Student Angel Castillo, left, and Katelyn Nelson, library technician, stand among the book shelves at library. (Courtesy photo)
Student Angel Castillo, left, with Katelyn Nelson, library technician. (Courtesy photo)

Angel Castillo, a student at Vandenberg Middle School (VMS), has been selected as a student ambassador for the Santa Barbara County Education Office’s 73rd annual Breakfast with the Authors.

The event will be 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 at the Santa Barbara County Education Office Auditorium, 4400 Cathedral Oaks Road, Santa Barbara, Lompoc Unified School District has announced.

Angel was chosen for the honor because of his outstanding academic performance, leadership on campus, public speaking skills, confidence, and passion for reading and creative writing, the district announced.

At VMS, Angel serves as president of the Future Authors Club and vice president of the Drama Club, and he is an active member of Battle of the Books.

“I am proud to have Angel both as my library aide and in so many of the clubs I advise,” said Katelyn Nelson, library technician and club advisor. “He is an intelligent, kind young man, and very much deserves this honor and recognition.”

“Angel is a fantastic student and contributes to VMS in so many ways,” said Vandenberg Middle School Principal Joel Jory. “His love for reading and as a creative writer started at a young age.

“When asked why he loves to read and write: Angel says he hopes to change the world for the better. Reading and writing is how he plans on making the world a better place. Angel is a well-spoken and creative young man. He will be a great ambassador for Vandenberg Middle School and Lompoc Unified.”

VMS is also celebrating a strong group of students who will attend the event to connect with authors, illustrators, and fellow young writers: Kira Ponsor, Mason LaMirand, Nora Merket, Grace “Mio” Martinez, Peyton Gonzalez, Colton Wray, Annabel Wilson, and Chloe Wild.

This year’s Breakfast with the Authors theme, Hooked: Sparking Intrigue from the Start, focuses on how writers capture readers’ attention through powerful openings.

Attendees will have a chance to meet and learn from award-winning authors including Mike Bender, JaNay Brown-Wood, Bruce Hale, Sarah Scheerger, Wendelin Van Draanen, and Robin Yardi.

Tickets are $16 for students (grades 4-12); $20 for the general public, which includes breakfast. Registration is open through Oct. 8, 2025, at www.sbceo.org/breakfast.

For additional details, contact Sachi Shiroma, 805-964-4710, ext. 5222, or sshiroma@sbceo.org.