June 2012 - Girl Scouts San Diego

Girl Scouts in the News
A sampling of newspaper clips
June 27, 2012 Board Meeting
JUNE 16, 2012
________________________________
U.S. GIRL
SCOUTS
SEEKMORE
LATINAS
New CEOsays Hispanics vital
to growth target of I million
KAREN KUCHER • U-T
As the Girl Scouts organization enters
its second century, it hopes to continue
a trend of the past decade by recruiting
more Latinas to become members and
troop leaders, the group's national leader
said Friday.
The Girl Scouts have set a goal of incre
membership by I million in the
next five years, said Anna Maria Chavez,
CEO for Girl Scouts of the USA. Hispanic
MILLION
Living Girl Scouts alumnae
in the United States
Girl Scouts CEO Anna Maria Chavez spoke Friday with (from right) Melanie Kellis, 10; Lisamaria
Ruiz, 9; Emma Persichilli, 5; Nicole Kellis, 10; and Yaritza Martinez, 9. john gibbins • u-t
To be here today to talk about where we are now... brings me almost to tears,
Anna Maria Chavez - gin scouts ceo
because for 100 years, we havetaken our mission to heart."

CHAVEZ • New Girl Scouts CEOmet with President Obama
membership, which has risen 55 percent
in the past decade, would be a key driver
of that growth.
"To be here today to talk about where
we are now as a movement brings me
almost to tears, because for 100 years,
, y ,
we have taken our mission to heart,"
Chavez told about 300 people gathered
at SeaWorld for a Hispanic community
breakfast.
Before her speech, Chavez chatted
with a group of scouts who served as
color guard during the morning event.
Chavez gave each girl her personal patch,
which bears her name and nickname,
U-T SAN DIEGO
JUNE 16, 2012 - CONTINUED
______________________________
FROM Bl
"EagleI."The girls said they
couldn't wait to add them to
their uniforms.
"She said that only the
girls who meet her get the
patch," said Melanie Kellis,
10,of Troop 5260.
Just a week ago, Chavez
was in Washington, D.C.,
where thousands gathered
on the National Mall to celebrate
the Girl Scouts centennial.
She also met with President
Barack Obama in
the White House. Chavez
pointed out to him that several
Cabinet members and
70 percent of the women
in Congress had been Girl
Scouts. She also told him
that the U.S. currently has
59millionGirlScouts alumni,
a number that seemed to
surprise him.
"Absolutely, Mr. President.
Not only that, they
vote," Chavez remembered
saying to Obama.
As she travels around
the country and meets
with various scout troops,
Chavez said she sees the
organization's longtime inclusiveness.
"Weare creating a culture
ofgirls that understand that
inclusion is part ofwhat we
do,"she said.
"They are goingto create
a society oftolerance in this
country because they look
past race, they look past
economic strata, they look
past evenpoliticalparties to
say we are going to be leaders
in this country. Because
we need leaders who are
empathetic, who care about
each other."
Chavez grew up in Eloy,
Ariz. She remembers com-
Emma Persichilli, 5, a Daisy in the Girl Scouts from
troop 5189in Rancho del Rev,held a lantern as part of
the color guard at SeaWorld Friday, john gibbins • u t
ing home as a 10-year-oldto
tell her grandmother that
she wanted to be in Girl
Scouts because she liked
the uniform and wanted
to go camping. She was in
scouting for more than two
years until her familymoved
to Phoenix.
Chavez went on to atten
Yale University and
the University of Arizona
LawSchool.She worked for
the federal government in
Washington before returning
to Arizona as in-house
counsel and an assistant
director in the Arizona
Department of Economic
Security.
She also served as deputy
chief of staff for urban relation
and community developm
under Gov. Janet
Napolitano.
In 2009, she became
the head of Girl Scouts of
Southwest Texas and then
tookthe reins ofthe national
organizationlast November.
She's the 19th woman and
the first Latina to oversee
the group.
