Grad ready to share talent, faith





Brandon Martinez Jr.

Brandon Martinez Jr.

Like the other 201 students donning the traditional burgundy cap and gown at the 2011 Oaks Christian High School commencement ceremony today, June 9, Brandon Martinez Jr., is poised to lead a fulfilling life guided by his strong faith.

But unlike most of his peers taking part in the celebration at Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village, the 18-year-old has already completed his first year of college—USC.

Brandon, who also attended Las Colinas Middle School in Camarillo, was introduced to Oaks Christian School by a former middle school teacher. Brandon said the private Christian campus immediately appealed to him.

“The foremost difference for me is the fact that it’s a Christian school,” he said.

“I had never seen a campus like this before. So I applied for financial aid and everything sort of fell into place.”

According to Brandon, the “gifted and dedicated” teachers at Oaks Christian enabled him to succeed beyond his dreams.

The school was founded in 2000 and serves about 1,300 middle and high school students. About 40 percent of students receive financial aid toward their $25,000 annual tuition.

In addition to being a Top 10 Scholar and headmaster’s list honoree for three consecutive years at Oaks Christian, Brandon earned best student awards in English, biology, history and band. He was president of his freshman and sophomore classes and a member of the honor board during his junior year.

He also became the voice of Oaks Christian School, acting as master of ceremonies at school events. In 2009, he was recognized in Ventura County’s Mock Trial Program as the most outstanding prosecuting attorney among hundreds of students.

Brandon was band council president during his sophomore year, and he played clarinet and saxophone in the OCHS wind ensemble, jazz band and pit orchestra.

He also traveled to Mexico, Costa Rica and Guatemala to participate in school missions before leaving Oaks Christian at the conclusion of his junior year to enter the USC Resident Honors Program.

The first in his family to attend a four-year university, Brandon recently completed his first year at USC, studying political science, English and international relations, with a Presidential Academic Scholarship.

The student faced an unexpected setback in March when he experienced a sudden cardiac arrest, which caused him to faint, but the incident didn’t affect his determination.

He was admitted to USC Medical Center, where doctors installed a defibrillator, and he returned to his studies two weeks later to complete the year with his peers.

“They’re not sure what happened. There is nothing wrong with my heart congenitally,” said Brandon, adding that the health scare cemented his faith in God and taught him to appreciate life.

“Every interaction you have with someone could be the last. You don’t want to leave anything with a sour note,” he said.

Brandon plans to attend law school after he graduates from USC.

In his spare time, he interns at a law firm in Oxnard that specializes in elder abuse and defending people and institutions that have been sued for medical malpractice.

Brandon said somewhere down the road he may pursue a career in politics.

Oaks Christian school leaders said Brandon was a distinguished student from the moment he arrived at the private school. He won over his classmates through kindness, sincerity, brilliance and charm.

“Brandon is an unusually bright and articulate kid. He’s got a calm confidence, but he’s not cocky,” said Oaks Christian Headmaster Jeffrey Woodcock.

“It was sad for Oaks Christian to lose him a year early, but good for him. To have him come back and graduate with his class is special.”

Brandon is the son of Lisa Clark and Brandon Martinez Sr. He has one sister, Hailey, 9.

“I feel like such a lucky mom,” Clark said. “He’s been a joy since day one, and I’m so proud of him. He’s worked hard for everything he achieved, and he’s such a wonderful young man.”

Brandon said his mother and educators at Oaks Christian inspired him to persevere.

While his mother gave him wisdom, guidance and joy even in the most difficult moments of his life, he said, Oaks Christian allowed him to develop his character and embrace his faith so he could achieve his highest potential.


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