Bravo! Yacht club helps kids, students get some help and more

Dana Point Yacht Club raises nearly $47,000 for Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley

The Dana Point Yacht Club announced the results of its 25th annual Richard Henry Dana Charity Regatta by awarding a $46,896.47 check to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley. The organization helps more than 1,800 youths in local communities reach their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. This is why the theme for the regatta was “Setting a Course for Great Futures.”

The Dana Point Yacht Club (DPYC), founded in 1952, has a rich and proud history of fostering a love of the ocean, tradition, competition and giving back to the local community. The charity regattas have held a special place in the annual calendar of activities for 25 years.

Over this time, DPYC has raised more than $1 million in support of local charitable organizations, including the Ocean Institute, 5th Marine Regiment Support Group, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Pancreatic Cancer Association and the High Hopes Head Injury Association.

The annual event in the Dana Point Harbor was created with the mission of bringing together business, civic and social leaders in the community with the club’s membership (and notably sailing members) to raise money to benefit charitable organizations in South Orange County. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley will continue to be the beneficiary of the charity regatta for two more years.

– Submitted by Dana Point Yacht Club

Three Orange County schools selected as state finalists in national STEM competition

Samsung named 300 public schools nationwide state finalists in the 14th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition. Nine schools in California, including three in Orange County, were selected. University High School in Irvine, Arnold O. Beckman High School in Irvine and Westminster High School in Westminster made the cut.

Each state finalist will win a package of $2,500 in technology and classroom school supplies.

The competition now advances to its next phase, culminating in April with the selection of three national winners, each receiving a $100,000 prize package, part of a $2 million prize pool.

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is a nationwide competition designed to empower students in grades 6-12 to leverage the power of STEM to create innovative solutions addressing critical issues in their local communities.

Based on this year’s competition entries, some common themes around community issues felt by students all over the U.S. include the climate crisis, mental health issues such as student anxiety and loneliness, food insecurity, cybersecurity, and aid for the unhoused and migrants.

Westminster student wins ‘Transform Your Classroom’ contest

Students at Fryberger Elementary School in Westminster are enjoying a brand-new classroom thanks to Lauren Vu-Tran, who entered a “Transform Your Classroom” contest and won the makeover.

“Updated spaces are designed to promote active learning, which involves students taking a more hands-on and participatory approach to learning,” Vu-Tran said. “This can include flexible seating options, technology integration and collaborative workspaces, which can all help students to engage more actively in the learning process.”

The HON Company in partnership with OES Office Furniture, a local commercial and education furniture provider, started the contest, which gives away a full classroom of furniture.

The goal was to transform Vu-Tran’s classroom into an inclusive and interactive learning space.

The Bravo! section highlights achievements of our residents and groups. Send news of achievements for consideration to ocrbravo@gmail.com.