Alternative schools help students soar

Rachel Borbas The Oak Park Independent Study program has made it possible for Rachel Borbas to pursue her passions in dance, theater and forensics.

The 18-year-old daughter of Cindy and Marc Borbas has danced lead roles with the Conejo Civic Ballet Company, choreographed a Moorpark College theater production and earned a silver medal in a national forensics competition. Rachel accomplished all of this while holding down a part-time job at Forever 21.

Rachel's favorite teacher is Rob Large, who she said tailors his teaching style to meet the needs of each individual student.

"He is an exceptional teacher and has had a large influence on how I understand and handle schoolwork," Rachel said.

Rachel credits Moorpark College theater teacher/director John Loprieno with developing her interest in theater. Through her Moorpark classes and theater performances, Rachel was able to experience different acting styles.

"John is a gifted theater teacher because he knows how to put entertainment into a learning environment," Rachel said.

Cassandra Nielsen Her experience has been so positive that she hopes to someday teach theater arts at a California community college.

"I would like to teach at a community college because of the diverse amount of students and remarkable ranges of talent and potential that is found in community colleges," Rachel said.

She will major in theater arts at the State University of New York at Binghamton.

"This is a very personal choice for me because of all of the performance opportunities and quality training I have received at Moorpark Community College, to which I owe my attendance to the flexible Oak Park Independent Study Program," Rachel said.

Cassandra Nielsen attended a number of high schools before finding the right one in Oak Park's Oak View High School.

"All the teachers and staff are great at Oak View," Cassandra said.

She credits her family and friends, particularly her parents, Birgitta and Stefan Nielsen, with giving her the support she needed to succeed.

"Everyone has just always encouraged me to do well and always picked me up when I was down," said Cassandra, 18.

Cassandra said English has been her favorite class because she loves writing, particularly short stories and essays.

"I can be myself in English class. My mind can stay creative, that appeals to me," Cassandra said.

She credited English teacher Susan Allen with helping her realize her talents.

"Ms. Allen always believed in me, knew I could accomplish and encouraged me to write again, as I had stopped for a while," Cassandra said.

Cassandra's interests have included playing softball and volleyball and volunteering to speak at adolescent rehabilitation centers. She was a leader in the Oak View Clean Teen program, talking to other students who shared her struggles and volunteering to drive them to recovery meetings.

Cassandra will attend Moorpark College and is considering a variety of possible majors.

"For me, becoming an English teacher at a continuation school— helping kids search for their soul in their writing—sounds good. I will be very happy with that," Cassandra said.