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Galt High girls dance to show their pride for their Mexican heritage.
Celebrating the Chicano students, parents, and faculty of the Galt High School
community was incorporated in a day full entertaining festivities and motivating
speeches at the 4th Annual Latino Leadership Conference at Galt High School on
Saturday, September 29, 2007. The hard work and time that was put into
organizing this special event was shown through the wonderful speakers and the
great turnout. From the help of donations from sponsors, food and raffle prizes
were given out. Students and staff also received a shirt to commemorate the
day’s event.
The day was organized by the Migrant Ed. Department at the high school and the
hard-working Susana Flores. Introductions from Mari Martinez, Tony Lara, Maria
Zamora, and Nora Belaunzaran were included. Presentations from the highly
acclaimed Roberto Dansie, from the accomplished Galt High senior Vanessa Madrid,
from Sacramento State University representative Marcelina Fernandez, and Steven
Morgan from the Galt P.D. were included in the workshops that the students and
parents attended. These workshops dealt with the many aspects of life that the
average Chicano or Mexican-American students face everyday. Students and parents
were divided into the same workshops, but at different times in order for the
presenter to be able to address the appropriate audience.
The keynote speaker was Roberto Dansie, PhD. He is a significant person within
the Chicano community, and has taken time to be the keynote speaker at the
Latino Leadership Conferences in Galt for several years. His unique enthusiastic
style of presenting his motivational speeches leaves his audience giving him a
standing ovation and still laughing at all his jokes. He spoke to all the people
in the conference about the key to success and happiness. He emphasized the fact
that the Chicanos should be proud of their heritage, and at the same time learn
how to care and respect everyone. “Everyone is the same color. Some people just
have more or less of it,” he said.
He also gave speeches directly for each the parents and the students. Parents
were told that they should listen to their children, and that most things that
need to be communicated may not always be in words. In the same way, the
students were told to put in whatever they want out of their relationship with
their parents. In order to fulfill your dreams, students need to listen to their
hearts and dream big. Anything can be accomplished if it is realistic and the
student believes he or she can do it. Speaking for all the teens and kids that
were there, we all felt like the world was ours to shape after hearing what he
had to say. He took into account the fact that Chicano kids need to live in two
worlds, one that holds fast to tradition, and another that develops with the
American culture. It is not what situation we are in that defines who we are,
but how we deal with that situation that makes us who we are.
The parents and students attending the conference also got the opportunity to
hear from Galt High senior Vanessa Madrid. Vanessa is a highly accomplished
person for someone at such a young age, and hearing her speak was an inspiration
to many. In that same way, Galt Police Detective Steven Morgan communicated the
importance about the relationship between the citizens of Galt and their police.
He said that the best way to have a change in the world is by starting in your
own community. Situations and places are how each individual person makes it.
Principles such as these were stressed at the conference in order to open the
eyes of many students and teachers about the relationships with themselves and
other people in their community. Marcelina Fernandez also made a special
presentation to the seniors about the opportunities that a college education can
offer.
Special performances from Seniors Luis Gamboa (trick rope artist) and Juan Rubio
(the next Pavorotti) also made this event an exceptional one. These boys are
only two of the many talented students at our high school, and their
performances left the girls with their eyelashes batting at them. Other
performances included Mexican Folk Dancing from a group of Galt High girls,
salsa dancing, and a ceremonial Aztec dance. These performances were a great way
to conclude an eventful day, along with many raffle prizes and an excellent
Mexican feast donated by the local restaurant El Rodeo. This year’s conference
was yet another great accomplishment that Galt has had, and hopefully there will
be many more to come.
With the help of many hard-working people, this event was made possible.
Donations from sponsors provided the raffle prizes (two of which I won!).
Mr. Dansie captivates the attention of all those in his audience.
P.D. Steven Morgan speaks to the older high school students about the pressures
of being a teen.
Vanessa Madrid and our own Duane Ausherman were two of the many presenters.
Roberto Dansie starts out his speech to the students with a beautiful acoustic
song.
Mr. Dansie works to get the students learn about who they are.
Marcelina Fernandez explains the importance of a college education to the
seniors.
A long line forms to get a plate of the delicious food provided by El Rodeo.
This Aztec dance group connects with the deepest Mexican roots.
Galt High’s Nottoli Dome was packed by the end of the day.
Juan Rubio was only one of the many students who delighted the audience with his
talents.
Susana Flores is recognized for all her hard work and dedication.
Merchant donors who supported us. Please support them.
Better Body’s Gym $140 Value 1 Month Membership
Casa Azteca Restaurant Dinner for 2
Salon 21 Beauty Salon Haircut & Wax
Compadres Market $25 Gift Certificate
El Rodeo Restaurant $25 Gift Certificate
Gary’s Country Deli $10 Gift Certificate
Larry’s Barber Shop $10 Haircut
Lili’s Hair & Nail $10 Gift Certificate
Papa’s Pizzeria Dinner for 4
Allstate Insurance 2 Roadside Assistance Kits
Planet Beach Tanning Salon $90 Value in Tans
Galt Donuts 4 Dozens of Regular Donuts
Yogurt Sundae 2 $5 Gift Certificates
Dry Cleaners $10 Gift Certificate
Image Nail $10 Manicure
Wholey Ravioli Restaurant $25 Gift Certificate
Curves Gym $117 Value 3 Month Membership
Les Shwab Tire Center $53.95 Value Tire Alignment
Pure Water and Ice 2 $20 Value Grill Kits
Savemart $25 Gift Certificate
Robinson’s Feed $20 Value Dog Food
Lalo’s Studio 3 $10 Value Men Haircuts
Café Latte $10 Gift Certificate State Farm $50 Raley’s Gift Card
Denny’s Restaurant $25 Gift Card
Chinese Cuisine $50 Gift Card
Zacatecas Mexican Rest. $25 Gift Certificate
Work Gear Shoes $25 Gift Certificate
Great Clips $65 of Hair Cuts (5 $13)
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