KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The Lake County Office of Education Career and College Readiness Department held the 12th annual Lake County University Admittance Reception on May 8 in Kelseyville.
Each year, administrators, board members, counselors and college representatives all gather to honor the graduating seniors and their families who have been accepted to a four-year college.
This year, the schools invited a record 114 students, up from 93 last year.
Colleges included California State Universities: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Chico, Dominguez Hills, Fresno, Fullerton, Humboldt, Long Beach, Maritime Academy, Monterey Bay, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Sonoma and Stanislaus.
Universities of California offering places to local students included Berkeley, Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles, Merced, Riverside, San Diego, Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz.
Out-of-state and private colleges where local students will be heading include American Musical & Dramatic Academy, Baylor University, Beloit College, Boise State University, Brigham Young University Idaho and Utah, Culinary Institute of America, Dominican University, La Tourneau College, Lourdes University, MacMurray College, Montana State University, Oregon State University, St. John Fisher College, University of Nevada Reno, University of Newcastle, University of the Pacific and Washington State University.
Guests were welcomed by Lake County Superintendent of Schools Brock Falkenberg.
Soon-to-be-retired Upper Lake Unified School District Superintendent Patrick Iaccino addressed the crowd with his words of wisdom gathered from not only his years in education but as a parent.
Iaccino stressed the importance of time management in college as well as always having a “plan B.” To the parents, he reminded them to just love their children through this next journey.
Middletown High 2016 alumna and current Chico State student Gracie Pachie enlightened the students about to enter college with her advice on how to enjoy their higher education experience.
She told them that it's OK to be scared, that college has something for everyone, and she encouraged them to listen and to admit when they're homesick.
Thanks to the generous loan of plants by Kelseyville Lumber, students were called onto the beautifully decorated stage to receive a small congratulatory gift. Tables were decorated with wrapped bottles of sparkling cider, courtesy of Safeway in Lakeport. Welcome gifts were requested from each of college with some receiving t-shirts, pennants and other spirit items.
Representing the UC system was longtime supporter Jacquelyn Ross of UC Davis. CSU bags were distributed by Sonoma State University Shannon Smith. The honor of awarding the bags for out-of-state and private colleges was given to Kathy Windrem of Marymount California University Lakeside Campus in Lucerne.
A wonderful buffet dinner prepared by Michelle Borghesani and her staff at Kelseyville High School was offered free-of-charge to the attending students and guests. Among the staff manning the barbecue were administrators Matt Cockerton and Mike Jones.
Organizers offered special thanks to Debbie Ingalls of Kelseyville for always volunteering to help at this event and to Middletown High’s Julie Woodard for stepping in to help where needed throughout the night.
During dinner service, guests were able to view a slideshow presentation featuring students’ career goals and special thanks to those that assisted them in achieving their college admission.
To conclude the evening, students were treated to a free drawing of prizes that included dorm survival bags, snack boxes and other assorted gifts.
The University Admit Reception was created 12 years ago to honor the hard work and dedication of local students and families who achieved a challenging academic goal.
In addition, the purpose of the event is to introduce students to other students throughout the county who may be attending the same or nearby colleges in the hopes that they can form a support system for each other.
The Career and College Readiness Department is proud of all of Lake County's graduating seniors and wishes special congratulations to this group of college-bound students as they embark on their higher education endeavors.
If you would like more information about the University Admit Reception or would like to make a donation to support next year’s event, please contact Education Specialist Tammy Serpa at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , telephone 707-263-8918, Extension 284.
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