Page 5 - Mid Valley Times 5-28-20 E-edition

The View From Here
If there’s
one thing that
has always
fascinated
me it’s old
gravestones
at cemeter-
ies. I visited
the Sanger
Cemetery on
the morning
of Monday, May 25 for their annual Memorial Day Obser- vance ceremony.
As the speakers were set- ting up, testing the audio lev- els, handing out programs, I began to look around at the old grave markers that were near me.
I couldn’t make out the name on the grave stone, but the individual was born in 1917 and died in 1950.
They served in World War II and are laid to rest in Sanger. Each time I read a headstone, I wonder what that person’s life was like. If they were born in 1917, they were about 18 years old in 1935.
This means the individual was just the right age to go fight in the war that, accord- ing to history books began not too long afterward.
What was the person thinking or feeling leaving to war? What was their life like at home.
In 1935 there was no in- ternet, no looking up infor- mation on Google, no text messages existed.
It was good to attend the ceremony and honor those who have served in the Mili- tary and for those who paid the ultimate price protecting our freedom.
On May 26, I went over to Immanuel Schools. They were having a drive through event where students were able to pick up yearbooks and turn in text books, tech- nology devices like iPads and tablets and just have a moment to say farewell to their teachers.
“We do get to see them on Zoom but it’s a whole lot dif- ferent in person,” said Phil Goertzen, the principal at Immanuel High School.
“So for us, this is a big deal.”
Students and teachers were both excited to see each other during the event.
I could tell this shelter in place order has taken its toll on everyone around us.
The good news is, it seems like the end of it might be near.
The governor of Califor- nia announced that hair sa- lons and barber shops would be opening as restrictions are eased.
Of course we should con- tinue to be careful, but this has been an experience I'm sure none of us will soon for- get.
Mid Valley Times
It was a bitter sweet day for students and faculty of Immanuel Schools on the morning of May 26, as they reunited via a drive through event to collect items, and turn in books and other equip- ment.
“We’re just trying to have a little bit of closure for the students give them a chance to see their teachers,” said Phil Goertzen, principal. “Re- ally this is just a chance to connect and say goodbye.”
The event was planned with social distancing re- quirements in mind.
Parents and students were directed to drive through the parking lot and stop at their corresponding grade level to pick up their belongings.
“Everything from cook- ies, treats, yearbooks, awards and certificate for the kids as well,” said Brad Krause, the junior high principal.
“If they need to drop off sports equipment, or technol-
Juanita Adame
Immanuel students and faculty reunite By Juanita Adame
Juanita Adame / Mid Valley Times
Wolfgang Hoffman smiled as he picked up items from Immanuel on May 26. Hoffman is a senior and is hoping a graduation ceremony is still possible for his class.
ogy or books to turn in, they are also able to clean out their lockers if they need to.”
Students began at home learning in mid March due to
coronavirus concerns. Krause said since the shel-
ter in place order, students as well as their faculty have worked hard to maintain as
much normalcy as possible. “It's awesome to see them today, we miss these guys,”
See EAGLES on page A6
Local Students Graduate from VROP Wildland Fire Science Program
Thirty nine students graduated from the VROP Fire Science Program.
Contributed
Garcia, Danisha Reyes and Alvaro Uribe. Orosi: Ignacio Mandujano
Parlier: Joel Cervantes**, Emily Flores, Sarai Madri- gal**, Daniel Maldonado, Rog- elio Mendoza, Ricardo Ontive- ros. Reedley: Elvia Brenes**, Zachary Dean, Gabriel Her- nandez**, Alonso Lemus**, Juan Meza**, Efrain Ortiz
RMCHS: Carola Garcilazo, Dulce Mireles. Sanger: David De Los Santos, Jacob Marti- nez**, Pengsue Thao**
Students also received certificates of recognition from State Senator Andreas Borgeas, Assemblyman Dr. Joaquin Arambula and Frank Bigelow.
**Indicates student is an eligible recipient of paid tu- ition, books, materials and 200 hours paid internship made possible by Proteus, Tulare Workforce Investment Board, Fresno Workforce Connec- tion, Fresno City College, Reedley College and Valley ROP.
By George M. Villagrana
Mid Valley Times
The Valley Regional Oc- cupational Program held its Wildland Fire Science Virtual Graduation on May 20.
Thirty nine students graduated from the program representing 10 high schools that included Dinuba, Lovell, Orange Cove, Orosi, Parlier, Reedley, Reedley Middle Col- lege H.S. and Sanger.
The program included opening and special recogni- tions by VROP Superinten- dent Fabrizio Lafaro and an overview of program from di- rector and instructor Rodnie Roberts and director Maria Meraz. Industry speaker was National Director of Fire & Aviation U.S. Forest Service Chief, Shawna Legarza.
Dinuba's Malakai Navarro was one of two student speak- ers and making the presenta-
tion of certificates of comple- tion was Meraz.
Presenting the Richard Halstead Memorial Scholar- ship award was Mrs. Vikki Halstead Gatke and instruc- tor Van Arroyo. Navarro was one of two students awarded the $250 scholarship.
The class of 2020 are as follows; Dinuba High: Na- varro**, Tristan Navarro**. Lovell: Jesus Garcia**
Orange Cove: Jaydon
Miss Dinuba sign ups
Photo of the week
Contributed
A photo of Reedley couple, Briana Renee Cortez and Justin Mi- chael Simpson was sent in by Briana. The photo was taken in downtown Reedley. Have a photo you'd like featured? Email juanita@midvalleypublishing.com.
Staff Report
Upcoming Dinuba High senior girls interested in preparing for the Miss Di- nuba Scholarship Pageant 2020 should send an email to mcarrion@dinuba.k12.ca.us or missdinubaprogram@ya- hoo.com
The pageant will provide contestants in opportunity to win scholarship money for their education endeav- ors.
This year’s Miss Dinuba Pageant will be held on Sep- tember 12. Deadline to sign up is June 1.
File Photo
Miss Dinuba 2019, Katelyn Over- videz.