Candidate for
Board Member; Brea Olinda Unified School District

"Yes, No, Monkey" were the only three words that Araz knew when he came to the United States and Brea at the age of thirteen. However, it didn't take him long to master his second language and to learn to love the supportive Brea community. By the time he entered Brea Olinda High School, he had already dedicated himself to giving back to the community that had so quickly embraced him. Araz excelled in high school, committing himself to various activities including Peer Assistance Leadership (PAL), Red Cross Club, and Conflict Management. In addition, he tutored high school students and organized senior citizen activities, which amounted to over 4,000 hours of community service. Upon graduation, a committee of prominent Brea citizens recognized Araz for his dedication to public service and awarded him with several awards including the prestigious Character Counts Award and the Mayor's Youth Service Award.

Araz then attended Fullerton College, where he continued to dedicate himself to serving both the public and college communities. In addition to coaching BOHS Mens' Tennis in 2004, he became involved in the Associated Students, Fullerton College's student body government. By his second year, he was elected Student Body President and served over 20,000 students. During his tenure, he introduced several proposals that will leave a positive impact on Fullerton College: the Campus-wide Smoking Ban, the creation of a Classified Employee Senate, a measure that allows students to receive two Associate Degrees, and a policy to make it easier for transfer students to succeed by demanding that they are informed when a required class will not be taught each semester. His achievements at Fullerton College allowed him to be awarded the prestigious Man of the Year Award, making him only the second Student Body President to receive it in the school's history.

Araz currently attends the University of Southern California, majoring in Political Science and minoring in Professional and Managerial Communication. He will graduate this coming spring, a true testament to the American dream and to Brea schools.

Araz's parents sacrificed everything to move to America so that he could have a better education. Therefore, Araz has taken it upon himself to make sure that every child in Brea has the same excellent opportunities. The best way to cultivate a successful learning environment is to give the faculty and staff the support they deserve. His staunch support of both the teachers and district staff has resulted in the endorsement of the Brea Olinda Teachers Association (BOTA) and the California School Employees Association (CSEA).

Awards Araz has received: MECHA Award, 1999; Character Counts Scholarship, 2003; Brea Rotary Club, 2003; Bishop "Wildcat Spirit" Scholarship, 2003; Mayors Youth Award, 2003; Kiwanis International Brea, 2003; Brea Lions Club Citizenship Award, 2003; Conflict Manager, 2003; Peer Assistance Leadership Vice President, 2003; Building Bridges Award, 2003; ROP Carrier Pathway Student of the Year, 2003; Ray Gerace Memorial Scholarship, 2003; Senator of the Month, March, 2004; Mu Omicron Delta Award (Men Of Distinction) for outstanding achievements in social sciences, political science, student services-club activities, student government, service to the college and the community, 2005; Man of the Year, 2005; OCTFCU worthy student award, 2005; Outstanding Leadership award, 2005; Political Science scholarship of the year, 2005; Fullerton College Man of the Year, 2005; A.S. Executive Committee Chair, 2005; Lena & Fay Reynolds Memorial Scholarship, 2005; Kiwanis Club of Fullerton Scholarship, 2005; Certificate of Excellence in Student Support of the Cadena Transfer Center and Transfer Students, 2005.