Jessica was one of four students chosen by Upward-Bound to go to Washington, D.C. All of her expenses have been paid by Cal Lutheran. The students have an educational agenda for the four days they will spend in Washington, D.C. The agenda includes a tour of the Smithsonian Museums, visiting national monuments, and a night tour of the city.While in D.C. Jessica, along with the other students in the Policy Seminar, will have the opportunity to visit Georgetown University and Howard University. One of the highlights of the trip is that these students will have breakfast with Senator Barbara Boxer.
SPHS Academy student goes to Washington, D.C.
March 28, 2001
Santa Paula High School
Santa Paula High School (SPHS) Academy student Jessica Ralphs takes a trip to Washington, D.C.
Santa Paula High School (SPHS) Academy student Jessica Ralphs takes a trip to Washington, D.C. where she will attend the Council for Opportunity in Education Policy Seminar. Jessica is a member of the Upward-Bound Program sponsored by California Lutheran College. She applied for the Upward-Bound Program in her freshman year and was accepted that year. As a member of this club Jessica has the opportunity to visit colleges and is guaranteed admittance into Cal Lutheran with scholarships and financial aid available. This program is geared toward students who are first generation to go to college.Jessica has a GPA of 4.0 and is involved in many academic clubs. She is a sophomore in the Agriculture-Science Academy. According to SPHS Academy social studies teacher Ed Arguelles, “Jessica has been a key player for the exhibit ‘Fields of Dreams,’” currently on display at the California Oil Museum. As a member of the Student Senate of Upward-Bound, Jessica has the opportunity to attend special conferences and to develop leadership qualities. In addition she is a member of the Key Club in Santa Paula, active in the California Scholarship Federation (CSF), and a member of the yearbook staff at SPHS. “She is an excellent student and writer,” according to John Merrill, SPHS Academy English teacher.
