Monterey High School’s SPARC Academy Named Distinguished California Partnership Academy by the California Department of Education
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 17, 2022
Contact:
Marci McFadden, Chief of Communications & Engagement
831-706-6971
Monterey High School’s SPARC Academy Named Distinguished California Partnership Academy by the California Department of Education
Only one of three in the state to be recognized
Monterey, CA – Monterey High School’s Sports Professions and Recreational Careers Academy (SPARC) has been chosen to be among a very select group by the California Department of Education (CDE) to be named a 2022 California Partnership Academies Distinguished Academy. Monterey High is only one of three academies to receive this distinguished award.
The school will be recognized at the CPA Educating for Careers Conference lunch on February 28.
According to CDE, distinguished academies demonstrate exceptional fidelity to implementing high-quality educational programs integrating core academics and career technical education to benefit tens of thousands of California’s at-promise high school students.
“I am extremely proud to call Monterey High School home because I have the opportunity to work with individuals who love kids and have devoted their lives to giving students every opportunity to find success,” said Tom Newton, Principal, Monterey High. “Getting recognized as a distinguished California Partnership Academy is an incredible accomplishment, and to be named one of three in the entire state is significant, and is a testament to the commitment of staff and engagement of our students.”
The SPARC Academy team includes: Maggie Albers, Rosanna McCormick, Gary Childs II, William Pace, Thalia Fernandez Herrera, Lisa DiMaggio and Shari DIzon.
Developed in 1999, Monterey High’s SPARC Academy is funded by a state grant and is designed for students with an interest in pursuing a career in sports, sports medicine or recreation related fields. The academy’s mission is to provide students with a college preparatory education that is both challenging and relevant to their area of interest. The program is inclusive of at-risk students who might not otherwise have access to higher education directly out of high school and require accountability for student success. SPARC partners with business and community members to secure in-kind donations to provide students with a strong foundation to achieve their future academic and professional goals.
“We are proud to support our students in their high school goals and future goals. SPARCies are required to fulfill the UC/CSU college admission requirements, complete a sixty-hour internship, and carry out a minimum of twenty hours of community service per year. At least fifty percent of our current SPARC students are identified as at-risk,” said Chelsea Warner, Assistant Principal, Monterey High.
Successes within the academy include:
- All of graduating seniors pursuing post-secondary education (100% of seniors were accepted to four-year schools over the past three years)
- Assistance of students in applying for community, local and nationwide scholarships, as well as, federal and state financial aid.
- Student GPAs and attendance improve when in the academy due to interventions and monitoring by staff.
Students are also required to complete a 60 hour internship in the health/recreation career fields in the profession they are most interested in. To prepare students for their internship search, professionals from the community are invited to conduct a mock interview process with each of our students. Throughout the year, students visit various college campuses and technical schools. At each college campus, students are also introduced to programs in the recreational and sports medicine related fields. Additionally, students have opportunities to visit and participate in hands-on activities at local vocational schools related to the health industry. They are also given several opportunities to hear from guest speakers on the vast career opportunities within the medical and recreation career fields.
All graduating SPARC Academy seniors pursue a post-secondary education, and staff assist students in applying for community, local and nationwide scholarships, as well as, federal and state financial aid.
SPARC’s Advisory Board includes:
- Christopher Calima, Monterey Peninsula College Upward Bound
- Rachel Deis, City of Monterey Recreation Department
- Nata Cota, City of Monterey Youth Rec. Center
- Ron Johnson, Boys and Girls Club of Monterey
- Michelle Knight, Adventures by the Sea
- Shannon Leon, City of Monterey Recreation Department
- Carolyn Lewis, San Jose State Athletic Director, Retired
- Pam Marchese, Cypress Coast Physical Therapy
- Dr. Christopher Montellese, Montellese Family Chiropractic, Inc.
- Dr. James Takehara, Cypress Coast Physical Therapy
- Chris Balog, Big Sur International Marathon
- Mary Robbins, Pebble Beach Company
- Dezi Pettas, Parent
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About Monterey Peninsula Unified School District
The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District is home to approximately 9,600 students in grades transitional kindergarten through 12th grade. The district also houses preschool and adult education. The district is built on a solid foundation of effective instruction, positive school culture, systems of support, and collaborative leadership. The district is nestled along the Monterey Bay, and stretches from the city of Marina to the north to the city of Monterey to the south, and encompasses the communities of Del Rey Oaks, Marina, Monterey, Sand City and Seaside.
