Legacy Christian Academy Wins Gold Medal at Science Olympiad & More
Legacy Christian Academy (kindergarten through eighth grade) continues to excel in offering enrichment classes in art, music, physical education, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, computer technology, library usage and Bible study. Most recently, the benefits of these offerings were displayed in three academic competitions.

First, Legacy seventh grader Isaiah Del Rosario represented Legacy at the ACSI Regional Spelling Bee in Pasadena on February 17. Isaiah placed third and advanced to the ACSI National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C. in May.

Secondly, on February 25, 15 intrepid students from Legacy participated in the Science Olympiad at Occidental College against 47 schools from the greater Los Angeles County. These students spent an incredible amount of time and energy in preparation for the event, including lunch meetings and weekend work. The efforts of these students paid off in a big way, with the Legacy team winning a gold medal for their outstanding performance in 20 different science competitions. In addition to winning a coveted gold medal, the team of Legacy scientists had the top overall score in the elementary competition, placing Legacy first in Los Angeles County. The team was comprised of fourth- through sixth-grade students, with two alternates, and was led by Legacy Science teacher Kelly Duffy.

Finally, on March 10, several Legacy students competed in the LA County History Day competition at Azusa Pacific University. Hundreds of students in LA County presented their research before various panels. Eight Legacy students advanced to the finals. In the finals, Emmalee Altergott received Honorable Mention for her Individual Poster presentation, Tia Bakhaya received First Alternate honors for her Individual Poster presentation, and Aerin Choi advanced to the State competition for her Individual Poster presentation.
Legacy Christian Academy 257-7377 www.legacy-christian.com

She still has Stars in her Eyes
"Santa Clarita School of Performing Arts continues to provide a vital source of professional mentoring for my daughter. The teachers are dedicated and able to pass knowledge of 'The Business' to their students. Emma Leigh Rodriguez receives the tools she needs to succeed. It's priceless! She has booked three national commercials: McDonald's, Elmer's Glue and H.E.B. Grocery Co. in less than two years. If it weren't for the caliber of performance-art education acquired from SCSOPA, and the legitimacy of the talent agents that scout out new faces, it is doubtful she would experience such success. Clear Talent Group signed her for another three-year contract. Philip Marcus, one of Emma's agents, said, 'We all believe in Emma and know that it takes exposure... She's doing great out there.' I would have no reservations recommending SCSOPA to anyone who wants to become an actor. Mike, his staff and teachers have the know-it-all to make you a star. My daughter is living her dream and continues to have 'stars in her eyes.' Her successes in the past, present or the future will always be attributed to 'Uncle' Mike, his staff and acting teachers at SCSOPA!"
~ Shawnie Rodriguez, mother of Emma Rodriguez
Santa Clarita School of Performing Arts 222-7910 www.scsopa.com

Enjoy a Trail Ride at Don-e-Brook Farms
Bond with the fam or make a birthday party extra special with a day at "the farm!" Don-e-Brook Farms hosts Dine & Ride trail-ride events that will never be forgotten. Take a trail ride mounted on one of their wonderful, trusty trail horses through the beautiful and historic San Francisquito Canyon. When you're through, you'll arrive back just in time to chow down on dinner, catered by Rattlers. Nosh on tri-tip, boneless chicken, twice-baked potatoes, salad, garlic rolls, beans and soft drinks. After dinner, stick around, hang out with family and friends around the campfire and toast a few marshmallows. Prices are low: Only $55 per rider (including dinner!) when you book the event for 10 or more people. For nine or less guests, the cost is $60 per person. Think Grandma may not want to ride? She can still enjoy the dinner and after-dinner fun for $25. 297-7669

This Month Why don't You...
help your child raise their grades?
Summer is an ideal time to help your kid catch up or get ahead. An investment of only two to four hours a week can make a big difference. Tutoring Club offers guaranteed-performance improvement (in less time and at a lower cost!) in all levels of math, reading, writing, AP/Honors/ACT/SAT prep and study skills. 702-9956

treat Mom to a free day of play?
Bring Mom to Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour Restaurant for lunch or dinner on Mother's Day and she'll be treated to a free, delicious chocolate rose. Plus, when you buy an Unlimited Play Pass for you, Mom gets to play for free! This special pass is only valid for Mom on Mother's Day and is nontransferable. 253-4386

Attention Junior High Parents!
Junior high students can get one full year of Algebra 1 credit at Math Support - which allows them to jump right into Geometry when they hit high school. For kids in sports, this counts towards one year of math credit for their NCAA eligibility on their high school transcripts. One-year Algebra classes (for 10 credits) are available this summer.

Math Support is the only WASC-accredited (grades and credits accepted by the William S. Hart School District) program to provide science credits including chemistry, physics and biology. You do the math: Math Support students have a 95-percent success rate! Enroll by May 10 and save $50. 255-1730 www.mathsupportservices.com

Making a Promise to Local Homeless Families
There's no shortage of excellent nonprofit organizations in this valley, and, as community volunteers, we've worked with many of them. Few have touched us so deeply, though, as Family Promise SCV.

Their premise is simple: give homeless families (you must have children to qualify for assistance) a safe place to sleep, healthy food to eat, connections to public services, career development training and emotional support - and miracles can happen.

This unique organization works with 14 SCV religious congregations, each of which takes a turn "hosting" the families overnight, providing dinner and a comfortable place to catch some z's. During the day, families use the Family Promise center to get kids ready for school, do chores, apply for jobs and make a plan for future housing.

Network Director Chris Najarro says that the success stories (and there are many; read about them on the org's website) make it all worth it - but that working in this field exposes you to the hardest, most heartbreaking words you'll ever hear. "Everyone cries - they've walked the streets at night with their kids, they've slept in cars, they've dealt with abuse. But these are strong people who are doing their best to improve their situation." They are also local residents. "We get a lot of our referrals from the school district. A lot of people are struggling right now."

Family Promise SCV has an ongoing "needs" list that is updated on their website. This nonprofit, 501-c3 organization needs your kind support, including a number of volunteers with different skill sets. Lend a hand, or give a pack of diapers, and help Family Promise fulfill their promise to homeless families. 251-2867 www.familypromisescv.org

Give the Runners Lane Five-mile Loop a Try
Ever since SCV's favorite running store moved to their new location, employees and clients alike have been taking advantage of the improved proximity to Santa Clarita's vast system of running, hiking and biking trails. While this new location is only 300 meters away from the old one, you'll find yourself in a whole different world when you walk out the back door and poke your head through a hole in the row of oleanders. The view north is magnificent; gaze out over the Santa Clara Riverbed toward the canyons and foothills rising from the valley - and then take those new shoes for a spin! Runners Lane has the largest selection of specialty running (and walking!) shoes in the valley.
Runners Lane is now located at 22959 Soledad Canyon Road. 260-3368