"We are strong in Girl
Scouts," Chavez said. "For
the first time in 10years, we
are growing. We have waiting
lists now for girls who
want to be Girl Scouts."
That means there is a need
for more adults to voluntee
Chavez asked each person
at the breakfast to find
five new volunteers — and
to push for more investme
in girls' causes.
"Today in the United
States, only 7 percent of
philanthropic dollars is inves
in girls; more is inves
in animal causes in
this country than in girls,"
she said.
"Nowdon't get mewrong.
I like cats, I like dogs. But
the cat is not going to be in
the White House one day as
president."
karen.kucher@utsandiego.com

LA PRENSA
JUNE 1, 2012 _________________
GirlScouts' National CEOtoHeadline June15LatinoCommunity Breakfas
Anna Maria Chávez, the
new chief executive officer of
Girl Scouts of the USA, will be
the keynote speaker on Friday,
June 15, at a Latino Community
Breakfast hosted by
SeaWorld.
Chávez, an attorney, is
visiting San Diego to help
celebrate Girl Scouts' 100th
Anniversary. She is the first
Latina to head the 3.2 million Security). Chávez headed
members of America's premier Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas
leadership development
organization for women.
MANA de San Diego is
partnering with Girl Scouts San
Diego to present the breakfast.
Hispanic girl membership in
Girl Scouts has increased 55%
in the past decade. During the
breakfast, Chávez will describe
Martinez of Southwest Airlines,
immediate past chair of
Girl Scouts' Hispanic Initiative, MANA's national board of directors;
and explore how the Girl Girl Scouts San Diego
Scout Promise and Law reflect Board of Directors member
fundamentals that Latinos Rosa Robles, immediate past
Anna Maria Chávez
identify as important: family, president of MANA de San Diego;
education, self respect, culture Danitza Villanueva of GivingDiego and Lawyer's Club San Cindy Polger at (619) 61007
and morals. The event will be Back magazine; Susana
or cpolger®sdgirl
held from 8-9:30 a.m. in
SeaWorld's Nautilus Pavilion.
Tickets may be purchased for
$15 atwww.sdgirlscouts.org.
For details, contact Adina Veen
at (619) 610-0789 or aveen
@sdgirlscouts. org.
Chávez was a Girl Scout
while growing up in a Mexican-American
family in Arizona.
She graduated from Yale
University and the University
of Arizona Law School, was
deputy chief of staff for Urban
Relations and Community
Development under Arizona
Governor Janet Napolitano
(now U.S. Secretary of Homeland
before becoming CEO of
GSUSA last November.
The Latino Community
Breakfastplanningcommitteeincludes
DeputyAttorney General
Marissa Bejarano, president of
MANA de San Diego; Lidia S.
Villegas of Casa Familiar; and
Berenice Zamaro of Union
Bank, a former Girl Scouts San
Diego board member.
Chávez will also speak on
June 15 at a noon luncheon
sponsored by Girl Scouts San
Diego. She will discuss gender
equality in the workplace. The
event will be held at the
Westgate Hotel, 1055 Second
Ave., in downtown San Diego.
Tickets may be purchased for
$30 atwww.sdgirlscouts.org.
For additional details, contact
scouts.org.
During a ceremony on June
16,Chávez will present the Girl
Scout Gold Award to 60 local
young women who have
earned Girl Scouting's highest
honor.
Publicinvitedto meet
GirlScouts'nationalCEO
SOLANA BEACH SUN
JUNE 7, 2012 _______________________________
Anna Maria Chavez, the new chief executive officer of
Girl Scouts of the USA,will participate in two community
events on Friday, June 15. Chavez is visiting San Diego to
help celebrate Girl Scouts' 100th Anniversary. She is the first
Latina to lead the 3.2 million members of America's premier
leadership development organization for women.
