Set for exemption from tuition
Governor Gavin Newsom on September 24 signed AB 3158, which streamlines the automatic tuition waiver for local students within the West Valley Mission Community College District.
State Assemblyman Marc Berman introduced the legislation in Februaryand 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 takes effect on January 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 a free, high-quality education without the financial or procedural barriers that have held many back,” said District Chancellor Brad Brad. Davis. “This law eliminates complicated forms and delays, making it as easy as signing up and participating. It’s an important step forward in our mission to remove barriers for our students.”
Medal in Art
Nicole Hao, a junior at Saratoga High School, was named a 2024 National Teen Medalist in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.
Hao was recognized for his artwork called “Mindspace,” a self-portrait depicting changes in identity and imagination over time. Hao, along with Los Gatos High School graduate Samantha Wilcox, were recognized as winners among 10,000 portfolios submitted for the 2023-24 school year, 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.