W e e k l y RIALTO RECORD
IECN
Vol 1 6, NO. 30
THIS WEEK
Gloria’s Cor ner A3
Laid off Ashley
Fur nitur e wor ker s
acquir e new skills
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SBVC celebrates success of Valley Bound Commitment program
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INSIDE
Gloria’s Corner
.com April 1 2, 2018
Barajas, who oversees Rialto Unified afterschool programs, honored by national association
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Staff Report
lberto Barajas, Think Together’s quality service coach and trainer based in San Bernardino County, was recently honored by the National Afterschool Association (NAA) as one of this year’s “Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders.” The NAA committee honors young professionals who are active in their community’s afterschool care and who implement new programs to better the lives of the youth they serve. The NAA selected 30 outstanding individuals from a field of 100, Barajas was one of two young leaders in California to earn this award. “I love the role I get to play in changing the trajectory of the lives of so many kids that really need us,” said Alberto Barajas. “My goal is to support our staff members as they bring to life Think Together’s vision of ensuring that all kids receive a great education and are prepared for college and careers.” Barajas, a Fontana resident, has worked for the statewide nonprofit organization that partners with schools to provide early learning afterschool and support programs for six years. In his role as a Quality Service Coach and Trainer, Barajas oversees 10 afterschool programs in the Rialto
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Unified School District and supports staff with professional development. He works closely with the site coordinators to ensure program quality and expectations are fully met to ensure educational excellence for students. During his start in afterschool care, Barajas was unsure of his path but felt
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Classifieds
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Staff Report
Words To think About A5
Legal Notices
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H OW TO R E A CH U S
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immediate assurance when he began connecting and developing relationships with the students, school staff and community. During his time with Think Together, he has had the opportunity to tackle various job roles, which has allowed him to better understand the needs of the students.
In the future, Barajas hopes to continue bridging the gap between school districts and expanded learning programs to help prepare students to achieve district-specific benchmarks. “We’re so proud of Alberto on his national recognition for help-
Think Together, cont. on next pg.
Two ye a r s af t e r n e a r d e a t h , G a r y Fe r r e r l iv e s s t r o n g through folklorico dancing
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Opinion
THINK TOGETHER
Alberto Barajas, Fontana resident who oversees 10 afterschool programs in the Rialto Unified School District, was honored by the National Afterschool Association as one of this year’s “Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders.”
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ANTHONY VICTORIA
After nearly dying from meningitis, Gary Ferrer, 29, is alive and strong because of his newfound passion for dancing.
ary Ferrer admits the future looked bleak two years ago. The 29-year-old had established himself as a talented photographer in the Los Angeles area in 2016 and was also a fitness instructor. However, a battle with meningitis in December of that year left his brain swollen. Ferrer was only given 12 days to live. And although his strength allowed him to live on, he no longer had the eye needed to fulfill his dreams as a photographer. “It was a depressing time,” said Ferrer about losing his vision. “But I couldn’t think about it. I needed to keep going. I needed to start over and start a new life.” It didn’t take long for Ferrer to come out of his funk and root out another longtime passion of his-Folklorico dancing. Fast forward two years, Ferrer and his St.
John’s Angels are now a popular attraction for people across Southern California. “It began as an experiment to help the church,” said Ferrer. “I spoke to the parents and the community. And now we’ve been everywhere.” Recently Ferrer and his young dancers have performed at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, the Orange County Fair, Knott’s Berry Farm, the Sturges Theater in San Bernardino, and the Festival of Lights in Riverside. In addition to performances, Ferrer and the St. John’s Angels volunteer during community clean ups. “All of this means so much to me,” said Ferrer. “I never expected it. It’s been exciting and I’ve been grateful.” Ferrer admits he’s very strict, but he believes its to the benefit Ferrer, cont. on next pg.