Dear Editor:
My name is Jiana Escobar, and I am a freshman at Gilroy High. I
would like to thank the school board for letting me speak at the
last board meeting on what agriculture means to me.
Dear Editor:
My name is Jiana Escobar, and I am a freshman at Gilroy High. I would like to thank the school board for letting me speak at the last board meeting on what agriculture means to me.
I have lived in the rural area of Gilroy and owned animals my whole life. This is my first year in FFA, and I am also a member of Adams 4-H. I am concerned that the school board’s “profile” of an inspirational teacher is incorrect. I am privileged to have Mr. David Duarte and Mrs. Olivas-Henry as my FFA advisors. I never realized the opportunities that FFA has to offer until Mr. Duarte’s agriculture classes. He got me involved in several contests, like a public speaking contest, opening and closing ceremonies, and much more. These opportunities have opened my eyes to a future that I can have with agriculture.
Even though I have had these teachers for less than a year, I have seen and felt the impact they have made. These two teachers work so hard to inspire. They do not stop working when the school bell rings. They have stayed after school several times to help me prepare for contests. They have stayed at school until 8 p.m. for our chapter meetings – mind you, neither of these teachers live in Gilroy.
Are the school board’s replacement teachers going to know the proper confirmation of livestock? This is something you cannot learn in school, you need experience.
I know that the teachers we have now are familiar with that experience; an experience they have been teaching us throughout the year. I do not know where the school board thinks that they are going to find teachers as good as these two.
I still cannot believe that the school district is carelessly going to take away these teachers that have already started to prepare me for my future. I know that I am not the only person who thinks this. These teachers have helped all of Gilroy to understand the role of agriculture. The school board says that these teachers are not a “good match” for Gilroy. If they are not a good match, then please explain what other teacher is.
These teachers take time out of their lives to help us. I really want the school board to think about what they are doing to the community Gilroy. Is this a good decision? Good, dedicated teachers are hard to find; so why get rid of these teachers who have already changed lives?
Jiana Escobar, Gilroy
Submitted Tuesday, March 18
