The Woman’s Club of Orange recently announced the recipients of its 2025 Inspirational Young Woman Award.
This special award recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of exceptional young women graduating from high schools within the Orange Unified School District. Teachers and counselors from these high schools are invited each year to select one student who exemplifies such achievements. Members of the WCO honored three inspirational young women.
Maribel De Rosas from OUSD’s Edge Virtual Academy has a passion for developing game technology, enabling her to utilize her artistic ability to create storytelling through drawings and animation. Applauded for exceptional work ethic in both her high school courses and in completing a year of college, her counselor said “determination, resilience and commitment to excellence makes her an inspiration to her peers.” She plans to attend a university majoring in computer engineering with a goal of developing a video game with a storytelling narrative.
Lesley Mendez from El Modena High has participated in Digital Marketing Collaborative — a three-year college prep program starting in the sophomore year that enables students to gain hands-on experience in various aspects of digital marketing from social media management, content creation to marketing strategy. She has demonstrated a commitment to helping others through her leadership role in the Interact Club, a community service organization at El Modena. Her teacher cites her personal growth from a timid sophomore to a confident leader ready to make a positive impact for the benefit of others. Future goals include studying to become an ultrasound technician.
Victoria Esperanza Mena Perez from Villa Park High is committed to both academic achievement and serving the community. She has demonstrated this as a member of the National Honor Society, academic decathlon, member of the Kindness Club, ASB and editor-in-chief of the school yearbook and newspaper. She has also represented her school at Girls State and has created events for young readers at the Orange Public Library. Her future plans include attending college, majoring in biology and becoming a doctor.
Congratulations to these exceptional young women.
New leaders for the Ebell Club
Newly elected board members for the 2025-26 year of the Ebell Club of Canyon Hills were installed during a recent luncheon.
Barbara Shaia assumed the position of president, taking over the reins from outgoing president Susan Harker, selecting “Kindness is the Recipe, Friendship is the Feast” as her theme.
Installing officers Yolanda Narvaez and Janice Fuhrmann creatively incorporated that theme, utilizing culinary items corresponding to the various board positions as each member was installed.
In addition to Shaia, the new board includes: Donna Frize and Heather Terjung, 1st Vice Presidents, Philanthropy; Jean Rico, 2nd Vice President, Ways and Means; Joyce Rogers and Sharon Woodward, 3rd Vice Presidents, Membership; Gayle Cornejo and Dee Dee Hotchkisss, 4th and 5th Vice Presidents, Programs and Socials.
Others included: Char Barton, Recording Secretary; Linda Lewis, Corresponding Secretary; Joan Coy and Mai Hinwood, Co-Treasurer; Sharon Hlapcich, Parliamentarian; and Claudia Thielmann, Bulletin.
Orange District President Colleen Jensen was the special honored guest. She presented the Ebell Club with a Certificate of Recognition of the club’s membership in the California Federation of Women’s Clubs since 1984.
Membership is open to all women in the community interested in fun, friendship, personally enriching programs and the community. Meetings are held at 10 a.m. on the first Monday of each month in the Fellowship Hall of Canyon Hills Presbyterian Church, except for August. The club is dark in July. Next regular meeting is June 2.
For additional information about the nonprofit group, call 714-865-2805.
Canyon Hills Library to host Mario-themed party
Kids and families are invited to a special May-Rio Party from 4 to 5:30 p.m. May 27 at the Canyon Hills Library Branch.
This event is sponsored by Friends of Canyon Hills Library and Canyon Library’s Young Adult Council and will include many fun activities. Kids will have the opportunity to play minigames, Minute to Win It, Mario Party and to race against their friends, enjoy Mario-themed food and make fun crafts.
There is no charge to attend and all kids and families are welcome. For additional information, contact the library at 714-765-6444.
Canyon Hills Presbyterian offers help with grief
Canyon Hills Presbyterian Church is encouraging anyone who is experiencing grief to attend the next Grief Recovery Support group at 10 a.m. on May 24 in Classroom 7 on the church campus.
This support group meets from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on the second Wednesday and fourth Saturday of each month.
This is an opportunity to join with others who are navigating grief and processing emotions, to feel comfort through guided discussions, shared experiences and coping strategies. Anyone needing care and support after suffering loss or trauma is welcome to attend.
For additional information, visit canyonhillspc.org or call 714-637-7660.
Sharon Hlapcich writes about events and happenings in the Anaheim Hills area. Reach her by phone (714-998-4604 or e-mail (smhlapcich@sbcglobal.net).