Former Monterey Peninsula student living her dream in Las Vegas

Unlike my colleague John Devine, I seldom hear from former MPUSD students. Imagine my pleasure when I received an email from Cathy Poochigian, class of 2000 at Monterey High.

Poochigian attended Bay View Elementary, Walter Colton Middle School, Monterey High and Monterey Peninsula College. She calls herself a proud " product of MPUSD" who still have ties with Colton Middle School and Vickie Lucido's drama department (costuming their annual spring musical for the last 6 years).

Earlier this year, she was named MGM Grand Hotel and Casino's Employee of the Year, which she says it's a big accomplishment for a kid from a small town in Monterey.

"I currently work as a Wardrobe Attendant for Cirque du Soleil's KÀ at the MGM Grand and have just been promoted to Production Coordinator for our show," she said in an email message.

"From volunteering with local food banks to being the face of MGM Grand and a model employee, this year has has had had so many windows of opportunity ready for me to push open. I feel like I am a great example of how amazing things can happen to students who went through the Monterey school system and credit my instructors who encouraged me throughout my educational years. People say 'Merry Christmas and have a happy new year'. I say, 'what an amazingly happy new year it has been!'"

Congratulations, Cathy, and happy holidays to you too!