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Love of Education

W E L C O M E

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@herlifemagazine |

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s I was helping plan my 50th high school class

reunion, it was my job to find the addresses of

our class members and then send them invita-

tions. In our small town, it is not too difficult to

find everyone, as we had only 150 classmates. Our class

has always tried to locate and invite all the teachers living.

The most precious response was the impeccably hand-

written note from our 104-year-old superintendent Grant

Erickson. He sent his regrets for not being able to attend

due to limited travel from his home in Carmel. He also

wrote that he had fond memories of the KHS Class of 1975

as it was the last year he served as superintendent before

he retired. I fondly remember his soft demeaner, his lean,

tall stature and the impeccable landscaping of his front

yard. His wife was one of my piano teachers. They were

both deeply committed to education and were beloved

members of our little community. I hope he received as

much joy getting our invitation to join us at the reunion,

as I did from getting his sweet note.

Our back-to-school issue is always one of my fa-

vorites. With our cover and inspiration story, you will be

encouraged that CSU Stanislaus – Stockton Campus is in

good hands. Dr. Britt is an extremely talented leader, a

genuinely kind person, quite witty, and has made a com-

mitment to develop and grow the Stockton Campus locat-

ed at University Park. We are fortunate to have her leading

the way!

Oh, and about that piano! Along with three other cre-

atives, pianos have been painted and placed throughout

downtown Lodi to allow people to just sit down and play

a tune. Mine has been placed on the patio at Trail Coffee,

next to Papapavlo’s. I wonder if Mrs. Erickson is looking

down from heaven hoping I would sit down and play a lit-

tle Mozart. She was a great teacher, and I am grateful that

I can read music and play, but I must admit, painting that

sassy piano was a whole lot more fun than those lessons.

More about the painted pianos can be found on page 42.

God bless our educators!

10

C O N T E N T S

W E L C O M E

Love of Education

15

I N S P I R AT I O N S

Dr. Britt Rios-Ellis: Growing the Stockton Campus

21

C O M M U N I T Y S P O T L I G H T

San Joaquin County Office of Education:

Inaugural Event Spotlights Education

22

C O M M U N I T Y S P O T L I G H T

St. Mary’s High School: Celebrating an

Impressive Milestone

26

S C E N E A N D B E S E E N

Goodwill

27

C O M M U N I T Y S P O T L I G H T

Tony Gladney: The Man With the Mic

30

M O T H E R ' S P E R S P E C T I V E

Getting Back to School With Confidence

33

I L O V E M Y C O M M U N I T Y

Darice Elmore

35

C O M M U N I T Y S P O T L I G H T

First Day Project: Beginning Literacy Early!

37

C O M M U N I T Y S P O T L I G H T

Athena Boyd: Lemonade & Literacy!

38

E D U C AT I O N

Teaching Kids to Love the Library

41

S C E N E A N D B E S E E N

Congratulations Graduates!

42

T H E A R T S

Art to Be Seen and Music to Be Heard!

Painted Piano Project 2025

45

S P A R K J O Y !

Abigail Riley: A Life-Changing Project

46

H E A L T H

Giving of Yourself: Being a Blood, Plasma

or Stem Cell Donor

48

S C E N E A N D B E S E E N

San Joaquin Medical Society Awards

50

L O O K I N G B A C K

Genova Bakery: A Cherished Treasure in Stockton

52

S C E N E A N D D B E S E E N

Roses & Rosé Brunch

53

W A G T A L E S

Duke Hellige: Students Love This Gentle

Goldendoodle!

58

C A L E N D A R

Celebrate Community Events

15

I N S P I R AT I O N S

Dr. Britt Rios-Ellis: Growing the Stockton Campus

Dr. Britt Rios-Ellis, president of Stanislaus State, knows that Stan State is

San Joaquin County’s best-kept secret. A deep education in language, political

science, health and fitness management, women’s studies and community

health merge with a 35-year commitment to educating others support her as

the 13th president of Stanislaus State.

