina Ida Sylvia Raquel in religion; Maria Remedios Geronimo in social studies; and Gillian Wallis Brett Clowes in Spanish.

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Alana Parry of San Mateo was named a President’s Scholar with the fall 2008 incoming freshman class at California State University at Long Beach and as such will receive a full, four-year scholarship from the university worth about $45,000.

Parry is a valedictorian for the class of 2008 at Hillsdale High School. The daughter of Donald and Susan Parry, Parry plans to major in art with a focus on 3-D media-fiber/metal/wood sculpture.

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Alpha Beacon Christian School was selected for the 2008 Best of San Mateo Award in the preschools category by the U.S. Local Business Association.

The USLBA "Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2008 USLBA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USLBA and data provided by third parties.

Class notes is a weekly column dedicated to school news. It is compiled by education reporter Heather Murtagh. You can contact her at (650) 344-5200, ext. 105 or at heather@smdailyjournal.com.