May 18, 2006

Almaden Valley Women’s Club honors several Almaden students

It was a big night at the general meeting of the Almaden Valley Women’s Club on May 2 when the office of Councilwoman Nancy Pyle presented a sponsorship check to the club and where nine local students were acknowledged for their achievements.

Daniella Polar from the office of Councilwoman Nancy Pyle presented the Women’s Club a sponsorship check for $2,500 for this year’s Art & Wine Festival. The ongoing support of the city underpins the importance of the fund-raising and community support this club brings to the greater Almaden area.

Additionally, AVWC Scholarship Co-Chairs Pamela Eades and Karen Bratcher presented eight high school students with this year’s scholarship awards based upon academic achievements, school participation, and community service.  Along with a certificate, each winner received a check to use toward her higher education.

Honorees include Julie Boiko-home schooled, Caitlan Burnham-Pioneer, Ashley Chang-Leland, Joanna Chen-Leland , Laura Hamister-Notre Dame, Stephanie Hall-Leland, Kaitlyn Howell-Presentation, and Kristin Thomas-Leland. Part of the proceeds from the club’s annual Almaden Valley Art & Wine Festival helps fund the scholarship program.

After reviewing over 100 entries, the Almaden Valley Women’s Club also announced the winner of its annual Art & Wine Festival logo design contest. The winner, Jazania Castaneda, is a student at Castillero Middle School. Her winning logo will appear on festival merchandise and promotions, street banners signage throughout Almaden and surrounding areas. With her art teacher, Gwen Anderson, on hand, the Almaden Valley Women’s Club presented Jozania with $100 cash during the logo contest award ceremony. Also acknowledged for their logo design were Patrick Grace-Almaden Country School, Eri Kameyama-Mrs FuJii’s Art School, and Aeriel Chen-Bret Harte Middle School.

The Almaden Valley Art & Wine Festival will be held on Sunday, Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This is the third year the festival will be held at Almaden Lake Park, near the intersection of Almaden Expressway and Coleman Avenue in San Jose’s Almaden community.

Since 1965, the Almaden Valley Women's Club has been committed to serving the needs of the Almaden community and those of greater San Jose, through funds raised at the annual Almaden Valley Art & Wine Festival.