Rotary New Teachers barbeque welcomes dozens of educators to city schools

"A party isn't a party if people don't come. . .and they were all there," said Rotarian Roy Wilson about the annual gathering sponsored by the Rotary Club of Santa Paula to welcome new teachers to city schools. The turnout for the party held at the Wilson Ranch on Sept. 27th was the best ever with a record number of not only teachers but also Rotarians and their spouses on hand to show they appreciate the new educators."It was incredible how many of the teachers that were there were from Santa Paula and came back here to teach. It was neat the notion that they were raised here, went off to school and coming back here to teach the children of their hometown," said Rotarian Norm Wilkinson. "And some of the stories of what they did to get their teaching credential - for some it took years because they had to work and couldn't attend school full-time - were fascinating, really showed dedication to becoming teachers.""It is a tradition of the Rotary Club of Santa Paula to not only welcome, but honor all new professional educators in Santa Paula," said Scott Anderson, chairman of the New Teacher Welcome.New teachers from each of the schools in the numerous districts were welcome to bring a guest to enjoy a famous Rotary BBQ Team steak dinner and received a gift bag that was both practical and educational, introducing those unfamiliar with the Santa Clara River Valley to many of the businesses and local history. Of course, lemons, avocados and lemons were included in the bags.Superintendents of the different districts and school principals were also on hand to introduce the almost 40 teachers who attended the dinner and offer some personal insights into their reason for becoming educators.