Crawford cross-country alums raise $1,000 for current students

A group of former Crawford High School cross-country runners organized a 24-hour relay marathon to raise money for Crawford's current cross-country team, many of whom were not properly outfitted for competition. Co-organizer Yale Strom, father of a San Diego High School cross-country runner, noticed that some of the competitors from his alma mater weren't running in proper running shoes. After coordinating with the Crawford High School administration and athletic director Darcel Glover, Strom contacted his former teammates. Along with a few "celebrity guest" runners, the Crawford Colts (classes of 1974-80) raised more than $1,000 for the cross-country distance runners at the May 24 event. They'll buy new training and racing flats for their upcoming 2014-15 cross-country and track seasons. It's not too late to contribute, either by visiting the donation website or mailing a check payable to Crawford High School with "cross-country team" in the memo line to Principal Ana Alvarez, Crawford High School, 4191 Colts Way, San Diego, CA 92115. For more information, contact Principal Alvarez at  (619) 362-3700

For proposal, middle school sweethearts return to stage of memories

It was 1963 and then-new Albert Einstein Junior High on Conrad Avenue in Clairemont was home to two sweethearts, Linda and Joseph. They met on the stage of the school's state-of-the-art cafetorium, a combination cafeteria and auditorium. The next year, Joe promoted to Madison High School and the two drifted apart.

Fast-forward a half century. Einstein is now home to the Creative Performing and Media Arts Middle School (CPMA). The old cafetorium is yesterday's state-of-the-art and is being torn down. It will be be replaced by a new, multi-million-dollar performing arts center.

But Joe and Linda are still around and on May 13, on the same stage where they met and with today's middle school students singing "Going to the Chapel,"Joseph Martinez finally proposed to Linda Streeter.

"Joseph got down on one knee and nervously asked the girl he fell in love with, oh, so many years ago, to be his wife," said Principal Scott Thomason, who was in on the surprise. "Her answer was yes!"

Through the years, Einstein turned into Kroc Middle School, named for the late McDonalds founder, San Diego Padres owner and supporter of San Diego education. It became CPMA in 2007. But the story of Linda and Joseph reminds all of us of the importance our schools have to students – both past and present.

"Joseph has asked that when the stage is torn down later this year," said Thomason, "that a small small piece of the flooring be saved for him to remember the occasion by. One thing is for sure, those of us who participated in the joyous event will not soon forget what love is all about."

Arian Foster's number retired at Mission Bay High School

Arian Foster at ceremony.
Courtesy MaxPreps.

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First Hall of Fame Induction Honors Accomplished UC High Alumni

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Prop. S Update: Hoover Cardinals dedicate new athletic facilities

The Hoover High School Cardinals have a lot to celebrate, and that's just what they did on Sept. 7, right before the first varsity home football game. Board President John Lee Evans and Board Member Richard Barrera joined Area Five Superintendent Mitzi Merino, district leaders, students, parents, community members and project partners in dedicating the Cardinals' new athletic facilities.

Principal Chuck Podhorsky welcome everyone to the celebratory event that included remarks by the board members and cheerleader Jenifer Becerra, the presentation of colors by the schools Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, and the ceremonial ribbon cutting at the 50-yard-line in the Breitbard Stadium. The ribbon was cut by Gayle Klusky, the daughter of the late Bob Breitbard for whom the stadium is named. Read more.

Montgomery Students, Alumni, Barnard Principal Receive Asian Heritage Awards

Students and alumni from Montgomery Middle School in Linda Vista were honored along with Barnard Mandarin Chinese Magnet Elementary School Principal Eddie Park at the recent Asian Heritage Awards.

The students were recognized for their work in an engineering course that is part of Project Lead The Way. Two students received $500 scholarships. The are participants in the BOOST-STEM program, which integrates science components with entrepreneurship. BOOST is an acronym that stands for Business, Organization and Opportunity in Science and Technology.

The program is a partnership between the Asian Heritage Society, U.S. Navy, SDG&E, Alliant International University, Cal State San Marcos, and Time Warner Cable with the purpose of informing, educating and mentoring Asian and other underserved females, ages 12-16, in STEM subjects coupled with an understanding of entrepreneurship skills.

The Asian Heritage Awards also honored Eddie Park, Principal of Barnard Mandarin Chinese Magnet Elementary School in Pt. Loma. Park joined the other honorees as showing the best and brightest in community service and humanitarian endeavors. Barnard Elementary School Mandarin Chinese Magnet Program enriches students through daily instruction in Mandarin Chinese, the most spoken language in the world. Through integration with the Mandarin Chinese culture, including the arts, music, and literature, students will develop the ability to successfully use their knowledge of diverse cultures to think and act globally and become thoughtful, responsible and successful global citizens.

The awards were held Sept. 15. For more information on the Asian Heritage Awards, see the organization's website at http://www.asiamediainc.com/.