November 1 - 14, 2014
www.SanTanSun.com
Hamilton pays tribute to veterans with honorary diplomas BY TRACY HOUSE
For the “Greatest Generation,” the duty to serve the country was stronger than any personal achievement. In fact, many chose to join the military in time of need, in lieu of finishing high school. Now, though, for those who served in war or in peace that one piece of paper—a high school diploma—that many forfeited is attainable. A program through Hamilton High School, spearheaded by history teacher Ed Hermanski, is bringing the opportunity to veterans from all eras who did not receive their high school diploma a chance to earn an honorable certificate of graduation and participate in the commencement proceedings. Hermanski explains that he wanted to get involved in supporting veterans when the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., was being built. “I work closely with a lot of our veterans,” he says. “I bring veterans in to speak. I noticed the World War II guys say ‘My biggest regret is not having a high school diploma.’” While it wasn’t his concept, he says HHS “graduated” its first veterans in 2001. “We told veterans if you left the classroom to go serve your country, we’d be happy to give you an honorary diploma.”
HONORED: Lou Travisano earned his GED and some college credits after returning from military duty. However, he says that receiving his diploma through the Hamilton High School program was the best thing he ever did. STSN photo by Tim Sealy
To be considered for the program, veterans must have a DD214, discharge papers. For more information, contact Hermanski at Hermanski.Ed@cusd80. com.
Chandler mom returns from volunteer opportunity in Peru
SEE VETERANS PAGE 4
Centennial and Valencia parks open to community BY TIM J. RANDALL
BY MEGHAN MCCOY
Photographer Rachel Tabron traveled abroad for the first time to Peru, where she spent time volunteering at an orphanage. She witnessed extreme poverty and poor living conditions, but the Chandler resident would go back in a heartbeat. “Overall the experience was very positive,” Tabron says. “Easy travels for the most part, met a lot of nice locals and learned a lot. (It was) very different
Since its creation, the program has graduated more than 50 veterans, including two women (both nurses), and Korean War and Vietnam War veterans. The oldest recipient, a 99-year-old
man, was given his diploma by his greatgrandson who was also graduating that year. He’s also had a Holocaust survivor, who was in a concentration camp, receive his diploma. For the most part, veterans are from the Valley, but Hermanski says he’s had some from out of town and out of state participate. “It’s been World War II, Korea and Vietnam,” he shares. “There have been some that did not serve in the war, and we did not want to deny them their diploma because they did serve their country.” Students are aware of the opportunity and have approached Hermanski with names of their relatives, friends and neighbors. “It’s very important for the kids to see this. They take their diploma for granted, as most of us do, but when they see guys up there crying because they got a high school diploma at the age of 80 or 90, it’s got to have an impact on them.” He says many students told him that they cried at the ceremony. Prior to graduation, Dr. Fred DePrez, HHS principal, talks to seniors about graduation and to ask if there are any objections to having veterans as part of the ceremony.
ORPHANAGE: Chandler resident Rachel Tabron says Peruvian orphans had to boil their water before using it. Submitted photo
economically wise of course, but still many beautiful areas and things to see.” SEE VOLUNTEER PAGE 8
There is a deeper appreciation for the phrase “quality of life” when individuals and families show their community pride. That civic splendor was on display on Saturday, Oct. 18, when two parks—Centennial and Valencia—were dedicated in ceremonies at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., respectively. Mayor Jay Tibshraeny led the ribboncutting ceremonies, which were also attended by the Chandler City Council and the City’s Parks and Recreation board members. “With these Valencia and Centennial parks, we now boast more than 1,200 acres of parkland in our community and move closer to the City Council’s goal of having a neighborhood park in every square mile of the community,” Tibshraeny says.
Centennial Park at 2475 E. Markwood Dr., boasts an 11-acre site replete with open green spaces, playground equipment, a picnic structure and lighted basketball and volleyball courts. Two miles away, Valencia Park, at 3710 E. Desert Jewel Blvd., too, has fine amenities including a picnic ramada, playground equipment and basketball courts on just under 10 acres. The opening of the parks signals the continued return to growth of the economy and the availability of financial resources after the recent recession. The City Council and Parks and Recreation board had long wanted to add these parks to the City’s already impressive dedicated capacity of recreation areas, however, there were budget restrictions. “Each of these parks was accelerated
F E AT U R E STO R I E S St. Mary-Basha Catholic School celebrates 70 years. . . . . . . . COMMUNITY . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5 Bravo Business Center offers private and virtual services . . . BUSINESS . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 16 New Vistas celebrates 35 years. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YOUTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 29 Bike ride explores state from Tucson to Chandler. . . . . . . . . . NEIGHBORS . . . . . . . . . . Page 49 Black Violin strings along fans with diversity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 57
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