Foothills Sentry July 2020

Foothills Sentry July 2020 Page 2 jadtec.com $ 15 95 /mo SECURITY JADTEC LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN! 714 282 0828 | jadtec.com | ACO4202 PEACE OF MIND PROTECTION Whether staying inside or venturing out, enjoy summer knowing your home + business are safe and secure. By Brian Lochrie When COVID-19 shut down schools, Orange Unified School District (OUSD) had to get cre- ative by shifting classes to online learning. So it is no surprise that when it was announced that the traditional graduation ceremonies at the newly renovated Fred Kelly Stadium were cancelled, OUSD made the shift to a virtual gradua- tion ceremony. However, unlike many school districts, which simply posted photos of the grads with their names and accolades, OUSD and consulting partner Communica- tions LAB developed a com- plete online virtual graduation ceremony. Using state-of-the-art video production equipment and green-screen technology, valedic- torians, salutatorians and senior class presidents had the opportu- nity to give their commencement speeches, after all. Circumstance minus pomp “Graduation day was bitter- sweet,” said OUSD Superin- tendent Gunn Marie Hansen. “We were saddened to send our OUSD develops virtual graduation ceremony for the COVID class of 2020 El Modena Principal Jill Katevas made graduation remarks with Jorgie Sandoval, virtual graduation project manager, standing by. Orange High School's Madeleine Chocholaty sang the national anthem in front of a green screen, allowing the background to become an American flag. seniors off without them being able to experience the traditional seniors’ activities, but we wanted to ensure we celebrated all of our seniors to the fullest extent pos- sible, offering virtual graduations tailored to each high school.” Each of the four OUSD high schools – Canyon, El Modena, Or- ange and Villa Park – along with Richland and Parkside, OUSD’s two alternative high schools, had students, teachers, administrators and board members participate in the online graduation ceremony. It had all the pomp and circum- stance, save the whoops, hollers, air-horns and blistering heat that could be experienced at Fred Kel- ly Stadium. OUSD still hopes to have an in-person graduation ceremony, where the grads can receive their diplomas, at the end of July, if state and local regulations al- low. But for many, the virtual graduation program had benefits that an in-person ceremony does not. Distant friends and relatives could easily view the ceremonies, there were no signs or umbrellas blocking the view of a special SMRPD encourages canyonites to run for office The Silverado-Modjeska Recre- ation and Park District (SMRPD) will have two director positions opening for the November gen- eral election. This is the time to consider a run for the office of SMRPD di- rector. Listen to, and implement, the community’s ideas. Be a part of beautifying the parks and com- munity centers. It is a great way to protect canyon traditions while supporting the Sil-Mod Specific Plan. Carry out and help run SMRPD’s ideas for upgrades, trails and community resources. The requirements are few. You must be a registered voter and canyon resident (Silverado, Modjeska, Williams, Black Star, Ladd). File candidate forms be- tween July 13 and Aug. 7. It is helpful if you are a people person, have business skills, rec- reation/sports experience, ac- counting/bookkeepimg experi- ence, a club or school affiliation, are a self-starter, have been an event coordinator or participant. For more information and to sign up, visit ocvote.com . Links to forms will be posted on smrpd. org when available. graduate, and the ceremony could be recorded for repeat viewing. Brian Lochrie is president of the Orange-based Communica- tions LAB.