Page 18 - Mid Valley Times 6-4-20 E-edition

Thursday, June 4, 2020 | A18 | Mid Valley TiMes
Fresno Pacific honors graduate in Parlier
By Jon Earnest
Mid Valley Times
Parlier resident and new Fresno Pacific University graduate Muriel Gobea knew she wasn't going ro get a timely, traditional graduation sendoff this spring. But she received the next best thing.
On May 8, representatives from the university's social work program drove to Gobea''s home on Kelly Avenue in central Parlier, giving her a congratula- tory drive-by with honks, greetings and a special presentation. The Parlier stop was one of 10 during a day-long trip to graduates' homes ranging from Visalia to Modesto.
"It's been super valuable, the rela- tionship that I've built with my profes- sors, and my classmates there have been unbelievable," said Gobea, who completed her studies as she plans to become a licensed clinical social work- er. "I could not have asked for a better experience. The education I received has been super rewarding."
The contingent that came to town
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their graduation a little more enjoyable.”
For Kai, the community project fell in line with her own graduation, as she par- ticipated in her own virtual graduation walk on May 28 at Sanger High.
“I liked how they were letting us have four family members,” said Kai of her official graduation walk. “They also had staff mem- bers there cheering, so it was nice to have that. The process itself was quick, but I still feel like I got a lot out of it.”
As for the unique expe- rience of being a graduate during a historical pandem-
Jon Earnest / Mid Valley Times
Sonia Pranger, social work program director at Fresno Pacific University, spoke through a megaphone to 2020 graduate Muriel Gobea, right, on May 8 during a brief ceremony in front of Gobea's Parlier home.
mally congratulate you."
Pranger then handed Gobea a cer-
tificate of membership to The North American Association of Christians in Social Work. Mouanoutoua then gave Gobea a sign of congratulations for her graduation to post on the front lawn.
Gobea said that prior to graduating she did her internship for the Parlier Unified School District.
"I worked at an elementary school, providing services to elementary stu- dents," she said. "Essentially, that's what I want to focus on."
Gobea thanked Pranger for her dedication and assistance, calling her a "social work mom to all of us." She also thanked Mouanoutoua for her patience and assistance in working on lab exams.
"I would not have asked for any other way. It has been like an amazing ride. We'll be celebrating in December," Gobea told the group.
December will be when Gobea and her fellow record number of 875 FPU May graduates will join Fall 2020 grad- uates for a traditional commencement ceremony in Fresno.
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will have to secure a temporary business license from the city and provide a certificate of li- ability indemnifying the city in the amount of $1 million.
The Dinuba Fire Depart- ment inspects the booths prior to opening to ensure that all safety precautions have been met and fire personnel will pe- riodically inspect the stands during the week of sales.
In addition, TNT fireworks company has provided strict guidelines for those to follow during the sales of fireworks in Dinuba. The company provided the city with an extensive list of safety protocols to help ensure proper social distancing at fire- work stands.
offering congratulations included Sonia Pranger, FPU's social work program director, and Sai Mouanoutoua, social work field director.
"You's worked hard and we're just
so proud of you, Muriel," Pranger said through the small megaphone in front of the family home. "We're thankful for your family, as we don't do it alone. Your family helped you. I want to for-
ic, Kai reflected on both the good and the bad.
“It makes me pretty sad to think about how others can talk about how their prom was and I never got to
experience that,” she shared. “But with everything that has been happening, I have seen random people gifting us stuff, people are show- ing that they are caring, the
Even graduates from Washington Academic Middle School par- ticipated in the Sanger graduation photo shoot. The project was put together by Sanger High senior Kai Gloria and her sister Alexan- dra Marie Gonzalez.
Rick Curiel / Mid Valley Times
school is showing that they are caring... I feel like I’m still getting those memories, even if they’re different memories... unique memo- ries.”
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