Santiago Hernandez competes in ‘Braille Challenge’
Santiago Hernandez, a Gabilan Hills seventh-grade student,
competed in the 2010 Northern California Regional Braille Challenge
last weekend and took first place in every category in the seventh-
to 10th-grade division. Hernandez was born blind. He will compete
in the nationwide competition at the end of June in Los
Angeles.
Santiago Hernandez competes in ‘Braille Challenge’
Santiago Hernandez, a Gabilan Hills seventh-grade student, competed in the 2010 Northern California Regional Braille Challenge last weekend and took first place in every category in the seventh- to 10th-grade division. Hernandez was born blind. He will compete in the nationwide competition at the end of June in Los Angeles.
At the challenge, vision impaired students compete in categories of reading and comprehension, speed and accuracy, proofreading, spelling and chart and graph reading. At this year’s event, students also had a chance to participate in the Braille Learning Circus, were they try Braille-related games.
Hernandez maintains a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher, and according to his parents he works very hard each day. In his spare time, Santiago likes to work with computers doing things such as removing viruses and reprogramming them. His parents, as well as siblings Anabell and Miguel, are very proud of him and said they are thankful for the people who work with him before, after and during school hours, including Judy Luetinske, Sonja Biggs, Kitts Liegner and Katy Scoggin.
Jose Rodriguez Jr. to graduate from tank training
Jose Rodriguez Jr. will graduate March 12 at Fort Knox, Ky., at 9 a.m., from the B Company, 2nd Battalion, 81st Armor Regiment. During his training, which started in January, Rodriguez learned how to operate the most advanced tank in the world, the M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank. He completed basic training prior to entering the advanced tank training.
Rodriguez is a 2009 graduate of San Andreas High School. He is the son of Manuel and Teresa Levario, of Hollister, and grandson of Placiclo and Carlota Quintero, of Hollister. He has a son, Josiah M. Rodriguez.
James G. Sanders graduates from basic
Army Pfc. James G. Sanders has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.
He is the son of Lori Conner of Monterey St., Hollister,
Pat and Don Skow honored
San Benito County residents Pat and Don Skow were honored at the District VI California State Society Daughters of the American Revolution meeting. The District VI Historic Preservation Award for 2009-2010, was given to the Cass, Freeman, Skow Family Historical Collection for their work in the restoration and preservation of objects of historical significance. Their hours of hard work and dedication to their Historic Preservation Project of preserving items that have been on their property from buildings to vehicles and a stagecoach is appreciated by the California State Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
Susan Bergtholdt, the district director and state historic preservation chairman, presented the Skows with a certificate for their outstanding contributions to historic preservation in California.