Hispanic girl membership in Girl Scouts has increased
55 percent in the past decade. In partnership with MANA
de San Diego, Chavez will speak at a Latino Community
Breakfast hosted by SeaWorld. Chavez will describe Girl
Scouts' Hispanic Initiative, and explore how the Girl Scout
Promise and Law reflect fundamentals that Latinos identify
as important: family, education, self respect, culture and
morals. The breakfast will be held from 8-9:30 a.m. in SeaWo
Nautilus Pavilion. Tickets may be purchased for $15
at www.sdgirlscouts.org. For details, contact Adina Veen at
(619) 610-0789 or aveen@sdgirlscouts.org.

U-T SAN DIEGO
JUNE 14, 2012
_____________________________
SAN DIEGO CITY
Girl Scouts to welcome
new national director
Anna Maria Chavez,the first Latina to lead the nation's
Girl Scouts, is scheduled to attend several public and
scouting events in San DiegoCounty on Friday and Saturd
to celebrate the organization's centennial.
As the new chief executive of Girl Scouts of the USA,
she oversees 3.2 million members. She is an attorney
who previously served as the Girl Scouts' regional chief
in southwest Texas and as a deputy chief of staff under
Arizona Gov.Janet Napolitano.Chavez,whois ofMexican
descent, graduated from YaleUniversity and the University
ofArizona Law School.
On Friday, she will speak at the Latino Community
Breakfast coordinated by the women's
empowerment group MANAde San Diego.
Chavez plans to outline her vision for the
Girl Scouts and talk about the organizatio
efforts to boost Latino membership,
which has grown by 55 percent during the
Anna
Maria
Chavez
past decade.
The event,whichcosts $15,willtake place
from 8 to 9:30 a.m. in SeaWorld's Garden
Plaza. Tickets are sold at sdgirlscouts.org;
for more details on the event, call Adina
Veenat (619)610-0789.
At noon Friday, Chavez willdiscuss the growth of Girl
Scouts and the issue ofgender equality in the workplace
at the Westgate Hotel in downtown San Diego.Tickets
to the $30 luncheon, which is co-sponsored by the Lawye
Club of San Diego,can be bought at the same scout
website. For more information, call CindyPolger at (619)
610-0724.
On Saturday, Chavez will plant some native vegetation
at OtayValleyRegional Park with a GirlScout troop,
then honor 60 youths who have received the Girl Scouts'
highest award during a ceremony at Qualcomm Hall in
Sorrento Valley.
HIEU TRAN PHAN • U-T
Flag to be retired
at ceremony
The city of Poway Vet
erans Park Committee and
the Poway VFW Post 7907
will conduct a formal U.S.
Flag Retirement Ceremony
at 10 a.m. June 9 at Veterans
Park, 14135 Midland Road.
The ceremony will be performed
with support from
NORTH COUNTY TIMES
JUNE 5, 2012 ____________________________
Poway Boy Scouts and Girl
Scouts, and the Westview
High School ROTC. Only
one flag will be retired during
the ceremony; however,
attendees may bring faded
or tattered flags before the
ceremony. These flags will
be retired and interned at
the Poway VFW Post 7907.
Call 858-964-8115.
THE DAILY TRANSCRIPT
JUNE 14, 2012
___________________________________
Business
Friday,Jun 15 - BREAKFAST
Latino Community Breakfast
MANA De San Diego, Girl Scouts San Diego invite you to meet Anna
Maria Chavez, CEO, Girl Scouts of the USA. Hear about the groundbreaking
and inspiring journey that culminated in Ms. Chavez becoming the first
Latina to lead the world's premier leadership development organization for
girls. Organization: Girl Scouts, San Diego-Imperial Council Cost:$15.00
When:Hours: 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM Where:Sea World Pavilion, Sea World
Drive, San Diego, 92109
DEL MAR TIMES
JUNE 7, 2012 _________________________
CARMEL VALLEY NEWS
JUNE 7, 2012 ___________________________________
Calendar
Publicinvitedto meet
GirlScouts'nationalCEO
Anna Maria Chavez, the new chief executive officer of
Girl Scouts of the USA,will participate in two community
events on Friday, June 15. Chavez is visiting San Diego to
help celebrate Girl Scouts' 100th Anniversary. She is the first
Latina to lead the 3.2 million members of America's premier
leadership development organization for women.
