Chamber Education Committee Luncheon thanks educators, supporters

The efforts of educators and supporters to improve area schools were celebrated at the Chamber of Commerce Education Committee Thank You Luncheon, hosted by Connie Tushla at Glen Tavern Inn. Elected and appointed city officials as well as Chamber President Nan Drake were among those in attendance at the June 25 luncheon, held at Glen Tavern Inn.

Tushla said the event was meant “to celebrate all the wonderful things going on” with education in Santa Paula. Receiving special kudos were Chamber officials and Education Committee Chairwoman Ginger Gherardi and members Marcia Edwards and Rob Corley “for the wonderful work you have done.”

Mayor Jim Tovias and City Manager Jaime Fontes presented a series of certificates to educators and community members, “those who do a great job,” said Tushla, in improving education. Tushla took a minute to address “why the chamber is involved in schools... good schools bring good companies to town,” with the promise of a top-flight education for all students.

Former Mayor and Limoneira Company Board President Alan Teague and Santa Paula High School Athletic Director Danny Guzman urged support for athletic programs. A noted high school athlete, Teague said in his experience all sports for girls and boys instill teamwork in all phases of life. “It’s great for people to get behind something,” not only positive, but with benefits beyond the playing fields; and Teague urged the community to become more supportive of sports programs.

Guzman thanked Limoneira for their community support including sports facilities and noted, “Everybody in this room directly or indirectly contributes to our success.... Our job is to put Santa Paula back on the map” of outstanding athletes and programs.

Guzman said showing support by attending events is positive, as “The kids want to perform for their town. They are the pride and joy and heart or our town.” Academics remain the number one focus: “The talent is here” and, Guzman noted, “with your help we would like to take it to the next level of excellence.”

“I am a diehard Cardinal,” said Santa Paula Union High School District Trustee Diana Ponce Gomez, who gave an update on the Alumni Association, which presents scholarships to students and preserves school history and memorabilia. The mission of SPHS “Is to produce citizens for a global society,” as well as retaining strong links between SPHS graduates and the larger community.

Plans are in the works for more online collaboration with community organizations, encouraging alumni to become involved in giving to meet specific needs, and reviving profiles of graduates in the Santa Paula Times. Also being considered is an Educators Hall of Fame event, another tool to raise community awareness. “These are just some of the ideas of how we can work together,” said Gomez, to benefit “our high school on the Hill.”

John Chamberlain and Rodney Fernandez addressed the new strategic communication plan for area schools. “Image,” said Chamberlain, “is as important as bricks and mortar... we know there are lots of great things in Santa Paula,” from education to cultural events, that must be shared with a wider audience. And, he added, citizens must strive “to be advocates,” spreading the news both inside and outside the city of all things positive about Santa Paula.