CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE
GONZALES — On Monday, Nov. 6, Fairview Middle School celebrated local veterans at its annual Veterans Assembly, a tradition that originated 30 years ago at Gonzales High School when a student in Speech Class challenged his teacher, Joni Madolora, at the end of his persuasive speech, “There needs to be a resurgence of patriotism in schools — What are you going to do about it?”
Thirty years later Fairview Middle School continues the tradition, according to now Principal Madolora.
“It is truly a community labor of love,” she says.
Service Learning Leadership students with Dr. Gutierrez coordinated the assembly, which also included members of the Soledad High School JROTC and Gonzales High School Band and Choir as well as American Legion Post 31 veteran interviews. Fairview’s entire student body of 728 and 50 community members honored the military veterans.
CSI:FMS Interact and adviser Janie Porrez hosted the luncheon catered by Luigi’s with the support of Gonzales Rotary, Mike and Wendy Franscioni, Craig Hicks and Gonzales Unified School District. American Legion Post 81 provided the Avenue of Flags and the Hall for the luncheon. GUSD Maintenance handled all the behind the scenes set up and preparation.
“It’s this kind of event and strong sense of community that make Gonzales unique with its ‘Gonzales Way,’” Madolora says.
