Schools

Graniterock hosted its fourth annual Algebra Academy from August 12-17 and announced a new website, algebraacademy.net.

Ricardo Ramos spent part of last week on location filming a short film he is hoping will be making the festival circuit in the coming months. Ramos, who attended Rancho San Justo Middle School and graduated from San Benito High School in 1999, said he took a circuitous route to becoming the director of the short film.

The San Benito County Grand Jury released its report for 2012-13 that included 11 reports on public agencies.

When music director Brant Ruggles was notified in January by Gavilan College that his choir program was being discontinued, he didn’t take it personally - and, in fact, he saw it as a golden opportunity.

On Saturday morning, 50 students from Hollister received a back-to-school shopping spree at Target.

The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 69 presented Christina Muirhead with a $1,000 scholarship to use toward her studies at Cabrillo College in the fall. The Anzar High School graduate was honored July 18 at San Benito's American Legion Auxiliary meeting at the Veterans Memorial Building.

The San Benito County 4-H program has been known for many of the opportunities it provides for today's youth. These include showing animals at the fair, participating in different projects and especially helping youth develop their leadership skills. 4-H has been helping to create the leaders of tomorrow for generations and continues to do so today by sending “4-Hers” to leadership conferences.

Students in the Gavilan College Computer Graphics and Design program kept their creative juices flowing and extended their winning streak - receiving honors and awards for their projects on display at the California State Fair in Sacramento for a fourth straight year.

Two weeks ago, the annual Vacation Bible School camp was held at St. Benedict's Church. More than 200 youths and young adults from various schools in Hollister from preschool to high school students participated in the camp. I had a chance to participate as a member of the camera crew. Whether they were campers, teen leaders or station leaders, everyone joined in the fun activities going on throughout the entire week. The theme of the program was Kingdom Rock, which was reminiscent of the times of kings, queens and knights in shining armor. Every day the campers learned various ways to “Stand Strong” in difficult situations, which was the sub-theme of the program.

While residents with school-aged children are focusing on replenishing their stock of class supplies before the fall semester begins on Aug. 19, the United Way of San Benito County has launched a drive to collect those same items for low-income families in the community.