Guest View

When I first entered high school four years ago, I thought I would drop out. I thought high school would be like it is in the movies: everyone fooling around, learning things that you would never need in life, hanging out with friends and going to class when you wanted, IF you wanted.High school was not what I thought it would be. My first two years were not my best, due to my actions of ditching, drinking, not caring for me or my peers’ education.We were on a road to dropping out.Midway into my sophomore year, I woke up and realized that to get where I wanted to be I needed to be present and trying to succeed in class.  Slowly, what I began to understand is that we all need to be present—not just physically, but also mentally in a classroom. Why? A classroom is where we are all connected and can make a better future for us and our family. We help each other out, we have our amazing teachers to help us in any situation we have.Coming to Central High is a blessing. It gives us a second opportunity for our education, and our teachers here are our family. They care for us not just in education but outside of school as well.I also began to understand that we all need to be present in life. We need to be willing to go into tough situations where we do not know everything, and be willing to accept the challenge to fight through and be OK with being uncomfortable.You do not have to be perfect in life to succeed. A close friend, a brother figure once said, “Success isn't measured by the position that one has reached in life, but by the obstacles they have overcome while trying to succeed.”I owe the biggest thank you and appreciation to some key adults who helped me realize I needed my education: Saul Gonzalez, Veronica Diaz and Dori Ann Prado as well my mother, all of whom help me change and grow. They never gave up on me.  I'm thankful for my teachers Mr. Lines & Ms. Charlebois for teaching me about Economics and Civics. I thought these subjects would not be a part of my life. I’m glad I got my education from them because now I know how to fill in my taxes and make a resume, and I know about politics and my rights as a citizen. I learned to speak my mind and make my ideas count by giving sound reasons for my thoughts, by defending my position and standing up for what I believe.Having skills like this has prepared me for college as well as for life and for my future. I am the first one in my family to graduate from high school. I will be the first one in my family to go to college. And I will be the first one to GRADUATE from college!High school was not what I thought it would be. High school is where I woke up and realized I need my education.So to all my fellow class members, remember education is the key to everything and may God be with you through the years no matter where life takes you.WE DID IT, SI SE PUEDE!Jerry Juarez, Class of 2016, delivered the commencement speech at Central High School’s June 2 graduation ceremony. This piece is a slightly edited version of his speech.

Thanks to strong community and social media campaigning, the festival is enjoying increased visibility and geographic reach.

Although Santa Clara County is facing a drought, flooding remains a threat to many of our communities. The last drought was followed by one of the wettest winters on record. Climate change has made extreme weather the new normal. Valley Water remains committed to keeping...

We are fast approaching another Fourth of July. In Morgan Hill, we celebrate July 4 over two days with six events, together known as Freedom Fest.Many people are not aware that Independence Day Celebration, Inc., (IDCI) produces the events. A 501c3 nonprofit corporation, IDCI is staffed entirely by volunteer, community-minded individuals. With more than 500 volunteers led by more than 50 dedicated team leaders, six event chairs and a five-member board of directors, our team works much of the year to bring you these events. Freedom Fest is not produced by the city or Chamber of Commerce, although both work closely with us.The six Freedom Fest events have a little something for everyone. Our Patriotic Sing on July 3 features local children singing patriotic songs, Blue Star moms and much more. Immediately after, the Family Music Fest held downtown includes live music and a DJ for dancing, food and drinks featuring wine from local wineries.Runners and walkers can start the day on July 4 with a quick tour around the parade route, then enjoy the car cruise and historic parade. Following the parade, car enthusiasts can stop by our Car Show at the Community and Cultural Center. The Fireworks on the Green at the Outdoor Sports Center is the perfect way to end the day with live music, food, drinks and crafts to go with our world-class fireworks show.All volunteer community organizations face annual challenges in the areas of financial and volunteer support. Freedom Fest is a perfect example. Despite the growth surge that Morgan Hill is experiencing, we have funding challenges this year. Morgan Hill businesses and residents have given us tremendous support over the years. We hope it will continue, and even grow. Without your support, there can be no Freedom Fest.We always try to find new ways to reach out to sponsors and communicate with Morgan Hill residents. One new way we will do so this year is to mail our award-winning program to every household and business in Morgan Hill. In past years, we have increased our Facebook and web presence.On behalf of the Freedom Fest team, I want to thank the community for always showing up. It is your participation and support that makes Freedom Fest events a pleasure to produce. We are proud to serve our community in this way.Please go to mhfreedomfest.com to donate, volunteer or learn more about us.Jeff Dixon is a Morgan Hill resident and President of Independence Day Celebrations, Inc. He can be reached at [email protected].

It’s the end of the year and that usually means that we all look back and reflect on what we have done and what stands out that we have witnessed over the last 12 months. Then we might think about what we want to make happen next year or call it good and rest on laurels. My guess is that not many will do the latter.