Medaling in design
Samantha Wilcox, an alumna of Los Gatos High School, was named a 2024 National Teen Medalist in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.
Wilcox, who submitted her work while still a senior at the school in the 2023-24 academic year, was recognized for a design kit she put together for a fictitious skincare brand as part of an assignment for a graphic design class. Wilcox and Saratoga High School junior Nicole Hao were selected as winners from among 10,000 portfolios submitted, according to a release from the district.
The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards recognize student achievement in the visual and literary arts in 28 categories, including painting, novel writing, mixed media, poetry, digital art and journalism.
Tuition waiver set
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sept. 24 signed AB 3158, which streamlines the automatic tuition waiver for local students within the West Valley Mission Community College District.
State Assemblymember Marc Berman introduced the legislation in February, and the state assembly approved it in May. Students who live in the community college district’s service area, which includes Saratoga, Los Gatos and Santa Clara, were already eligible to receive tuition waivers from the district. The new legislation, which goes into effect Jan. 1, 2025, will streamline the tuition waiver process for local students.
“With AB 3158, every student in our service area—whether full time, part time or returning to school—will have access to free, high-quality education without the financial or procedural obstacles that have held many back,” said district chancellor Brad Davis. “This law cuts out complicated forms and delays, making it as easy as enrolling and attending. It’s a significant step forward in our mission to remove barriers for our students.”
