Congratulations to our Silver Star students. Several students were recognized on June 4 during an end-of-year awards ceremony. Silver Star is Rancho Cielo's flagship youth program that offers intensive educational instruction to students between the ages of 15 1/2 and 18. Most students are on probation when referred to Rancho Cielo. The program is operated in partnership with the Monterey County Probation Department.

Thanks to the California Missions Foundation's financial assistance, 24 Title 1 elementary schools in Monterey County had the opportunity to take their 4th graders to visit the missions of Carmel, San Antonio, San Juan Bautista, San Miguel or Soledad. Learn more.

Monterey County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nancy Kotowski engaged with migrant students from across the county during Migrant Outreach Day at Hartnell College sponsored by Migrant Education Program Region XVI.

Monterey County Board Member Harvey Kuffner recently received an outstanding volunteer award by the United Way Monterey County during its 36th Annual Community Service Awards. Harvey has exemplified a level of commitment to Monterey County's children that is truly exemplary. He has a consistent and strong voice for change, and his influential leadership has helped to advance the various organizations for which he has served, including Community Human Services, the Monterey County Children's Council and the Monterey County Board of Education.

Countywide Spelling Bee winner Cecilia Trujillo (a student from Chualar Elementary School) was recognized by Monterey County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nancy Kotowski and the Monterey County Board of Education during their April 18 board meeting. Cecilia advances to the national spelling bee in Washington, D.C. in May. A beaming Cecilia is pictured with her family and Board President Harvey Kuffner, County Superintendent Nancy Kotowski and Spelling Bee Coordinator Ginny Brown.