November 16, 2007

Evergreen SchoolScene

Anthony Aguilar Memorial Fund to benefit O.B. Whaley students

By Kathy Gomez
Special to the Evergreen Times

A memorial fund has been established in honor of long-time O.B. Whaley Assistant Principal, Mr. Anthony “Tony” Aguilar who passed away unexpectedly while on vacation in Mexico last April. The memorial fund was established by an endowment from Mrs. Ruth Yoshioka. She and her late husband, George, were close friends with Aguilar. Mrs. Yoshioka is keenly aware of how much the students and community of the O.B. Whaley area meant to Aguilar and it is her desire to honor “Tony’s memory and the contribution he made to the Whaley community.”

Aguilar served the O.B. Whaley community for 22 of the 30 years he worked for the Evergreen School District. He is remembered for his thoughtful, generous manner and always being a professional. Principal Lisa Artiga states “all who knew Tony Aguilar would agree he was dedicated to O.B. Whaley School and the community he served. It was his life. Tony was a team player, committed to supporting the needs of the school. We will also remember him as a gentleman with impeccable manners. He would open doors, carry your packages, and always be there to help anyone in need. With Tony’s passing, we lost a respected colleague, a champion for children and a dear friend.”

In establishing the fund, Mrs. Yoshioka did not stipulate a specific use for the funds but simply asked the principal to use them in a way that would benefit the students. Artiga plans to establish a scholarship program that will help defray the cost of science camp for

Whaley’s fifth grade students who attend Camp Koinonia in the Santa Cruz Mountains each year.

Science camp was one of Aguilar’s pet projects, according to Artiga. “Each year Tony worked closely with teachers and parents to ensure that all students were able to attend science camp. It was not unusual for him to personally contact parents to provide more information or to explore ways to help families for whom the cost of camp was a financial hardship.

“The entire school community has felt a great loss with the passing of Tony Aguilar,” says Artiga. “And, while we will never forget the dedication, professionalism, and loyalty of a man who always put the needs of students first, it is comforting to know that through the establishment of the Anthony Aguilar Memorial Fund, many O.B. Whaley students will continue to benefit from the memorable experience of science camp for years to come.”

If you would like to make a contribution to the Anthony Aguilar Memorial Fund, please send your donation to: Evergreen School District 3188 Quimby Road, San Jose, CA 95148 ATTN: Anthony Aguilar Memorial Fund

Silver Creek High School hosts Winter Wonderland

Silver Creek High School’s class of 2009 (junior class) presents "Winter Wonderland" to be held on Saturday, Dec. 8, at 2 p.m. This event will be on Silver Creek High School track, located on Daniel Malonely Drive. The address of the school is 3434 Silver Creek Rd., San Jose, CA 95121.

This family-fun event will feature entertainment, crafts, and food for everyone. There'll be Santa Claus too, so bring the little ones out as well. Come out and support the junior class. It’s for a great cause.

Silver Oak students perform in West Valley Light Opera

Three Silver Oak Elementary School students are performing in the West Valley Light Opera’s current production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Fourth graders Kristina Anderson and Danielle Lambert and fifth grader Alana Goodman portray children in the biblical musical with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, composer of “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Cats,” Evita,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” and others. Pictured are, from the left, Hector David Pleins, Amber Vigil, Alexandra Vigil, Alana Goodman, Kristina Anderson, Alexander Hannon and Danielle Lambert. The show will continue on weekends through Dec. 1, although there is no performance on Nov. 23. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the Saratoga Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Ave. in Saratoga Tickets are priced at $22 to $28.

Hull elected student president
of Stratford

Erika Hull, a 5th grade student and resident of Evergreen, has been elected as the student president of Stratford Elementary School.

Erika has received straight “A’s” since 1st grade and won the school’s spelling bee championship last year.

Erika is the daughter of Dr. Emily Hull and Mr. Alexander Hull.