Diverse talents thrive at Agoura High
By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com

TOSS UP- Olga Galchenko, a professional juggler in Russia, discovered her academic skills while at Agoura High School. The teen, who was accepted at several colleges, plans on studying at Moorpark College because she feels she's too young for dorm life. MARK BAKALOR Special to The Acorn

Agoura High School's Class of 2007 produced a diverse group of high achievers.

Seniors Olga Galchenko, Michael Bluestein and Derek Johnson exemplify the unique mix of talents developed at the school. While the three students couldn't be more different from each other, they have in common a laser-sharp focus on achieving their unique goals.

Olga Galchenko

Olga Galchenko is a worldclass professional juggler from Russia, but life in the United States and as a student at Agoura High School has opened the world to the 16-year-old.

Juggling provided a means for Olga and her brother, Vladimier, known as Vova, to immigrate to the U.S. from Penza, Russia, four years ago. The siblings' parents wanted a better life for their children and believed America would provide the future Penza could not.

STRONG ARM- Derek Johnson, a state champion discus thrower, pursues his sport for the love of it.

After staying in New Hampshire, followed by a stay in Boulder, Colo., Olga arrived at Agoura High School two years ago and discovered she had other talents, including the brain power to excel in math and science.

"I like school, I really do," Olga said, with no trace of an accent. She credits teachers Steve Bacharach and Paul Kanter for her love of science and math. Although she has been accepted at most of California's top universities, she will attend Moorpark College for her freshman year.

"I'm 16, and I don't want to live in the dorm yet," she said.

Olga said she was inspired to juggle at the age of 10 after seeing her brother excel in the sport. But the siblings were more than just good. They hold the world title for the greatest number of clubs, 12, juggled between two people. Olga is also an accomplished solo juggler and placed second internationally in the female division.

SCHOLAR- Michael Bluestein overcame physical limitations to excel academically.

The Galchenkos live in Agoura Hills with Mark Bakalor's family, his daughter, parents and grandparents. "They've become family to us," Bakalor said.

The juggling siblings have caught the attention of the media. Brother and sister have been featured on the "Oprah Winfrey Show," the "Ellen Degeneres Show" and "The Today Show." They were also featured in a splashy Time magazine spread.

Olga hasn't seen her parents for four years, but she will spend the summer with them before beginning college. "Right now I'm really homesick."

As homesick as she is, Olga isn't sure she'll ever return to Russia for good. "I can get a good education here."

Michael Bluestein

While Agoura High produces many scholars, Michael Bluestein stands apart from the crowd because of his ability to soar academically despite the challenges of living with cerebral palsy.

Michael, 18, won Agoura High's presidential award for academic excellence, and the Golden State diploma, a departmental award for mathematics. He graduated June 15 with a 4.1 grade point average, and was among the elite group of students graduating as gold seal bearers with highest honors.

Scholarly pursuits landed Michael the University of Southern California's prestigious presidential scholarship for academic excellence.

Excelling in school wasn't easy. "Since I couldn't write, I had to dictate everything from English to math to physics," Michael said.

He had help from personal aides throughout his years at Agoura High. He verbally answered test questions and the aide wrote down his answers.

"The school was always very supportive," Michael said. "They always encouraged me to do my best. I was very lucky."

He has his sights set on majoring in math and science at USC, and hopes to one day work in the music industry, preferably as a producer.

"There's nothing that has been put in front of Michael that he hasn't been able to accomplish," said his mother, Julie. "He always has a smile and an unbelievably positive attitude."

Derek Johnson

Derek Johnson is a state champion discus thrower and has been throwing his way up on state and national charts. He made California history at the Antelope Valley Throw Fest two months ago, heaving the discus 205 feet, 5 inches. He won the state title, beating out his nearest competitor by 14 feet. Derek now ranks third in the nation for his division.

To meet the challenge of discus competitions, Derek, 18, has missed out on some of the usual perks of being a high school senior, including his prom.

But being in the top echelon of a sport has its own rewards. Derek is in top form, training like a champion, spending hours running and weight lifting. The emphasis in discus is on "pop and explosiveness," Derek said.

Awarded a five-year, all expenses paid scholarship to Cal State Bakersfield, he will follow his father's lead and earn a teaching credential. (Mark Johnson teaches at A.C. Stelle Middle School.)

"I really don't compete to win every meet," Derek said. "I love doing it so much- it's just fun."

Derek expects to one day try out for the Olympic discus team. "Maybe 2016 will be my year."

"I'm really proud of him," said his mother, Debbie Johnson. "I just think the commitment that he has with throwing has really just made him a better person all around."

She also complimented Derek's coach, John Amneas. "He taught him some really great life lessons."