35

C O M M U N I T Y S P O T L I G H T

50

L O O K I N G B A C K

53

W A G T A L E S

27

C O M M U N I T Y S P O T L I G H T

12

S TA F F

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P U B L I S H E R S A N D E D I T O R S - I N - C H I E F

Carrie Sass

carrie@herlifemagazine.com

Anna Sass

anna@herlifemagazine.com

E D I T O R

Marilyn Isaminger

ART DIRECTOR

Elana Bell

A C C O U N T E X E C U T I V E S

Carrie Sass

carrie@herlifemagazine.com

Anna Sass

anna@herlifemagazine.com

C O N T R I B U T I N G A U T H O R S

Andrea Bear, Rachel Fenton, Lisa Butler, Rebecca

Flansburg, Jo Ann Kirby, Heather Noble, PhD, San Joaquin

County Office of Education, Zoee Flores Riggio, San Joaquin

Historical Museum

C O N T R I B U T I N G P H O T O G R A P H E R S

Aaron Sass, Denise Hall, Hayre Photography, Helen

Ripken, Jas Khaira, Stanislaus State Photographer,

Jo Ann Kirby, San Joaquin County Office of Education,

St. Mary's High School and Stephen Hopson

C O N T A C T H E R L I F E M A G A Z I N E

628 Lincoln Center

Stockton, CA 95207

209-475-8896

S U B S C R I P T I O N S

Complimentary digital subscriptions are available by registering

on our website www.herlifemagazine.com/centralvalley/

T O A D V E R T I S E I N H E R L I F E P L E A S E C A L L

2 0 9 - 4 7 5 - 8 8 9 6 O R E M A I L

C V I N F O @ H E R L I F E M A G A Z I N E . C O M

I N S P I R AT I O N S

assing out paletas, or popsicles, to students on the Turlock

campus, Dr. Britt Rios-Ellis interacts with a diverse and

active student body at California State University, Stanis-

laus. Her Paletas with the President event is one of many

happenings on the lively campus; tables of student-led organiza-

tions promote their academic and social causes, families take photos

to celebrate a quinceañera with the beautiful campus grounds for a

backdrop, and students trek to their next class passing through the

quad. As the 13th president of Stanislaus State, Dr. Rios-Ellis knows

the university is not only a beacon of transformation but serves as the

corazón, or heart, of the community, cultivating careers and educa-

tion while elevating and accentuating the positives of the San Joaquin

Valley. Her efforts extend across both Turlock and the growing Stock-

ton campus, nestled in California’s fastest-growing urban county.

There, Stan State is launching a visionary Health Sciences and Hu-

man Services Education Hub, a much-needed initiative designed to

address workforce shortages and expand culturally relevant care for

Valley families. Only a year into her presidency, she collaborated with

students, faculty, staff and alumni as well as community partners to

elevate a university whose national rankings by the Wall Street Journal

College Pulse America’s Best Colleges 2025—second in the country for

social mobility and ninth among public universities—reflect a com-

mitment to accessibility, support and transformation. As a bilingual

and bicultural education and public health leader rooted in service,

Dr. Rios-Ellis brings her extensive background to elevate this diverse

community, one paleta, one partnership at time.

H E R L I F E M A G A Z I N E . C O M | 15

B Y A N D R E A B E A R | P H O T O S B Y J A S K H A I R A ,

S T A N I S L A U S S T AT E P H O T O G R A P H E R

GROWING THE

STOCKTON CAMPUS

Dr. Britt

Rios-Ellis

16

BACKGROUND

From the start, Dr. Rios-Ellis knew she wanted to make a sig-

nificant impact, and that route would come through a career in high-

er education. Born in San Francisco, she moved to Portland, Ore-

gon, with her family at the age of two. At the University of Oregon,

she earned bachelor’s degrees in both Spanish and political science.

