Published in the November 21 – December 4, 2018 issue of Morgan Hill Life

From left, Julian Dominguez, Annette Navarez (Tara’s mother), Sarah Deakin, Lisa Washington, Regina Zamora (Tara’s sister).

Students from Ann Sobrato High School have partnered with the city of Morgan Hill’s Library, Culture, and Arts Commission on a city-wide fundraising initiative to complete the Tara Romero Memorial Sculpture, entitled “Never Forgotten.”

“We’ve been brainstorming ideas to fund-raise the money for the statue,” said Associated Student Body member, Julian Dominguez. “I think it’s needed for this community.” The Tara Romero Memorial Sculpture is $5,815 dollars away from installation at City Hall.

The bronze sculpture was approved by the city council in 2012 after a drive-by shooting took the life of 14-year-old Romero and injured three other children. In the aftermath of the violent act, the community united with the desire to create a peaceful yet empowering art piece in remembrance.

The sculpture is a life-sized statue of a young girl lifting a butterfly up in her right hand and gazing up toward El Toro mountain. Final funds raised will cover finishing costs, such as statue refinements, cement base, plaque, transport, and installation.

To make a contribution to this project, please visit the official GoFundMe page at: www.gofundme.com/tara-romero-memorial-sculpture. For more information about this project and opportunities to get involved, contact the Library, Culture, and Arts Commission at [email protected] or visit www.morgan-hill.ca.gov/566/LibraryCulture-Arts-Commission.

An inspiring project! I can’t wait to see it completed and installed soon.

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There’s some exciting news coming from Community Christian, which held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house for their new central offices, formerly the El Toro Youth Center, Nov. 11.  This location has served the community for almost 30 years as the El Toro Youth Center (Boys and Girls Club) and now Community Christian partners with the South County chapters of NA (Narcotics Anonymous) and AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) to provide 37 meetings a week

“We feel blessed to continue El Toro Youth Centers legacy of serving Morgan Hill with our Community Christian offices in this location as well as helping thousands of people in our community overcome addiction with the NA and AA meetings as well as other outreaches,” said Senior Pastor Kyle Windsor.

For more information, contact Kathy Miller at (408) 439-9258, [email protected] or Kyle Windsor, Senior Pastor at [email protected].

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From left, St. Louise Regional Hospital CEO John Hennelly receives a check from Stratford School Morgan Hill Student Body President Norah Terrazas, Student Body Vice President Arya Vaid, Student Body Secretary DJ William, and Student Body Historian Serena Esau.

Stratford School in Morgan Hill presented a $1,000 check Nov. 1 to St. Louise Regional Hospital CEO John Hennelly. Led by teacher Karla Primeau and the student council, students collected money to support, give back and educate families about the cause. The funds raised will benefit Morgan Hill and Gilroy women receiving care. Stratford School Morgan Hill Principal Melissa Sidebotham was proud of her students for executing these events.

“This is just one way that our school can make a big difference for those who are suffering in our community,” said Sidebotham.

Hennelly found it a rewarding experience to share with Stratford students the hospital’s mission to help people with their health.

“It is so much more than just the dollars,” Hennelly said. “When children, themselves, decide to get involved and do something, it means everything.”

Way to go, Stratford School!