4 minute read

Grand Marshal

from 2023 Morgan Hill Freedom Fest Program

by iBRAG Synergy

from 2023 Morgan Hill Freedom Fest Program, page 37

Article from: 2023 Morgan Hill Freedom Fest Program

Fireworks on the Green

2023 Morgan Hill Freedom Fest Parade Grand Marshal

Educator, Theresa Sage

Heroes come in many different forms. Some run into burning buildings or stand in front of danger to protect others. Many dedicate their lives so others can reach for the stars. This year we recognize one who has dedicated her life to helping others be the best possible form of themselves.

Theresa Sage has been an educator in our community since 1995 when she joined the Morgan Hill Unified team and became an English, social studies and ELD teacher at Britton Middle School. From 1995 to 2004 she taught thousands of middle school students in critical topics. In 2004 she went to Ann Sobrato High School which had just opened its doors as the newest high school in Morgan Hill. For the following 11 years she taught history and psychology, and she added Social Studies Department Chair and President of Morgan Hill Federation of Teachers to her roles.

And yet her desire to help more students pushed her to go further. In 2015 she was advanced to the role of Assistant Principal overseeing counseling, attendance, the Advanced Placement program, and Career Technical Education. Just five years later she was promoted Principal of Ann Sobrato High School overseeing every aspect of education, culture, and social development for over 1500 students annually.

At 16 years old Theresa was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a disease which lead to her blindness in 1995. Through the progression of the disease, she has been told to forget her dreams of becoming a teacher, as well as denied teaching positions. Her perseverance through adversity makes her an exceptional role model.

Theresa shared “I love trying to find the win-win solutions to the myriad of big and small issues. I love trying to find ways to say “yes” to students, families and staff while keeping everyone safe, attaining high levels of excellence, and feeling like they are a part of a very special community.”

Theresa’s strong commitment to excellence, pushing herself and others to meet the needs of students, and her willingness to continue looking for ways to better serve the larger school community make her a great asset to Morgan Hill.

Theresa says, “As a founding member of the staff and a mother of three Sobrato graduates, my heart has been with the school since the beginning. I am proud of the work we have done and a culture we have built that is student-centered while rigorous and ambitious in its expectations. I look forward to continuing to support students and staff as we all reach for excellence.”

It is our pleasure to recognize Theresa Sage for everything she has done for Morgan Hill by honoring her as this year’s Freedom Fest Grand Marshal.

Parade

A look back at the 2022 Independence Day Parade

For the 147th consecutive year the streets around downtown Morgan Hill will echo with the sounds of horses, bands, kids on floats and the cheers of the crowd. Using the same course as has been the tradition for many years (see map on page ???) the parade will start on the corner of Monterey and Main streets moving up Main, along Peak Avenue, down W. Dunne Avenue and then across on the north side of Monterey Road. This year’s parade will bring back many favorite’s including Johnson’s Lumber handing out American flags, more than 50 equestrians riding their beautiful horses, 300-plus band members in multiple bands riding and marching and well more than a dozen floats not to mention special guests. Don’t forget, the last float will be handing out popsicles to kids and kids at heart. Occasionally there are gaps in the parade that sometimes occur due to a medical or vehicle malfunction, but when in doubt if the popsicles haven’t arrived the parade is not over!

This year we are thrilled to share that there will be several food trucks along the route (see map) for those that might be hungry from all that cheering. We can’t wait for you to all join us for the 147th consecutive Freedom Fest award winning parade!

Ray Dzek Matthew Stein Bev Vanderweide Donna Cowan

DON COWAN

BOB MUETZENBERG Parade Co-Chairs

2022 Parade Award Winners

• Best Adult Band: Live Oak Emerald Regime Alumni Drumline

Runner Up Adult Band: San Jose Metropolitan Band

• Best Junior Band: Oak Grove High School Band

Runner Up Junior Band: Live Oak High School Band

• Best Drum Major: Live Oak High School

Runner Up Drum Major: Oak Grove High School

• Best Flag Team: Live Oak High School

Runner Up Flag Team: Sobrato High School

• Best Float Professional: Commonwealth

Runner Up Professional Float: Little Gym of Morgan Hill

• Best Amateur Float: South Valley Makos

Runner Up Amateur Float: Freedom Fest Patriotic Singers

• Best Overall Youth Entry: Live Oak Cheer

Runner Up Youth Entry: St. Catherine Twirlers

• MOST PATRIOTIC Entry: CommonWealth

Runner up MOST PATRIOTIC: San Martin Horseman Association

• Best Use of Parade Theme: ReMax Realty Partners

Runner Up Use of Parade Theme: Steel & Fence Supply

• GRAND PRIZE - BEST IN SHOW: SOUTH VALLEY MAKOS!!!!

Bring

Morgan Hill Freedom Fest now ACCEPTS credit/debit cards. We have found that moving to a touch credit card system is far faster and safer for all of our participants. No more finding ATM’s, just bring your favorite card, touch and enjoy!