During a study abroad experience in 1982 at the University of Gua-

dalajara, Mexico, Dr. Rios-Ellis fell in love with the Mexican culture

and the great people she met. It was here her Spanish grew more

fluent,and her interest in Latino issues blossomed. After two years

abroad in Australia and Japan, she returned to Oregon to finish her

undergraduate studies, going on to earn a master of science and a

doctorate in community health.

After graduation, she moved to Washington, D.C., and for the next

two years would work on Hispanic health issues while teaching at the

University of Maryland. In 1992, an opportunity at California State Uni-

versity, Long Beach drew her back to her California roots. There, she

spent the next 20 years teaching, conducting research and developing

opportunities for Hispanic and Latino health education and leadership.

“I wrote and led the grants that facilitated Cal State Long Beach be-

coming a Hispanic-serving institution,” she said proudly, seeing those

efforts help establish the Center for Latino Community Health, Evalu-

ation and Leadership Training and the community-based Centro Sa-

lud es Cultura. Her passions continued to gravitate to higher education

leadership, roles in which her work could have greater impact. For the

next six years she served as the founding dean of Cal State Monte-

rey Bay’s College of Health Sciences and Human Services, where she

co-founded its Master of Science Physician Assistant program, the first

of its kind in the CSU system. In 2020, days after she and her family

lost their home and belongings in the Carmel fire, she made a leap of

faith and accepted a position as provost at Oakland University outside

of Detroit, Michigan. She served in the position for three years before

returning to California where she accepted her current role as president

at Stanislaus State. “I’m back and I’m loving it. I often hear the words

‘valley tough’ and to those words I like to add, ‘valley kind,’ because

everyone my husband, Enrique, and I have met has been overwhelm-

ingly warm and helpful.”

Dr. Rios-Ellis views her presidency at Stan State not merely as

the next step in her career, but as a chance to advance her life’s work,

creating strategic teams, championing student success, building eq-

uitable access and highlighting the assets of underserved communi-

ties while transforming every place she serves for the better.

CENTRAL VALLEY PRAISEWORTHY

Dr. Rios-Ellis’ vast education and experiences have certainly

shaped her ability to uplift the university, and she shares this credit

with the diverse community of faculty, staff, alumni and volunteers

who wrap their support around Stan State’s student body. “What has

become crystal clear is that when Stan State thrives, so does the Cen-

tral Valley,” Dr. Rios-Ellis affirmed.

While Dr. Rios-Ellis promotes some of the great accolades the

university has achieved, often sharing a bookmark listing impressive

If you lead well, it’s less

about you. What matters

more is what you build

and leave behind 10

years, 20 years, 30 years

down the line. It should

be about a leader

bringing others along

with them to create

an opportunity that

is transformative.

H E R L I F E M A G A Z I N E . C O M | 17

18

rankings from across the country, including being the 24th-best uni-

versity in the nation, she also shares her belief in the value of higher

education. “When someone comes to Stan State, they are likely to earn

enough within seven months of graduation to recoup the cost of their

education,” remarked Dr. Rios-Ellis. “This is a tremendous return

on investment. Our students will thrive and soar to new heights. And

that’s what we want them to do.” With the support of local businesses

and agencies, many Stan State graduates are actively filling positions

within the community and elevating their social mobility with clear

purpose and direction - and without educational debt.

SHARED VALUES

And there’s still more work to do. While the campus is known for

its strong nursing, teaching and psychology programs, Dr. Rios-El-

lis envisions new programs in the near future. She willingly listens

to the community to make those expanded opportunities a reality.

“Everyone here has a voice, and every voice matters,” she said. “We

will move forward together. Stan State is a catalyst for opportunity;

through strategic partnerships, we can create pathways that will serve

our students and our region.”

