“Corona-Norco Day of the Child”

Photo Courtesy: Eastvale News
Photo Caption: (L to R) Rebecca Fransen, Jennifer and Nicholas Madrigal and Chris Gutman

Staff Reports

Eastvale – Since 1992, local volunteers have been putting on an annual event called the “Corona-Norco Day of the Child.”  This is a free event for children and their families, along with over 80 local organizations that gather together to provide information on family resources throughout the Corona, Norco and Eastvale communities.   This year, the event was held at the Corona City Park.

Each year a special Prince and Princess are selected. These lucky children are nominated by their teachers and aides, and selected because they have truly proven themselves to be inspirations to their classmates, friends, families and teachers. These kids refuse to let their physical disabilities deter them from being active in their schools and communities.

This year’s Prince was Eastvale’s own Nicholas Madrigal, who attends Washington Elementary in Norco. Nicholas is 11- years old and has attended many of the schools in the Corona-Norco and Eastvale area; he has lived in Eastvale for his entire life.

Nicholas is deaf and autistic – along with a few other issues – however, he has an infectious smile and an unbelievable joy and thirst for learning. He has had the same aide, Chris Gutman, since pre-school, and he is currently in the class of Mrs. Rebecca Fransen.

Nicholas accepted the “coronation” award with Chris, Mrs. Fransen, and his mom and two older brothers watching.

A special thanks to all the volunteers, the Corona Fire Department, and especially to the Prince/Princess Coordinator, Dottie Richards. For more information on this event, check out their website at www.coronanorcodayofthechild.org