El Viento exemplifies and empowers the community including students, parents, families, school staff, and partners.  Parents exhibit such pride when their students are selected and throughout their children's educational journey.  Having attended two El Viento graduations and an induction ceremony, I have witnessed firsthand the collective support and spirit of El Viento and its families.

          I thoroughly enjoy my weekly encounters with El Viento students as they depart and return from various trips.  Whether it is swim lessons, a college visit, or museum trip, students always arrive with a smile on their face and a spring in their step.  Such enrichment provides El Viento students experiences that will impact what educators refer to as the "whole child."  El Viento promotes academic achievement, but understands that students can not reach scholastic success without drive and desire.  Such qualities result from the exposure and participation provided by such experiences-"educate, enrich, empower."

          I look forward to witnessing firsthand the success of the Oak View Elementary Class of 2012.  It will be inspiring to follow their journey through middle school, high school, and college.  The impact and investment El Viento affords our students is immeasurable.