Cheerleading, Writing and Math Top This First-Grader’s List

This week, we're highlighting 7-year-old Courtney Rose Powers, who is in first grade at Barnett Elementary School. Her teacher, Robyn Koch, tells us, “Courtney’s work is a reflection of her positive attitude and diligence.  She puts forth her best effort at all times. Courtney is a true team player and is willing to work and play cooperatively with her peers.”

Courtney is in cheerleading, loves swimming, plays soccer and wanted to be in baseball this spring with her big brothers but a broken ankle kept her benched for a while. She will take part in a talent show this week at her school, performing a cheer dance with some of the girls from her squad.

When she made a recent birthday wish, Courtney didn’t hesitate to mention she’d like to start taking horse riding lessons. She loves horses and her two dogs, Baxter and Bella Luna.

Courtney’s favorite subjects in school are writing and math. When asked what she wants to be when she grows up, Courtney replied, “Big.” She also wants to be a mom.

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Other Ramona girls were in the spotlight in Poway last week. Brittney Phillips, 17 and a senior at Ramona High School, was crowned queen of the Poway Rodeo in festivities on April 2. There were three other girls from Ramona High School also in the pageant, although they didn’t finish in the winner’s circle.

Lillenne Cullen, 16, and Carlie Harries, 15, competed for the Junior Rodeo Queen title, while Jessica Phillips, 14, was in the Young Miss contest.

Markie Battalgia, of Ramona, was the master of ceremonies. She is the former Miss Rodeo California and first runner-up to Miss Rodeo America last year. She also was Miss Rodeo Poway in 2006.

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Retirees and others who have ever worked for Ramona Unified School District are  getting together once a month for dinner at a local restaurant. Julie Dunkailo and Dotty Cronin coordinate the event. It’s always on the first Monday of each month. The April dinner was at Denny’s restaurant.

Before the monthly dinners started, there was a group that gathered for breakfast.

“What started this Back-to-School Breakfast was a bunch of the retired people decided to meet on the first day of school,” Cronin said.

That was several years ago and the monthly dinners branched out from there. Dunkailo said all former employees and their spouses are welcome. There could be as few as seven people or as many as 30 at any given dinner.

“Everybody knows how to get hold of me,” said Dunkailo, who retired five years ago.

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If you know of people you'd like to see recognized in Talk of Ramona, or if have any questions about the column, send an email to talkoframona@yahoo.com