Tech Trek News!

Submitted by Sandy Cupp

The newly selected 2025 Tech Trek students recently met the girls from other schools, and their parents met each other. We were delighted to have several Dads attend with their daughters! All our students will attend camp at Whittier College, from June 15 – 21.

Jennifer Martinez, freshman at San Juan Hills High School, and formerly from Marco Forster Middle School (MFMS), spoke and greatly impressed the parents and the girls with her enthusiasm and ease at speaking extemporaneously! Jennifer regularly attends TTAG (Tech Trek Alumnae Group) events; she discussed her experiences at camp and those of TTAG and she answered numerous questions.

Students enjoyed frozen yogurt and getting to know each other while parents received information about the upcoming camp. Laura Siegelman encouraged and furthered conversations with the girls as they met those from other schools. Two of the girls from Bernice Ayer Middle School (BAMS) play the viola and are in advanced ensembles. We have an avid water polo player and a basketball and theater student from MFMS.

Lead 7th grade science teachers Kathy White, BAMS, and Bernadette Sarigumba, MFMS, have been outstanding supporters of our program for many years and continue to nominate outstanding students for Tech Trek camp. Jenny Goit, Shorecliffs Middle School, is retiring this year, and Vista Del Mar Middle School has a new teacher who will participate next year.

No devices, cell phones, iPads, or other, are permitted at camp to avoid online difficulties. There is also no communication between the girls and their families during the week, as campers have a full day from early morning to night. Jennifer assured all that they would be eager to sleep when bedtime comes at 10 p.m.

Two of our TTAGer’s will serve as junior counselors, one at Whittier College and one at University of San Diego (USD). Other TTAGer’s also applied but the positions were previously filled. Our Co-President Robbin Ward volunteered to serve as a Dorm Monitor at USD.

We are grateful to our members who have generously contributed to send these outstanding young women to Tech Trek Camp. We also thank our outstanding dedicated committee: Terry Otsuki Kwa, Erin Lurker, Laura Siegleman, Georgia Smith, and Sharon Solomon.