Substitute teacher re-launches backpack giveaway program
Hollister resident Jacob Oates is reviving his effort from seven years ago to give away backpacks through his organization, FEED the FLAME – which stands for “Fueling Every Educational Dream" and "Future Leaders Are Made Early.”
Hollister’s first charter school evolves in year one
The teacher held up an iPad and displayed a picture of a tropical beach to a cluster of five students.
Local districts trimming the fat on school lunch programs
Public schools in San Benito County won't be offering much white bread or whole milk in school meals following stricter U.S. Department of Agriculture nutrition standards effective earlier this month.
Library program offers discounts at cultural venues
This year, getting a free ticket to the Exploratorium in San Francisco could be as easy as going to the library and printing out a pass.
Photo: Hospital auxiliary awards scholarships
Every year, the Hazel Hawkins Hospitals Auxiliary works hard to raise money to provide scholarships for students in health-related fields. According to the hospital – over a span of 60 years, the auxiliary has awarded $353,920 in scholarships. This year, it awarded $30,000 to 35 recipients who are students studying in various medical fields.
Rocha’s lesson: ‘You have to find your way and you have to keep going’
If leukemia has taught Hollister resident Jose Rocha anything, it's that cancer teaches a kind of empathy that helps him understand other people. Rocha, 18, was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia nearly five months ago. Since his diagnosis on Valentine's Day, Rocha experienced great acts of kindness and unkindness that left him wondering why people behave the way they do.
Walk of His Life: Rocha goes partially blind before graduating
The spot of darkness in his right eye is growing. It gets bigger and bigger until he can't see out of that eye. He's also losing vision in his left eye.
Revised budget affects Hollister School District
Hollister School District officials don't anticipate much additional money for public schools after taking a look at Gov. Jerry Brown's May revision of the state budget.
Hollister district OKs facilities bond for the ballot
Trustees from the Hollister School District this week approved a resolution in a 4-0 vote that will place a $28.5 million school facilities bond on the Nov. 4 election ballot.
The Fight Of His Life
Jose Rocha was like any other high school student, until his body started breaking down from illness.


















