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The Bakersfield Voice Sunday, April 4, 2010
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YOURSCHOOLS
High school math helps pave the way to financial success
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ish I had studied more!
I reconnected with a high school classmate recently at a funeral in my hometown of Sonora, Calif. We were there to pay our respects to Billy Blackburne — a fabulous guy on all counts and father to Gail. I saw Rob Keith and meandered over to ask him to tell his father what a wonderful high school Spanish teacher he was to me. Rob, a successful custom home designer in these trying times, told me he wished he had paid closer attention to his dad. Spanish isn’t the only subject he wished he’d focused more closely on. Rob frequently helps Sonora High seniors fulfill their senior projects getting involved in local business and community projects. He’s mentored several and, inevitably, they ask: “What would you have done differently in high school?” Rob says the answer is easy: “I’d have really focused on math and, without a doubt, I’d have taken typ- Education columnist ing.” Rob says his math skills are something he uses constantly — as do his subcontractors. He wishes that he had seen the big picture
PEGGY DEWANE-POPE
focusing on all the skills needed to be a successful businessman in today’s economy. Getting a solid foundation in math skills at the high school level launched the designer and draftsman on a lifelong path to financial success, but many math concepts he had to relearn because he says he just didn’t focus enough in high school. He wishes, too, that he had joined me in typing — a class then filled with those driven to be secretaries or those who needed elective units. “I would be a much more efficient business man if I had!” he said. Rob continues to hunt and peck his way through commerce 2010 urging young people to focus on math, typing, and yes, his dad’s subject: Spanish! Peggy Dewane-Pope is an eighth-grade teacher in the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District. She has MANY funny stories about Mr. Keith’s classes — and a good Spanish accent!
Educator of the month Ms. Lacey Roberts Nominated by Cristian Solano Ms. Roberts is very dedicated to her students and her job as a teacher. She is a role model to every student at Stonecreek Jr. High. She is a very kind, loving, and understanding person. The love, warmth, and compassion she gives to each one of us makes us feel as if we are her own children. We can easily approach her for advice, and even with our problems, sorrows, or frustrations without having any fear. Her comforting voice and patience helps us ease our worries and concerns. She does not judge us wrongly, but instead, sees the good in every student — no matter the situation. To her, every student has an inner talent and beauty which she loves to bring out and be able to make us smile and laugh. Not too many people have this gift with children — and especially teenagers. Sponsored by
■ If you have a teacher you think is great, nominate them for Educator of the Month by going to: www.bakersfieldvoice.com and posting an article and photo. Nominations should tell us in 50 words or less why your teacher is the best and MUST include his/her first and last name, and school where they teach — and remember, your nomination MUST also include a photo in jpeg format. Winners will be featured in the print edition of The Bakersfield Voice for the month and will receive a $50 gift card for school supplies, compliments of GW School Supply and TBV.
PHOTOGALLERY
YOURSCHOOLS
CSUB launches electronic marquee
STORY AND PHOTOS BY JENNY ASARO
This is what childhood is all about!
COURTESY OF CAL STATE BAKERSFIELD
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ue to the generosity of a local family of alumni, California State University, Bakersfield had the distinct pleasure, on March 24, to launch the CSUB marquee. The marquee has been donated by the Dean and Adah Gay family who understand the importance of communicating University information to the local community. The CSUB electronic marquee is an integral part of the university’s communications and marketing efforts — and will be used to announce and promote key university messages and activities to a broad external audience. Its location at the northern most point of the CSUB campus on Stockdale Hwy. gives the marquee optimal exposure. When asked about their choice for the gift, David Gay stated, “Both Dean and Adah, our parents, were teachers at Standard School who highly valued education. Our family is pleased to honor them and give back to the community and especially CSUB. We hope this marquee will encourage the community to become more involved with the University.” The University values the Gay family for their continued support and for making this remarkable addition to our campus a reality. “This marquee offers an immediate avenue for us to communicate with the public in an effective and efficient manner. We are extremely pleased to accept this amazing gift,” states Beverly Byl, Vice President for University Advancement/Executive Director CSUB Foundation. For more information regarding marquee content, please contact the CSUB Office of Public Affairs at 654-3209.
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Beverly Byl, Mark Gay, Tricia Gay, Dr. Horace Mitchell, Catherine Gay, Emily Gay and David Gay stand in front of the newly launched electronic marquee at CSUB.
My name is Jenny Asaro and the girls (in the photos) are my daughters, Nicole Asaro, 4, and Caitlin Asaro 2. I took these pictures myself off Renfro Road last month. Not only did I get a ton of great shots, the girls had a lot of fun. It was like a magical forest perfect for two princesses. It was fun to see their imaginations and carefree spirits come to life instantly.
It was what childhood is all about captured in one moment! Would YOU like to see your photos featured in The Bakersfield Voice? You, too, can share your stories and photos with our Voice readers. It’s easy to do, just go to our Web site: www.bakersfieldvoice.com, create a FREE profile and begin posting your stories, photos and blogs today!
YOURFAITH
‘Fun Under the Son’ car & motorcycle show! COURTESY OF CALVARY BIBLE CHURCH
METRO BMX to host national bicycle motocross FROM MYBAKERSFIELDSPORTS.COM
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alvary Bible Church will be hosting its Second annual Spring Car and Motorcycle Show “Fun Under the Son” on Saturday, April 10 , from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Come and check out a variety of car, truck and motorcycle classes and enjoy fun activities for the whole family, including prizes, a 50/50 drawing, music, delicious food and soft drinks, along with bounce houses, a rock wall and goodie bags for the kids! Proceeds will benefit the S.A.Y. YES! Program for at-risk kids in our community. Calvary Bible Church is located at 48 Manor Street, just below the bluffs. For more information, call 327-5921, or visit the Web site at: www.gocbc.org.
YOURSPORTS
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Calvary Bible Church will be hosting its second annual Spring Car and Motorcycle Show “Fun Under the Son” on Saturday, April 10.
ETRO BMX is the local youth bicycle track in Bakersfield. This year will mark its 20th year in operation here in Bakersfield, all at the same location. This is not just a sport for kids; kids as young as three and adults in their 50s and 60s, participate in bicycle motocross (BMX). BMX gathered the attention of millions of viewers during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. These Olympics were the first to include BMX as an event — and the USA did well capturing the silver and bronze in the men’s class, and bronze in the women’s class. BMX was one of the most popular sports at the 2008 Olympics, and it will be that much more popular in 2012 as BMX becomes more mainstream in the US. Racers from Bakersfield have won numerous national and state titles and have competed all over the world — with hopes of one day becoming the next
Olympic champion. One thing that makes BMX great is that you can race as little, or as much, as you would like. You don’t have to attend every practice in order to play in the game and no one sits on the bench in BMX. Everyone starts as a beginner and works their way through the proficiencies with wins. You can start out racing locally before advancing onto national events. METRO BMX has hosted nine national events and will host its 10th national event April 30 – May 2. These national events attract over 1,000 racers and nearly 5,000 people in attendance. Races at METRO BMX take place every Monday and Friday — with practice on Wednesday. The track is located at the back of the Sam Lynn Ballpark complex at 3805 Chester Ave. For more information go to: www.metrobmx.com. You can also follow the Friday night race results on mybakersfieldsports.com.