Vol. 52, No.25
Serving the San Gabriel Valley Since 1966
July 02, 2014
Special Section
Local Events
Entertainment
Sports
Family Summer Fun
Temple City, San Gabriel, & ROSEMEAD PAGE 5
page 2, 3 Visit Car Culture at http://www.midvalleynews.com/
page 7
page 8,9
page 3
Visit Us Online at www.midvalleynews.com for more Highlights of Local Schools and Events from the San Gabriel Valley Area. Coming Soon “ The Mid”
Independence Day Better Known as The 4th of July by Mavis Hansen National
For the pulse of the San Gabriel Valley, local news, special events, and school events check us out.
www.midvalleynews.com
or Current Resident
https://www.facebook. com/midvalleynews
Here we are, wondering where the first half of the year went as we prepare to celebrate our nation’s most important holiday, Independence Day, the 4th of July. The Birthday of the United States of America commemorates the day in 1776 when the American colonists declared their independence from Great Britain by adopting the Declaration of Independence and announcing to the world that “these United Colonies are free and independent states.” The first celebration took place four days later with a public reading of the Declaration outside the State House (now Independence Hall) followed by a parade, bonfires and the firing of cannons. The Liberty Bell rang out and the coat of arms of the King of England was taken down. John Adams, one of the signers of the Declaration who later became the nation’s second president, thought that Americans should celebrate with
pomp, parade and all manner of bells, bonfires and illuminations. The first anniversary was celebrated in Philadelphia in 1777 just as Adams had wanted. Celebrating the Fourth of July grew over the years, and as people moved west during the 1800’s, they spread the idea to new towns and territories. It was not long before the whole country was celebrating with parades, flags flying, shops and
homes decorated with red, white and blue, bells ringing, and gun salutes. By 1941, Congress had declared the Fourth of July a national legal holiday. For some, it marks the true beginning of summer fun. Beaches, parks and amusement areas are typically filled with holiday crowds. Picnics, B-B-Q’s, outdoor games, and mostly, everyone is anxious to see displays of fireworks which bring delight to children and
adults alike. At one time, however, fireworks caused so many accidents and injuries that the public demanded legislation to ensure a “safe and sane” holiday. Many cities and states have outlawed the private sale of fireworks and displays are controlled so that everyone may enjoy them in safety. Take care, be safe and have a most wonderful 4th of July!
The approximately 300 students then raised his or her right hand and stated, "As a student, I pledge to believe in myself, do the work it takes to graduate from high school with my class and seek help whenever I need it." After the pledge, and with the seniors who would graduate later that evening cheering them on, the fourth graders
wearing t-shirts provided by South El Monte High School which read "Class of 2022, SEMHS Believes in You!, walked across the very stage they will walk across when they receive their high school diplomas eight years from now. As the students exited the stage, they were greeted by El Monte Union High School District Board of
South El Monte High Holds First Pledge to Graduate Ceremony by Anne Donofrio-Holter South El Monte
South El Monte High School hosted two ceremonies on graduation day - one, for its senior class and the other, a "Pledge to Graduate" ceremony for fourth graders from Potrero Elementary, New Temple Elementary and Monte Vista Elementary Schools. Spearheaded by South El Monte High School Assistant Principal Maria-Elena Navarro, the pledge ceremony was not only a first for the high school, but for the El Monte Union High School District as well. "We wanted to reach out in a bigger way to our feeder/partner schools," said Navarro. "We have the responsibility of ensuring these future South El
Monte High School students become proficient scholars while they are with us. The earlier we instill in them the importance of high school and college planning, the better." "We are extremely pleased to start college awareness early with these fourth graders and to garner their pledges to graduate from South El Monte High School," said Superintendent Nick Salerno who attended the ceremony. Following a performance by the South El Monte High School drill team, Monte Vista, New Temple and Potrero students Eliana Ynequez, Sue Esparza and Martha Ramirez, respectively, spoke on their educational and career goals.
Pledge to Graduate continued on page 4