Part of this vision is the university’s continued impact in Stock-

ton and San Joaquin County. With construction of the Stockton cam-

pus’s new academic building nearing completion and as the only

public four-year degree option in San Joaquin County, Stan State is

further solidifying its presence as a dynamic and accessible hub for

education and community engagement.

Dr. Rios-Ellis’ commitment to the Valley can be summed up in

her two strongest values: integrity and legacy. She believes that when

you work with integrity, truth will come forth in all that you do. She

also acknowledges that real legacy does not solely depend on her ef-

forts, but collaborative work within the campuses and broader com-

munities. “If you lead well, it’s less about you. What matters more is

what you build and leave behind 10 years, 20 years, 30 years down the

line. It should be about a leader bringing others along with them to

create an opportunity that is transformative.”

She welcomes everyone to be a part of the great things tak-

ing place at Stan State and appreciates those who can bring their

ingenuity and knowledge to help make the university and commu-

nity successful. “Together, we have the talent, the vision and the

heart,” Dr. Rios-Ellis said. “I have no doubt that when we work

hard collectively, we’ll achieve great things for Stan State and the

entire Central Valley.” ®

H E R L I F E M A G A Z I N E . C O M | 19

What has become

crystal clear is that

when Stan State

thrives, so does the

Central Valley.

Pictured from left to right:

Enrique (Quique) Rios-Ellis,

Enrique Rios-Ellis, Britt

Rios-Ellis, Itzél Rios-Ellis,

Xochitl Rios-Ellis

20

H E R L I F E M A G A Z I N E . C O M | 21

he community came together in celebration of local public edu-

cation at the first annual San Joaquin County State of Education

event on May 7, 2025.

The event highlighted initiatives in local schools focused

on early literacy, mental health, career preparation and student con-

nection. Community leaders, elected officials and representatives

from local agencies joined with the county’s educational community

for the event held at Manteca Unified’s Weston Ranch High School.

The event was organized by the San Joaquin County Office of Educa-

tion in partnership with county school districts,

“Educators in our county are not just doing the work to get to

know the whole student; we are building the programs, lessons and

relationships to serve students and help them find success in school

and in life,” San Joaquin County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Troy

Brown said. “We are recognizing the innovation, passion and dedica-

tion found across all 14 school districts and San Joaquin County Office

of Education programs.”

Public education in San Joaquin County serves more than 154,000

students, each with a unique personality, background and ability. To

reflect the work of schools to reach all students, the State of Education

theme was Education for All.

The theme was spelled out in 15 individual letters on the event

stage. Student artists and creative staffers at all 14 school districts and

the SJCOE had transformed the plain wooden cutouts of letters into

works of art before the event. From painted mascots to carved emblems,

the letters were an expression of what makes each district unique.

The State of Education event was broken into two parts. In the

District expo, school staff and students set up booths and engaged

with educational colleagues, elected officials, partners and communi-

ty leaders. The Main program featured inspiring videos highlighting

what has been happening in local schools in four focus areas.

Through their Career Technical Education programs, schools and

districts offer hands-on experience to prepare students for jobs that

will sustain and inspire them for life. CTE programs do not stay stag-

nant. They continually evolve, investing in the future of industry and

their students.

Learning to read is critical to academic success. Schools in our

county have put a renewed emphasis on early literacy by aiming to

teach students to become readers by the time they leave third grade,

using science-based curriculum instruction and offering training for

educators. In 2023, all 14 superintendents joined Dr. Brown in signing

a declaration in support of early literacy.

As students returned to the classroom after the peak of the pan-

demic, educators knew that mental health support was crucial, as

many students struggled with anxiety, depression and other issues. It

galvanized both coordinated and individual efforts to step up mental

health supports in schools, ranging from everyday attention to well-

ness for students to new resources for students in crisis.

Every student’s story is different. Backgrounds, culture, learn-

ing style, identity, endured trauma and overcome challenges all make

up each individual. Educators take the time to build relationships to

get to know each student and how to best help them learn and grow.

