Sunnyslope School fifth grader Baylee Campbell couldn’t wait to get to school.
That’s because Campbell—along with a number of other students at the largest elementary school in Hollister—participated in a nationwide “Step Out in Blue” event and honored police by donning the royal color.
“As you can see, various shades of blue, but it’s awesome,” said Principal Bill Sachau as he looked out at the sea of color on the playground during the lunch recess. “I think the most popular blue is aqua, or turquoise blue.”
Sunnyslope was one of several schools in the Hollister School District that chose to participate in the day after Jenny Bernosky, the superintendent and principal of Spring Grove School, sent an email to the neighboring district’s principals suggesting they participate.
The event marked the first time Sunnyslope had held a day honoring local servicemen. The principal invited Wonder Woofs, the Hollister-based canine narcotic search and detection unit, to make an appearance. Three officers including Hollister Police Chief David Westrick also visited the campus to talk with the students, explain parts of their uniforms and pose for pictures.
For Sachau, the day hit close to home since the principal earned a degree in criminology, volunteered with the police department when he first came to Hollister and considered becoming an officer before he decided to become a teacher.
News of the event spread through campus by the morning announcement, word of mouth and a few carefully placed flyers.
“I think it’s an awesome turnout,” Sachau said. “But that’s our school. We have great kids.”
