By Mary-Justine Lanyon
Five students who benefited from American Legion programs shared their experiences with members of Post 360 at their Aug. 24 meeting.
Annie Garcia, who received a scholarship from the Post, said she had wanted to go to college since she was very young but worried about financing. “I want to be a teacher,” she said. “I would love to come back up here and teach. I had such a great childhood here. The community is so tight knit.” She will attend Biola University.
Clara Yates attended Girls State, which she called a “truly life-changing experience. I had been embarrassed to share what I was passionate about. I was able to share with girls I had never met.” Having been to Girls State, she said, “I have a newfound passion for civic engagement. Now that I spoke up, I will never stop.”
Three other students attended Boys & Girls State.
Corey Plooy called it “an amazing opportunity. I learned a lot – it was a great experience. Thank you for letting me have this opportunity.”
“I got to see what I really want to become,” said Victor Bahena. “Growing up as a child of two immigrants, it’s not easy to get an opportunity like this, especially with the high pressure to succeed. Thank you for trusting us.”
And Mika DeArmond thanked everyone who made it possible for her to attend Boys & Girls State. “For the first time I was forced to believe in myself, not for my accomplishments but for who I am. For the first time, I felt surrounded by people who weren’t judging me but were on the same path as me,” Mika said.
At the meeting, Commander Judy Romero said she has started working on the carnival she wants the Post to host next year. “I want to get the nonprofits and churches involved,” she said.
Romero is also planning to hold a talent show next January. Admission, she said, would be the donation of blankets, sleeping bags and warm clothing.
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