April 2, 2004

Melissa Minato wins Shark Foundation award

Melissa Minato, an eighth grade student at Willow Glen Middle School, is a recipient of the 2004 Seagate/Sharks Foundation eighth grade leadership award. She was honored at a special awards dinner at the HP Pavilion on March 24 where she received a plaque, an autographed puck from Sharks player Scott Thronton and four tickets to attend the Sharks game versus the Dallas Stars March 28.

Minato, who is eighth grade class president, a member of the school’s leadership class and editor/writer for the school newspaper, was chosen because “she exemplifies what it means to be a leader,” said Heather Russell, who is in charge of student activities, journalism and leadership for the middle school.

An outstanding student, Minato is a hard worker who works well with other students. Russell says Minato writes “eloquently and maturely about important issues facing her generation. In leadership she helps organize and participate in many student activities including rallies, recruiting, dances and the school’s annual Senior Citizen Breakfast. In addition, she’s a regular volunteer at the YU-AI-KAI Senior Citizen Center in Japan Town.”

Minato will be attending Willow Glen High next year. She plans to continue to participate in leadership, journalism and get involved in new activities. She hopes to volunteer at the Silicon Valley Humane Society when she is 16, and work with animals.

The leadership award is presented in conjunction with the Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties’ Offices of Education. It is given to one eighth grade student at each participating school who has demonstrated excellence in academic and social achievement as well as leadership within the entire class. Faculty members at each of the participating schools select the students. A total of 70 students received the award this year.

Among those honoring the students at the awards dinner were Malcolm Bordelon, executive vice president of business operations for the Sharks, Dave Wickersham, executive vice president of global operations for Seagate Technology, Colleen Wilcox, superintendent of the Santa Clara County Office of Education, Diane Siri, superintendent of the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, Randy Hahn, announcer for the Sharks and SJ. Sharkie, the Sharks’ mascot.