Schools and districts implement programs, training and support to

ensure all their students succeed. The effort is specific, deliberate and

data driven. Students who need more support can find it. And students

of all backgrounds see themselves and know they are welcome.

Students played a central role throughout the State of Education

event. The jazz band from Stagg High School (Stockton Unified School

District) and the choir from Weston Ranch High School gave moving

performances. West High School (Tracy Unified School District) JROTC

presented the flag and sang the national anthem. Venture Academy

Family of Schools culinary students served food, and WorkAbility stu-

dents from the SJCOE and Manteca Unified manned a coffee cart.

“We were intentional in ensuring the event was student cen-

tered,” said Brandie Brunni, director of governmental relations and

community partnerships at the SJCOE. “Because in San Joaquin Coun-

ty, education for all means for all students.”

The special State of Education edition of the SJCOE Outlook Maga-

zine includes inspiring stories from schools across San Joaquin Coun-

ty. Videos shown during the event and the archived event livestream

are posted on the SJCOE YouTube page. ®

C O M M U N I T Y S P O T L I G H T

S T O R Y A N D P H O T O S B Y S A N J O A Q U I N C O U N T Y O F F I C E O F E D U C AT I O N

San Joaquin County Office of Education

INAUGURAL EVENT SPOTLIGHTS EDUCATION

Outlook

Magazine

SJCOE

YouTube page

22

C O M M U N I T Y S P O T L I G H T

St. Mary’s High School

B Y J O A N N K I R B Y | P H O T O S B Y S T . M A R Y ' S H I G H S C H O O L A N D S T E P H E N H O P S O N

H E R L I F E M A G A Z I N E . C O M | 23

A

year-long calendar of special events will mark the 150th

anniversary of the fourth-oldest business in San Joaquin

County. St. Mary’s High School has a long tradition of

excellence in academics, athletics, spiritual growth and

community service.

“Over the past 150 years, the bonds that have been created among

the students, families, our faculty and staff, the community, has re-

ally resulted in lasting and successful relationships,” St. Mary’s High

School President Jim Brusa said. “We have a commitment to caring

for these students and making sure they are getting the best Catholic

high school education and developing into good people, which is more

than just math, science and English. It’s about bringing out the best

in every student, making sure they know that they are valued by being

who they are and being that well.”

The school has been an important part of the fabric of the

community since it opened in 1876 as St. Agnes Academy with 95

students enrolled and seven Dominican sisters on staff. Stockton’s

founder, Capt. Charles Weber, granted land for a Catholic school to

be built in the new port city. Weber and his wife wanted what most

parents seek, a good school to give their children a strong founda-

tion for their future. He also gifted the school a bell that will ring

once more on August 28, 2025, at a 150th anniversary mass cele-

brated by Bishop Myron Cotta of the Diocese of Stockton. “He took

his bell off his ship and gave it to St. Agnes and they rang that as

their school bell,” said Stefani Delucchi, who has been researching

the school’s history since she helped organize an exhibit on the

school at the Haggin Museum back when St. Mary’s celebrated its

140th anniversary.

The college preparatory school was initially an all-girls school.

It later merged with St. Mary’s, Stockton’s all-boys Catholic school.

After several moves, the coed St. Mary’s High School landed on its

current site on El Dorado Street in 1956. It is here that the school

continued to grow and thrive. In 1970, the Oblates of Saint Francis de

Sales were invited to administer at Saint Mary’s. Its iconic St. Mary’s

statue is a comforting landmark on the 25-acre campus where more

than 850 students will be welcomed for the 2025-26 school year. To-

day it is one of two high schools, 11 elementary schools and eight pre-

schools in the Diocese of Stockton.

The school’s mascot, a mighty ram, has prompted the St. Mary’s

community to call themselves the Ram Fam and feel secure in the

knowledge that “once a Ram, always a Ram.” “You develop lifelong

friendships at St. Mary’s,” Jim said. “We have so many alumni who

just want to give back. We have a lot of alumni who come back and

work here. We have a lot of alumni who bring generations of their

children and grandchildren to school here.”

