Tag Archives: Garey High School

Pomona: Vietnam Vet Inspires Garey High Students

By Juliette Funes

 

bob-wieland

Garey High School students meet motivational speaker Bob Wieland during an assembly on Dec. 10. (Photo Courtesy: Juliette Funes)

Pomona – Vietnam Veteran, Bob Wieland, has been fighting the odds ever since the fateful day in June 1969 when he was pronounced dead after a landmine he stepped on exploded as he tried to save a fellow soldier. Miraculously, he was resuscitated, though he lost both his legs.            For more than three decades, Wieland has shared the compelling journey that led him to break world records in strength competitions, complete and finish marathons and walk across America on his hands. On Dec. 10, he continued to inspire as he told his story to hundreds of Garey High School students at an assembly, followed by a day-long round of visits to individual classrooms.

“The smallest deed done is far better than the greatest intentions,” Wieland said to students from his wheelchair in the middle of the Garey High gym. “Put your whole heart into everything and don’t ever let somebody else goof up your dream.”

Wieland was greeted with a warm welcome from the school’s U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, who saluted him, along with Garey High’s cheer team and band. The National Anthem and flag salute kicked off the event.

“I can’t wait to see how his words will impact our students moving forward,” said Garey High Principal Stacey Wilkins. “It was such an honor for our school to have the opportunity to hear the words of wisdom spoken from Mr. Wieland.”

“It meant a lot,” Garey High freshman, Jonathan Lopez, said. “For kids who feel like quitting, this was really inspirational. It’s inspired me to do my best and just be thankful for everything I have.”

Other students said the talk showed them how important it is to set their own goals and not allow others to set goals for them.

“I think that some students are used to some people in the community, and even their parents, not expecting much of them,” said Karely Lozano, a Garey High senior. “This really shows them that they can do whatever they want to do in life.”

 

 

 

 

Pomona: Local Students To March In Rose Parade

By Juliette Funes

 

rose-parade-diamond-ranch-band

Diamond Ranch High School students Jasmine Villatoro (flag), left, Ismael Rodriguez (tuba), Nicole Hernandez (banner) and Alissa Rodriguez (banner), were selected to perform in the Tournament of Roses Honor Band on New Year’s Day in Pasadena. (Photo Courtesy: Juliette Funes)

Pomona – 11 marching band and color guard members from the Pomona Unified School District won coveted spots in the Tournament of Roses Honor Band and will make their debut at the 126th Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day in Pasadena.            The Pasadena City College Tournament of Roses Honor Band – which has marched in every Tournament of Roses Parade since 1930 – chose for its 2015 band seven students from Garey High School and four from Diamond Ranch High School. From Garey, they are Miguel Saldana, Armando Santana, Angelica Arechiga, Christopher Chavez, Isabel Ibarra, Mireya Munguia and Jose “JJ” Cachu. From Diamond Ranch, they are Ismael Rodriguez, Alissa Rodriguez, Nicole Hernandez and Jasmine Villatoro.

“It is a great honor and privilege for these immensely gifted students to be given the opportunity to perform in the Tournament of Roses Parade, where they will showcase their talents to millions of viewers from around the globe,” said Board of Education Member, Dr. Roberta A. Perlman.

rose-parade-garey-band

Garey High School students Miguel Saldana (snare drum), left, Armando Santana (tenor sax), Angelica Arechiga (banner), Christopher Chavez (trombone), Isabel Ibarra (banner), Mireya Munguia (clarinet) and Jose “JJ” Cachu (herald trumpet) were selected to perform in the Tournament of Roses Honor Band on New Year’s Day in Pasadena. (Photo Courtesy: Juliette Funes)

Students from throughout the southland auditioned on Oct. 12 at Pasadena City College for a chance to perform in the band, comprised of exceptional high school musicians from throughout Southern California. Of those who auditioned, only 232 were selected, marking an impressive showing for Pomona Unified.

“It was an intense audition process for these students, who were scored on their technical ability, timing and sound,” said Garey High School Band Director Robert Lawe. “Now, they have one of the largest forums in the world to demonstrate their creative skills.”

“It’s an exciting feat to have so many of our students chosen to perform at the Rose Parade, and I couldn’t be more proud of their accomplishments,” added Philip Ruiz, Band Director at Diamond Ranch High School.

Members will practice every Sunday in November and December and almost every day during winter break to prepare for the trek. The Tournament of Roses Parade is seen by hundreds of thousands of people along the parade route in Pasadena and is broadcast to 200 territories and countries world-wide.

“I want to congratulate these students, along with the band directors at Garey and Diamond Ranch high schools, for earning the opportunity to perform in the world-famous Rose Parade and shining a light on the successful visual and performing arts programs at Pomona Unified,” said PUSD Superintendent Richard Martinez. “They are an inspiration, and I can’t wait to cheer on these standout students as they walk the six-mile parade route down Colorado Boulevard.”