More than 200 business and community leaders from Hacienda Heights, La Puente and Rowland Heights learned first-hand what it is like to be a school principal at the "Principal for a Day" event on March 3.
Community members were "guest principals" at schools in Bassett, Hacienda La Puente and Rowland Unified School Districts, as well as the La Puente Valley Regional Occupational Program.
From 8 to 11 a.m. the new principals toured elementary, intermediate and high schools, plus adult schools.
Some of the principals included Ian Calderon, field representative for Assemblyman Roger Hernandez, whowas assigned to Valley Alternative High School in Hacienda Heights. Vanessa Segura, field representative for Congress woman
Grace Napolitano, was at Sunset Elementary in La Puente.
Valeria Gomez of La Puente and Jose Valle of Wilson highs march down aisle at Principal for the Day event on March 3. (Staff photo by Watchara Phomicinda)
John Hsu, CEO of STC Management, went to Jellick Elementary in Rowland Heights.
Yvonne Yen, president of the Regional Chamber of Commerce of San Gabriel Valley, was at Stanley Oswalt Academy in Walnut.
Luis Rodriguez, field representative for Assemblymember Charles Calderon headed to Nogales High School. Wilson Mach from First General Bank, went to Alvarado Intermediate in Rowland Heights.
A luncheon was served at the Industry Expo Center, with entertainment by the Rowland High School Orchestra.
The masters of ceremony were Donald Sachs, Executive Director of the Industry Manufacturers Council and Heidi L. Gallegos, Executive Director, Regional
Chamber of Commerce of San Gabriel Valley.
The guest speaker was Ann Marie Smith of Aldabella Scarpa, who has spent more than 26 years in education. The first in her family to go to college, Smith earned a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership and Social Change.
The former school administrator and teacher devotes her time to "at risk" kids. Smith was named Retailer of the Year by the National Latina Business Women Association, Los Angeles Chapter, and received the Wells Fargo Community Advocate Award.
Corporate sponsors provided scholarships to 14 deserving high school students.
Students included Bryan Gallardo from La Puente Valley ROP, Ryan Bennett from Willow Adult Education, Ian Elomina from Los Altos High, Valeria Gomez of La Puente High, Jacob Acosto of Valley Alternative High, Jose Valle of Wilson High, Decerry Donato of Workman High, Esmeralda Urias of Nogales High, Kenythe Francis at Rowland High, Margarita Garcia of Santana High and Lindcey Ayala from Rowland Adult and Community Education.
- Gina Ward, Public Information Officer for Rowland Unifie
