Brent Peterson, Santa Paula High School State Representative for Boys’ State 2002

By Tony Gaitan, Principal Santa Paula High School junior Brent Peterson recently competed for and was chosen to represent Santa Paula High School for Boys’ State 2002. Brent was selected from the junior class based on the following criteria: character, leadership, scholarship, citizenship, intelligence, and a capacity for serving his fellow man; he also was required to be a member of the junior class.The process for selection began with a nomination of prospective candidates by the SPHS teaching faculty based on the criteria set by Boys’ State. The panel’s task was to select and recommend two candidates for a final interview by the American Legion Post of Ventura. American Legion Post 339 sponsors Boys’ State and is the last phase of the selection process.The American Legion Post interviewed the top two candidates from Santa Paula High School and selected Brent Peterson for Boys’ State 2002 which will be held at California State University, Sacramento from June 17 to June 24. Brent will spend one week meeting and collaborating with other juniors from high schools throughout California, State leaders and politicians, learning about the inner workings of State and local governments.Brent Peterson truly exemplifies the criteria being sought by the American Legion Post of Ventura to represent Santa Paula High School in Sacramento. He is an outstanding student who has challenged himself by completing a rigorous Honors and Advanced Placement academic program, and maintains a 3.68 GPA. He has participated in ASB as a student leader and as historian for the junior class. He is also involved in athletics such as varsity football and varsity track and field, in class/club fundraising, and in other student clubs on campus. Brent has attended the California Association of Student Council Leadership conference for the past three summers and has completed certified training to work as a counselor at youth leadership conferences.