Hispanic girl membership in Girl Scouts has increased
55 percent in the past decade. In partnership with MANA
de San Diego, Chavez will speak at a Latino Community
Breakfast hosted by SeaWorld. Chavez will describe Girl
Scouts' Hispanic Initiative, and explore how the Girl Scout
Promise and Law reflect fundamentals that Latinos identify
as important: family, education, self respect, culture and
morals. The breakfast will be held from 8-9:30 a.m. in SeaWo
Nautilus Pavilion. Tickets may be purchased for $15
at www.sdgirlscouts.org. For details, contact Adina Veen at
(619) 610-0789 or aveen@sdgirlscouts.org.
'Going Green'
with Girl Scouts
The Girl Scouts will offer
a "Going Green" event from
4 to 5:30 p.m. June 11in the
Community Room at All
Saints Church, 651Eucalyptus
Ave. In celebration of
100 years of Girl Scouting,
local scouts will gather to
participate in projects and
activities, and learn about
being kind to the Earth.
Open to all girls ages 5to
18. Parents are encouraged
to stay to learn about getting
girls involved in Girl
Scouting through camp,
troops and events. Visit
sdgirlscouts.org or call 619610-0
NORTH COUNTY TIMES
JUNE
_____________________________
5, 2012

Schools Offer Kids Free Summer Lunch Program
Wednesday, June 20, 2012 |By Samantha Wadley
Children all over San Diego are able to enjoy fun games and free
lunches this summer thanks to San Diego Unified's Summer Fun Café
program.
The school district’s main partnership is with the San Diego Cities
Park and Recreation Services, but this year the program will also get
support -- in the form of volunteers and entertainment -- from the
San Diego Food Bank, Feeding America, the Girl Scouts and the Pad
Squad.
The program, which had only six locations when it began 10 years ago, now offers 69 sites where children
ages 2 to 18 can enjoy a healthy meal, as well as engage in fun physical activities throughout the summer. It is
funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Today's BBQ kickoff event will be held at the Skyline Hills Community Park from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and
will be free for the whole family thanks to the WalMart Foundation. The kick-off will offer activities such as
cooking demonstrations, music and crafts, an inflatable jumper and fruit and veggie games. Also, information
about low cost utility and healthcare programs, food assistance, housing and health screenings will be
provided by community organizations.
“It’s a great place for children, especially in low-income areas where the parents don’t have the money to
support sending their kids away to day camp for a week,” said Gary Petill, Director of the District’s Food
Services program. “The kids can go one day a week, five days a week or everyday throughout the whole
summer.”
Last summer the program successfully served 300,000 children and this year expects to reach 350,000 with
the “Power Up Your Summer” theme. Each lunch follows the federal nutritional guidelines.
by including a sandwich, fruit and juice. In late July, 35 of the locations, mainly schools, will also start
offering breakfast. According to Petill, a lot of the children fed by this program are eating their only meal
each day because of the Summer Fun Café.
“School is a home for many of these kids and it’s important when they are out of school and their parents are
working for them to have a place where they can be dropped off to spend the day, have physical activity and
a healthy meal,” said Petill.“This whole program is funded not by the school district but by the United States
Department of Agriculture,so there is a big push to reach children when they’re out of school and reach
families who are in need,” she said.
Petill talked to one family who told him that this program helps save them $100 a week on their grocery
bill.“It really is helping families to meet their rent, their gas and many other expenses,” he said.
For information on Summer Fun Café locations, dates and times visit www.sandi.net.
http://www.kpbs.org/news/2012/jun/20/schools-offer-kids-free-summer-lunch-program/

GirlScoutsorganizeHumane Societyawarenesscampaign
Junior Troop 7104 Girl Scout Idaly Diaz, 10, of Seeley,
helps younger Scouts work on an animal-related workbook
at the Troop-sponsored event Saturday at Seeley
School aimed at raising awareness about the needs of
the Imperial Valley Humane Society, julio morales photo
"It's about them
wanting to inspire
others," junior
leader said
BY JULIO MORALES
Staff Writer, Copy Editor
The idea to raise awarenesserating expense of roughly
about the needs of
the local Humane Society
$14,000,
said.
organizers
was something that the "People have this misconception
troop decided on its own
that it doesn't
after speaking with representatives cost money to run a shelter,"
of a few Valley
organizations and then
choosing one to help, said
Junior Leader Shannon
Franzen.
