North Monterey County High students headed for WE conference in Los Angeles

Fourty-four students from the North Monterey County High School Castroville Teen Leadership Council service club have been invited as special guests to attend the WE Day event on April 7 at The Forum in Inglewood, California.

The WE Schools program aims at inspiring students to solve problems beyond their campuses. WE schools come together during "WE Day," a massive pep rally where thousands of students hear inspirational stories and get pumped up to create their own changes.

The club "has truly embodied the spirit of WE" said club advisor, Yvette Padilla. "The student group has dedicated their time to tackling several issues, both local and global."

The club collected blankets to donate to animals in need through the SPCA. The group has also been donating their time to feed people in need through a local shelter, volunteering to wrap gifts for children in need over the holidays, and running youth leadership activities for local low-income children. The group also worked to raise awareness about Spina Bifida in honor of one of their teacher's child.

The group is also committed to making changes globally, Padilla said. They have decided to fundraise to support education in Nicaragua, and have already hosted a bake sale and are currently working on a coin drive.

"These students are excited to continue their support for local and global causes throughout the rest of the year," Padilla said.

To enhance the WE Day conference experience, district officials have coordinated educational tours of Southern California college campuses, including University of Los Angeles and Mount Saint Mary’s College. A panel presentation by local educational leaders is planned for the 44 students who will be attending.

Have a safe and fun trip, guys and gals! Let us know how it went!

Greenfield Superintendent Doc Ervin to bid adieu

From the moment Harry "Doc" Ervin arrived in Greenfield, he was fond of saying "When I leave in three years..." as a way to introduce the changes he was making and how he'd make sure they would endure beyond his tenure.

But it didn't take him that long to actually leave. Ervin has accepted a job with the Bakersfield City School District, where he'll begin July 1. He's been Greenfield's superintendent for two years.

Ervin will earn $225,000 annually, $12,000 in relocation expenses and a $600 monthly travel allowance along with 24 vacation days per year, according to The Bakersfield Californian.

Ervin's last day in Greenfield will be June 30, a spokesperson said. No word on whether he expects to take vacation time during the last few days to prepare for his move.

Japanese speech contest winner and more

John Ampa Jr., a student from Everett Alvarez High School, was the winner of this year's Monterey County Japanese Speech contest with his speech "If I could Redo My Life.

Jorge Rodriguez from Alisal High earned the Judge's award with his speech "Growing up as an Immigrant."

The event, which took place March 11, was attended by 50 college students from Japan. They made presentations in English about Japanese culture, holidays, dance and rice!

"It was a memorable and wonderful event where our students' love for the Japanese language and culture were celebrated and showcased," said Minako Kamimura, Japanese language teacher at Salinas High. 

 And speaking of Japanese art, if you happen to take a stroll on Main St. in Salinas Friday, during First Friday Art Walk, make sure you admire the pieces produced by Salinas Union High School Students.

 "This is a first time event, and we are very excited to showcase the talents and creativity of our students," Kamimura said. The Art walk takes place from 5 to 8 p.m.

* An earlier version of the blog misidentified Kamimura as a Salinas High parent.