NOT FOUND: paul jpeg.jpgPaul Jenkins, a 10th grade student at the California Aerospace Academy was honored by the Association of California School Administrators at a dinner on March 3. Paul was one of nine students in the area honored in the Every Student Succeeding Program. The purpose of this award is to recognize students, at all grade levels, that have succeeded, against all odds, beyond expectations or simply won the hearts of the of administrators and other educators who helped them achieve their goals. All schools in the greater Sacramento region are asked to submit the name of a student who has achieved through difficulty.
Paul was one of the first students to enroll in CAA when the school opened its doors in 2007. He has a great interest in engineering and aviation. He quickly gained a reputation as a great person and someone his teachers enjoyed having in their class. During the 2008 winter semester, Paul was diagnosed with a brain tumor. While most people would be angry and disengage from school if diagnosed with this disease, Paul did the opposite and became an even more upbeat, helpful, and a driven student. While Paul was going through chemotherapy, he was required to wear sensors that actually went into his head and connected to a pack that he wore on his back. He earned the name of the bionic man, and he took this name in stride. He would miss days because of the chemotherapy and on the days he made it to school, one could easily see how tired he was. However, throughout the whole ordeal, he rarely stopped smiling and he always worked hard.
Paul is now in his third year at CAA and the school staff agrees that whenever there is a job to be done, Paul will see that it is completed. Paul is involved in many school activities: President of the Lions Leo Guard, leader in the Robotics club, member of the parents of CAA focus group, and a flight commander in Civil Air Patrol, where he recently earned the rank of Master Sergeant. Mr. Schroder, Paul’s engineering teacher states, “in Paul’s engineering class he is always working with other groups who are having a hard time with their project. One day he agreed to work with a group after school so they could catch up. When only one of the four group members showed, Paul stayed after school for two hours to help get their project complete.”
Paul Jenkins is a generous and outstanding student who is dedicated to the mission and vision of the California Aerospace Academy. We are honored to have such a student at our school and we congratulate him on this achievement.
Photo Caption: Paul Jenkins receiving his ACSA Every Student Succeeding Award.