"It's about them wanting
SEELEY - Girl Scouts
from throughout the Valley
descended on Seeley
School on Saturday to help to inspire others," Franzen
raise awareness and resources said.
for the Imperial In order to receive a
Valley Humane Society. Bronze Award the Scouts
The event was sponsored
by Junior Troop 7104 and
must commit 20-30 hours
toward a community project,
would help it earn its she said.
Bronze Award, organizers
said.
The local Humane
has a monthly
Society
op¬
said Director Charlene
Marriner.
Another misconception
many have is that the shelter
receives funding from
the national organization,
which is not the case, Marriner
said.
While no cash was
raised during the event,
the donated dog and cat
food amounts to quite a
bit of much-needed resources,
Marriner said.
SEE SCOUTS
| A6
IMPERIAL VALLEY PRESS
JUNE 3, 2012 _____________________________________

IMPERIAL VALLEY PRESS
JUNE 3, 2012 - CONTINUED
_____________________________________
Dog food
ated at
e Junior
Troop
7104's
prinkler
arty sits
in a box
aturday
t Seeley
chool in
Seeley.
FROM LEFT: Junior Troop 7104 Girl Scout Jessica
Marin, 11, of Seeley, helps a fellow Girl Scout create
a bracelet during an event aimed at raising awareness
about the Imperial Valley Humane Society at
Seeley School on Saturday, julio morales photos
SCOUTS
Continued from Al
"I thought it was very
nice that (Troop 7104)
would do this," she said.
Aside from day of creative
activities and guest
speakers, Scouts who
showed up for the Sprinkler
Party were also able
to stay cool with the help
of a couple of fire engines
that were scheduled to
show up toward noon.
Lots of high-fives were
shared at a table where
Scouts got to create their
own animal-related activities
book.
Troop 7104 Girl Scout
and 10-year-old Idaly
Diaz, of Seeley, said she
was impressed by some
of the other young Scouts
who busied themselves
with their activities
books.
"They're enjoying it and
being creative," Diaz said.
"It's cute seeing the little
girls work."
Diaz also said she
learned a lot about animal
during her discussion
with the Humane
Society director.
"Likewhat they do when
they're homeless," she said.

IMPERIAL VALLEY PRESS
JUNE 10, 2012
_____________________________________
Lauren Johnston (second from left), 8, gets a hula hoop from Alexa Sanchez (third from left), 8. Pass
the hula hoop was one of the games the Imperial Valley Girl Scouts played during a tea party held Saturday.
alejandro davila photo
LocalGirl Scouts
holdtea party

IMPERIAL VALLEY PRESS
JUNE 3, 2012 - COJNTINUED
_____________________________________
IMPERIAL - It
was certainly a
charming and elegant
morning for
the Imperial Valley Girl
Scouts who celebrated
along with their mothers
a She and Me Tea Party
at the Cheval Farms on
Saturday.
Hats and summer dresses
matched the decorations of the
different round tables where shiny
silverware contrasted with pink
and white pastries served on flowery
center pieces.
"This is a day for them (Girl
Scouts) to bond," said program
manager Karla Flores. And while
she-and-me parties have been
done before, Flores said, "I thought
it would be nice to do a tea party."
Party etiquette education was
also part of the event and Celeste
Yirena, 7, said she learned "a lot."
"I learned not to put your elbows
on the table, and not to talk with
your mouth full and to take the
BY ALEJANDRO DAVILA | Staff Writer
Lauren Johnston, 8, works a hula hoop suring the Imperial Valley
Girl Scouts tea party held Saturday in Imperial. Alejandro davila
photo
Martines, (who is turning 9 today)
and Kassandra Castaneda, 8, were
doing in their table.
