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Quad chamber scholarship to honor late chef BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Celebrating a happy 100th birthday Maria Geneva Niemczyk claps along with some of the more than 50 family members who participated in a group happy 100th birthday singalong during a recent gathering at the Forest Lake American Legion. According to family members, she is still active and living independently. She had six children and her extended family includes 16 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and a 3 month old great, great grandchild named Maria. Find more photos online at presspubs.com.
The Quad Area Chamber of Commerce hopes to fund a scholarship for years to come in memory of Larry Giles Jr., also known as Chef Hot Hands. Jiles was one of two people killed in a shooting on Dale Street in St. Paul Feb. 25. The well-loved businessman and community personality operated his restaurant and catering business, Chef Hot Hands, in downtown Centerville. He was born in St. Paul, raised in Hugo and graduated from White Bear Schools in 2006. He was a familiar face at community events such as Good Neighbor Days, and was often willing to go the extra mile to give back to the community. “It felt important to try to make something positive to come out of this heartbreak,” explained Michelle Koch, chamber marketing and social media director. “Larry was a special person to a lot of people, and I think many people feel that same desire.” The Chamber wants to honor Jiles’ spirit by helping aspiring youth from Centennial High School or White Bear Lake Area High School with a scholarship to help them pursue their dreams. The scholarship is meant for students of color or students who are interested in culinary arts. The hope is to give out $1,000 this year, and for many years to come. “We are hoping to fund the scholarship for years to come from a big push this year while it is top of mind,” Koch said. “We’ll see how it goes.” The chamber has established the Jiles Scholarship Fund at F&M Bank in Lino Lakes. To donate, drop off or send checks to F&M Bank, located at 7641 Lake Drive, Lino Lakes, MN 55014.
Centennial advocates connect families and students to resources There are three faces that have become very familiar to families and students within the hallways of Centennial Schools. They are Student and Family Advocates Kathy Berrios Cordero, Matthew Thao and Ramla Iman. The positions, which are new to the district this year, are funded via the Achievement and Integration grant through the Minnesota Department of Education. “The student and family
advocates are to help students and families with needs that center around the students’ educational experience,” said Director of Teaching and Learning Mark Grossklaus. “(They) are a valuable resource that helps families connect with our schools and provide additional support that some families might need to support their students.” Berrios Cordero has worked for the district for 23 years. Prior to the advocate role, she wore a variety of hats including paraprofessional, substitute teacher, Hispanic and
cultural liaison, and Spanish interpreter. She was interested in filling the advocate role because she enjoys helping people, especially the Hispanic community, to pay tribute to her Puerto Rican heritage. She helps students with the last names starting with A-Har as well as Spanish-speaking families. “My motto is, if you need help, I’m there for you no matter who you are,” she said. Thao is a newcomer to the district. For the past six SEE ADVOCATES, PAGE 11
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Centennial High School employs three student and family advocates. Pictured (from left) are Ramla Iman, Matthew Thao and Kathy Berrios Cordero.
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