One such person is 94-year-old Rose Leonardini. “The St. Mary’s

I attended was what is today Annunciation Elementary. I graduated in

1948 from St. Mary’s,” Rose said. In 1968, she started working at her

alma mater as a Spanish teacher. She held many different roles at St.

Mary’s High School, finally retiring from its Alumni Office in 2023 af-

ter setting a record for 55 years of service. This year, her great-grand-

daughter will be a freshman at St. Mary’s.

Steve Dougherty, Class of ’79, whose own mother attended St.

Mary’s back when it was located on Lincoln and Magnolia streets,

said it makes an education at St. Mary’s all the more meaningful

when so many generations of the same family continue to obtain

24

their education there. “My wife, Lisa, and

I have just been heartened to see our three

children graduate from St. Mary’s because

we did as well,” he said.

Some are new to the Ram Fam but

become deeply involved. When Dr. Roland

Winter and his wife, Kristin Winter, were

deciding where to send their four children

to high school, St. Mary’s smaller size,

its sports programs and academic options

such as AP classes were appealing. “They

left St. Mary’s fully prepared for college,”

Kristen said, “St. Mary’s also instilled a

strong foundation of the importance of

faith in their lives and gave them life-

long friendships.”

The Winter family became big boost-

ers of St. Mary’s and were the driving force

behind getting the track resurfaced several

years ago at the Thompson Sports Com-

plex. This year will be Dr. Winter’s 31st

year serving as team doctor for the football team. He also served on

the school board as both a member and co-chairman while Kristen

coached distance track and was on the athletic advisory committee.

St. Mary’s espouses the quote of St. Francis de Sales to “Be Who

You Are and Be That Well.” Over the years, it has built a reputation for

its 100 percent graduation rate and the college prep academy sends

nearly 99 percent of its graduates on to college.

St. Mary’s has so much to commemorate. The year-long celebra-

tion will kick off with Mass on its football field to accommodate all

the current students, faculty, staff, families,

community members and Diocese schools. A

special alumni tailgate will be held in Octo-

ber during football season. There will be a

Breaking Bread on the 50th Yard Line farm-

to-fork dinner. It’s Visual and Performing

Arts program will produce an alumni con-

cert and the theater program plans to stage

Hamlet in the fall and Mary Poppins in the

spring. The school is working with its ath-

letic gear representative to produce a 150th

commemorative patch that will be featured

on all athletic uniforms. “We’ve been build-

ing excitement for our 150th anniversary

since our 140th,” Stefani said.

Alumni who take part in the celebra-

tions will notice a lot of changes on cam-

pus since they attended. The latest is a gi-

gantic new reader board at the entrance to

the Thompson Sports Complex, which was

donated by Francine Carruesco Thompson

and Carl Thompson, Class of 1962. The state-of-the-art sign most

recently played video of the class of 2025 graduation. It also displays

the temperature, time and upcoming events.

