Bravo for support for schools and youth helping others

Irvine schools receive $2 million for arts, music and science

Irvine Unified School District students will benefit from a recent $2 million contribution in support of the district’s arts, music and science education.

The donation happened in front of more than 1,000 student musicians and their families at the annual Donald Bren Honors Concert at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.

The financial support is part of a 20-year, nearly $50 million funding commitment made by Irvine Company and the Donald Bren Foundation. It provides exceptional arts, music and science education in the district through the Excellence in Education Enrichment program.

Established by Irvine Company’s funding commitment, it helps provide specialized art, music and science programs to every fourth- through sixth-grader in the district. Since 2006, the program has helped more than 200,000 elementary students and has propelled IUSD students to consistently outperform their peers across the state in each of these subjects on the annual California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress.

IUSD also has been named one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation for 14 consecutive years and ranks at the top in the state on the California Science Test.

– Submitted by IUSD

Girl Scouts unveil substance misuse artwork

Members of Girl Scout Troop 6170 unveiled their substance misuse prevention bus shelter artwork in Anaheim. The project was developed as part of the troop’s Girl Scout Silver Award, a prestigious honor recognizing Cadettes who demonstrate leadership and commitment to addressing community issues through sustainable solutions.

Waymakers’ Project PATH (Positive Action Toward Health) supported the troop along the way.

Girl Scouts in Troop 6170 identified the risks associated with unused prescription medications in homes, including drug misuse, accidental poisoning and environmental harm. In response, the troop designed a public awareness campaign encouraging safe medication disposal and participation in prescription drug take-back programs.

The approximately 4-by-6-foot bus shelter display illustrates proper disposal of unused or expired medications and includes information on National Take Back Day.

The artwork also features QR codes linking to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration website and additional year-round drop-off locations, providing accessible resources for community members to take action.

The artwork was displayed on 20 bus shelters throughout Anaheim and surrounding cities.

Waymakers’ Project PATH has been providing alcohol and drug prevention services in the North Region of Orange County for the past two years. The program includes a “youth-led activities” component, empowering young people to take the lead on prevention efforts through creative campaigns, community outreach and skill-building opportunities.

Through its partnership with Girl Scout Troop 6170, Project PATH continues to support youth-driven solutions that promote safe and healthy communities.

– Submitted by Waymakers

Local veterans and community transform elementary school garden

The Travis Manion Foundation, in partnership with Love Anaheim and Vital Roots Foundation, revitalized the garden at Walt Disney Elementary School. Volunteers transformed the space into a vibrant, hands-on learning environment for students.

Together, they built 22 garden planters, moved and spread two truckloads of soil and mulch, provided new vegetation for the space, and built five benches for student use and outdoor learning.

The project brought together veterans, families and community members working side by side and demonstrating the impact of service and shared purpose. The newly revitalized garden will serve as a long-term educational resource where students can learn about sustainability, nutrition and environmental stewardship.

– Submitted by Travis Manion Foundation

Fullerton’s Troop 1747 honors 11 new Eagle Scouts

Boy Scout Troop 1747 of Fullerton hosted its annual Eagle Court of Honor at the Los Coyotes Country Club in Buena Park. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of 11 boys who attained the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor in scouting.

Since 2015, the 87-member troop has successfully produced more than 61 Eagle Scouts, maintaining a strong tradition of excellence and service.

“I am incredibly proud of these young men,” Scoutmaster Dr. William Sim said. “Over the course of six to seven years, they have learned that to truly serve others, one must lead them toward a greater good. They have received the finest leadership training available to young people today.”

– Submitted by Boy Scout Troop 1747

The Bravo! section highlights achievements of our residents and groups. Send news of achievements for consideration to ocrbravo@gmail.com.