Youth

News for the 18-and-under crowd

TUSTIN

Volunteer Group Honors 2 Students

Two Foothill High School students have received Circle of Life awards from the Assn. of Volunteer Administrators.

Jack Hol, a junior, and Skorn Ponrartana, a senior, received their awards this fall during the organization’s international convention at the Disneyland Hotel.

Hol was honored for his volunteer work in disaster relief, and Ponrartana was recognized for his membership in the Youth Involvement Subcommittee of the Orange County Summit for Children.

The two also were honored during a recent meeting of the Tustin Unified School District Board of Education.

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HUNTINGTON BEACH

Basketball Sign-Ups Start for City Leagues

Youngsters wanting to throw some hoops can now register for the city’s basketball leagues.

The $25 registration fee includes a team shirt and trophies for the city championship.

Leagues for youngsters in first through 10th grades will play Saturdays beginning Jan. 7 at Murdy and Edison community centers, Huntington Beach City Gym and Pool, and Edison and Ocean View high schools.

More information is available by calling Murdy Community Center, (714) 960-8895; Edison Community Center, (714) 960-8870; or at the city’s gym, (714) 960-8884.

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LAGUNA NIGUEL

City Offers Classes for Safe Fishing

The Parks and Recreation Department wants everyone to know that fishing isn’t just a sport for retirees and those who do not relish physical challenges.

The department is offering fishing classes for children ages 7 through 12. The classes are taught by instructors from the Laguna Niguel Lake Fishery at Laguna Niguel Regional Park. They include lessons on what different fish species eat, where they live and the importance of water quality.

Children will be taught catch-and-release fishing strategies and the safety and ethics associated with fishing. Cost is $35, which includes sack lunch, fishing permit and certificate of completion. To register, call (714) 362-4350.

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TUSTIN

Leagues Are Forming at New Gymnasium

Youth basketball and volleyball leagues are forming at the Columbus Tustin gymnasium, which is scheduled to open in January. The 17,000- square-foot facility will feature a hardwood floor. Bleacher seating will be available for 250 spectators.

The gymnasium is at 17522 Beneta Way, near Prospect Avenue and Irvine Boulevard.

Additional information on leagues or open play is available from the city Community Services Department at (714) 573-3326.

--COMPILED BY MIMI KO, WITH DEBRA CANO, BERT ELJERA, ALAN EYERLY AND LYNN FRANEY