"The flowers, they are beautiful —
go all out," and buy a new hat for
her and a dress for Kassandra.
"Dressing up is not something
they (girls) get to do every day,"
like my best friend," Emily said said parent Deborah Valencia,
with a smile while referring to while adding that she liked the
Kassandra, who had just made a event very much and expected the
toast "for being best friends." experience to be a positive one
napkins and put it on my lap," "This is a lot of fun," said Kassandra's for children.
Celeste said, adding this is something mother, Sofia Castaneda. "At this age everything sticks,
she plans to practice through This was her first tea party, Castaneda so they'll remember," Valencia said.
her life.
Alexa Sanchez, 8, in contrast,
said, before this event she
had only seen tea parties on the
"This will be one more memory
in their scrapbook."
learned "how to be kind and share BBC.
Staff Writer Alejandro Davila
and to have fun," she said.
And because this was her first can be reached at 760-337-3445
And have fun was what Emily tea party Castaneda "decided to or adavila@ivpressonline.com

SAN DIEGO METROPOLITAN
JUNE 1, 2012 _________________________________________
SAN DIEGO WOMEN
who ROCK
SD METRO is proud to introduce Women Who Rock for 2012, a group of outstanding professionals who have made a
name for themselves in their careers and are making significant contributions to our community. All of the women here were
nominated by our readers. While all of the other nominations were of people who have made impressive job and communi
contributions, we believe our final choices are particularly noteworthy. We would like to thank everyone who took part
in the nomination process.
Jo Dee Catlin
Jacob
Jo Dee Catlin Jacob, CEO of Girl Scouts, San Diego-Imperial Council, completed a 27-year U.S. Navy career, reaching the rank of captain
and as commanding officer of the Naval Station in Guam. She joined Girl Scouts in 2001 and used her military savvy to originate Operation Thin
Mint, through which San Diegans will send their 2 millionth box of Girl Scout Cookies to deployed military troops this year.Jacob led a successful
S5.5 million capital campaign for the addition of new structures and facilities to the Girl Scout properties that serve nearly 43,000 girl and adult
members. To launch the next century of Girl Scouting, she infused her council with learn-by-doing programs to prepare girls for the future, ranging
from STEM (science, engineering, technology and math) career programs to a vibrant new visual/performing arts initiative. Through her
work, Girl Scouts San Diego was selected by Girl Scouts of the USA as a national model for Latina outreach, and as one of its 19 national STEMadvocacy
councils. Jacob keeps Girl Scouting affordable through successful fundraising efforts. She oversees an outreach program that makes
scouting accessible to 8,000 girls of diverse backgrounds each year, including those in the foster-care system, shelters, detention centers and low-income neighborhoods. Her
numerous honors include a national Public Relations Society of America Silver Anvil Award; a Nonprofit Leadership Fellowship to Harvard Business School; San Diego
Business Journal's Most Admired Chief Executive Officer Award; San Diego Women's Club: Celebrating Women Award (2009); Nonprofit Management Solutions: Executi
Excellence Award (2004). She has also received widespread accolades for collaborating with for-profit and nonprofit organizations. These efforts include partnerships
with sponsors Sharp Health Plan, AT&T and SDG&E. The University of San Diego recently presented Girl Scouts San Diego with the Kaleidoscope Award for Exception
Governance. Jacob also is president of the 100-year-old San Diego Rotary Club.
NO BULLIES - Members of Girl Scout Troop 8648 recently
presented a workshop, "Gurlz Against Bulliez," as
their Silver Award project. Approximately 50 Girl Scouts
attended the four-hour workshop held April 29 at Tierra
Bonita Elementary School in Poway. Holding the sign are,
from left, Julia Dickson, Emma Leverette, Erica Bandrup,
Torrey Hirning and Brianna Dennis, all eighth-graders. Susan
Bandrup has been their troop leader since these girls were
in first grade.