Jim says he hopes excitement over the anniversary will inspire

alumni and community to support St. Mary’s so that it can continue

to build on its legacy of private education. “It’s an honor to lead SMHS

during this historical milestone. I’d like to thank the many business-

es, alumni and people in the community who continue to support the

mission of SMHS,” he affirmed. ®

H E R L I F E M A G A Z I N E . C O M | 25

26

S C E N E A N D B E S E E N

2025 Goodwill

helping hands

award

oodwill Industries of San Joaquin Valley

is pleased to announce Kevin and Sandy

Huber as the recipients of the 2025 Good Will

Helping Hands Award. Friends, family and

staff of Kevin and Sandy gathered at Grupe

Huber corporate offices to surprise the couple

at a luncheon in late May. Kevin and Sandy

will be honored at the Good Will Helping

Hands Dinner, Thursday, October 16, 2025, at

Stockton Golf and Country Club. ®

P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y H E L E N R I P K E N

H E R L I F E M A G A Z I N E . C O M | 27

rogram director by day, sports MC by night, Tony Gladney has a

way of connecting with people and creating spaces where all are

welcome. Born and raised in Stockton, Tony’s heart beats in time

with the local community. For years, he was involved with San

Joaquin County’s outreach programs before moving into the nonprofit

sector and joining San Joaquin A+, where he now acts as their director

of community engagement. On top of his nonprofit work, Tony also

knows how to win the hearts of a crowd; in 2018, he stepped into the

MC scene for the Stockton Kings and continues to MC games for both

the Stockton Kings and the Stockton Ports.

C O M M U N I T Y S P O T L I G H T

TONY

GLADNEY

 THE MAN WITH

 THE MIC

B Y R A C H E L F E N T O N

The same passion that brings

crowds to their feet at the Kings and Ports games also

ignites the hearts of the youth he works with every day; at San Joaquin

A+, Tony works hand in hand with schools and their students, leading

workshops that help them develop the skills they need to succeed in

the professional workforce. At the same time, he collaborates with

local businesses by being the liaison between the organizations and

the schools, facilitating industry tours and internship opportunities.

To some, his two passions of community outreach and MC work

might seem completely unrelated, but for Tony, they’re two sides of

the same coin. “I don’t think it was ever meant for me to leave one

for the other because they’re so complimentary,” he noted. In both of

these passions he works to create an environment that makes people

feel included, drawing those on the sidelines into active participation

and giving them a place where they feel that they belong.

He first felt the spark of love for community outreach when he

was in high school and joined the Students in Prevention program.

SIP is a program through San Joaquin County Behavioral Health Ser-

vices focused on aiding youth in developing leadership skills while

also distributing information and resources on substance abuse and

mental health. As a teen, Tony toured throughout the county with

SIP, visiting elementary schools, hospitals and jails. This opened

his eyes to the deep need of disadvantaged youths. He realized he

wanted to be among those who help in real time, the

clinicians, the social workers and the case managers

working alongside at-risk youths in foster care or

mental health care. This is where he found what he

calls his “heart work,” working with young people

who are navigating complex and often hostile sys-

tems and connecting them with the resources they need.

In 2021, when the co-CEO of San Joaquin A+ Don Shalvey reached

out to him with an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of dis-

advantaged youths, Tony knew he had to accept. Tony spoke fondly of

Don, who passed away March 16, 2024, and highlighted Don’s ability

to recognize value and amplify people’s natural gifts. Those admi-

rable traits live on in Tony’s work with the local community, both

outreach and MCing. He’s passionate about giving a voice to those

who have too often been unheard and creating spaces where they feel

at home. But he isn’t just the man with the microphone. He’s holding

it out to others and giving young people in marginalized communities

the chance and the resources to speak for themselves. When work-

ing with students specifically, he highlights that “you do belong here,

and that if you…have no experience, the value you bring is freshness

and innovation.” And to him, nothing is more rewarding than seeing

that lightbulb moment go off as a student aces an interview or fleshes

out their resume, realizing that they are intrinsically valuable and can

also be an important part of their community.

That dynamic of hospitality and community can not only shift the

entire tone of an event; it can change the life of disadvantaged youth

looking for a place they belong. Whether he’s working one on one with

youths in resume workshops or on his feet engaging crowds of thou-

sands at a game, Tony embodies the message that is at the heart of

community: you are welcome, you are seen, you are valuable. ®

28

H E R L I F E M A G A Z I N E . C O M | 29

30

M O T H E R ' S P E R S P E C T I V E

etting oriented to

the school is first

on the list. Does

your child’s school

have a formal orientation

meeting? If not, it doesn’t

hurt to ask staff if it’s pos-

sible for you and your child

to look around a few days or

weeks before school begins.