POWAY NEWS CHIEFTAIN
JUNE
_____________________________________
7, 2012

NORTH COUNTY TIMES - PAGE TWO
SEE BACK COVER FOR FIRST PART OF THIS FRONT PAGE ARTICLE
JUNE
_____________________________________________________________
7, 2012
Panian
Continued from PageCI
Viewing Panian as just an athlete
does her a disservice. She's
much more than that. Panian
is a scholar with a full load of
advanced placement classes. And,
after a few final tasks, she'll be a
Girl Scout of the highest order.
Panian is ever so close to earning
the Gold Award, the most
prestigious honor given by the
Girl Scouts. The final phase is an
80-hour service project that takes
significant time to complete.
In something that should
come as no surprise, Panian's
project focuses on water safety.
She has become an expert on the
topic, both through research and
her experience as a lifeguard. She
gives presentations to schools
and public pools throughout San
Marcos, raising awareness to kids
and parents alike.
Those efforts can be timeconsuming,
especially when
heaped onto her 16-20 hours of
club swimming per week and a
heavy academic workload. At
times, that hectic schedule can
push even the strongest spirit.
"There were times where I
would wonder why I was doing all
this," Panian said. "I didn't get a
lot of sleep my junior year. I took
five AP classes in addition to Girl
Scouts and the swim commitments,
which made it a tough,
tough year. But I'm proud that I
fought through it and reaped all
the benefits of that hard work.
Looking back, I wouldn't change
a thing."
All of that effort has made
Panian into a scholar-athlete
worthy of a Southeastern Conference
power. The discipline
instilled by those daunting days
pushes her through tough days,
like this season's section
championships. The joy and
heartbreak of an unforgiving
sport with an uncaring clock
has given Panian perspective
beyond her years, allowing her
to jump into life's next stage
with great confidence.
"She's ready," said Scott Lawson,
head coach of the Inland
Coastal Aquatics Club. "She has
tremendous talent and immense
potential, but lots of swimmers
have that. It's the work ethic, the
will to do what others won't, that
separates Justine from most. She
should be proud of what she's
accomplished, and excited about
what's to come."
Call staff writer Scott Bair at
760-739-6642.

NORTH COUNTY TIMES
JUNE
____________________________________________________________________
7, 2012
GOLD AWARD RECIPIENT FEATURED IN FRONT PAGE OF NORTH COUNTY
TIMES; SEE PREVIOUS PAGE FOR FIRST SECTION OF ARTICLE
NO QUIT IN HER
Mission Hills' Panian
won two section
titles on way to
swimmer of the year
By SCOTT BAIR | sbair@nctimes.com
SAN MARCOS - Justine Panian
wasn't in the mood to do much
of anything, let alone swim. Had
the Mission Hills High senior
merely had to practice, she
would've called in sick.
It wouldn't have been a lie, considering
the feverish thermometer reading
and upset stomach. Panian's mind wasn't
right, either, not with her school mourning
the loss of a classmate who died on
campus just days earlier.
The easy thing to do would have been
to forgo her final high school meet. She
already had a scholarship to Alabama and
an automatic All-America time to her
credit.
But once she reached the starting
blocks at Del Norte High for the CIF San
Diego Section finals, Panian knew just
what to do.
"It was my senior year and I had a
meet to swim," she said. "I would always
regret quitting. I would never regret trying."
With the doubt erased from her mind,
Panian swam to section titles in the
50-yard freestyle and 100 butterfly that
day, capping a dominant senior season
and high school career.
For a season's worth of excellent
swimming — and a career in which she
set nine school records — Panian has
been named the North County Times'
girls swimmer of the year by the paper's
prep sports staff.
Panian is just one member of the
spring All-North County team, which
recognizes athletic excellence in 12sports.
See Panian,
C4
Mission Hills swimmer Justine Panian won CIF San Diego Section titles in the
50-yard freestyle and 100-yard butterfly. JOHNKOSTERIForthe North County Times