You can find the classroom or

multiple rooms where your

child will be attending class-

es and other school func-

tions. If your child will have

a locker, locate that too. Even

better, have your child prac-

tice unlocking it or a similar kind of lock. Many children are anxious

about remembering their combinations and correctly dialing it, so

practicing this can be very helpful. If your child feels more confi-

dent about where everything

is located and how it works,

first-day-jitters will be sub-

stantially reduced.

Practice the route your

child will take if she’s walk-

ing to school, along with

noting

alternate

paths

if

that would ever be needed. It

also doesn’t hurt to consider

where and how she can seek

help if that’s ever warranted.

Both you and your child will

feel greater ease knowing

such plans are in place.

Ensure that you and your

child know about any policies

or rules that the school follows. It’s likely that there are guidelines

for all students to follow, including a dress code, rules for cell phone

usage, collection of vaccination records and policies on attendance,

Getting Back to School

with Confidence

B Y H E AT H E R N O B L E , P H D

New classes, new teachers, new friends and much to learn! School will begin before we know it, so it’s

time to do some initial “homework” and get ready. Simple steps can be taken to get oriented to the

school year, prepare for academic success and strengthen social connections that benefit your child.

H E R L I F E M A G A Z I N E . C O M | 31

including late arrivals, early pick-ups and missing blocks of time for

appointments. It is especially good for you to know the details about

any documentation that is needed, so you can ensure you have it

collected and submitted in good time. If there are rules about proper

dressing, it’s helpful to have time to find the appropriate clothing.

If your child has flexibility for choosing clothes, you might also en-

courage her to wait until the school year begins to make final pur-

chases, after she sees fashion trends among peers.

A second and very important area for consideration is deter-

mining resources and opportunities for strengthening your child’s

approach to learning, studying and test-taking. Many children ben-

efit from guidance on getting organized. Consider whether a paper

day planner is useful (or might get lost!), or whether an electronic

device and program might be used with greater ease and consistence.

Some sort of system will be needed to track assignment deadlines,

maintain awareness for upcoming tests and avoid procrastination.

Time management is key, and if your child learns such skills at this

stage of life, it will benefit him immensely in his future academic

and career pursuits. You and your child will benefit from considering

and implementing a routine schedule that will be followed through-

out the week, including time for study, extracurricular activities and

leisure time to rest.

At some point, all students need some extra help with learning

their course material. Let’s face it; the subject areas can be quite

challenging for the parents, too! Proactively line up resources. The

school might have additional services or tutoring available for a

student who is struggling, especially if the child has a diagnosed

learning difficulty. However, all students can benefit from a pro-

gram uniquely tailored to their needs, targeting and strengthening

areas of concern. Explore programs and services in your commu-

nity, such as Sylvan Learning Center or Kumon. Additional support

to your child’s learning can result in an immediate improvement in

classroom performance and also make a longer-term investment by

bolstering self-confidence for future learning and pursuits.

The third area to address is the very big social piece to the ac-

ademic experience. Your child is likely focused on his peers, but ef-

fective socialization begins with you. Express receptivity to hearing

and addressing your child’s concerns, however small or big. Main-

taining an open exchange of information with parents is essential.

If your child feels comfortable addressing minor issues with you,

this will pave the way to approaching bigger, heavier concerns when

they arise.

Encourage your child to develop a strong social network that

supports her well-being. If your child knows of particular peers at-

tending the same classes with her, it might be helpful to get together

before the school year begins to reconnect. This strengthens rela-

tionships and buffers your child against stress. Especially if first-

day-jitters are a concern, plan ahead for your child and a friend to

meet and enter the school together. It’s always a comfort to begin a

new adventure with a good friend by your side.

It’s time to finish any remaining “homework” to prepare and

begin a rewarding, successful school year! ®

SOURCES: greatschools.org, kumon.com and sylvanlearning.com.

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