Published in the March 27 – April 9, 2019 issue of Morgan Hill Life

Photo courtesy Le family
From left to right, Emma’s mother Susie Le, first-grade teacher Mrs. Wong, Nordstrom principal Debra Grove, and Emma Duley.

A longtime resident and self-proclaimed “huge fan of Morgan Hill Life for years,” Susie Le sent us a nice email note last week sharing a story about a special recognition her daughter received recently.

Emma Duley, a Nordstrom Elementary School first-grader, received a treat from the San Jose Sharks for the “Reading is Cool” program. She was an honored guest at the Saturday, March 9, San Jose Sharks vs. St. Louis Blues hockey game at the SAP center in San Jose.

“Out of the 40,000 students enrolled in this reading program for the San Jose Sharks 2018-2019 season, only 10 students were selected and invited to attend this once-in-a-lifetime ‘Top Reader Day’ for their literary achievements,” Le said.

Emma was given a tour of the building, filmed and announced on the video board during the game, and escorted to ice level to “high-five” the players before they skated out on the ice. She viewed the Sharks game from a luxury, catered penthouse suite. Nordstrom Principal Debra Grove and Emma’s teacher, Mrs. Wong, also attended the game to show their support and be a part of her special day.

Reading sure is cool! And we encourage Emma and all local kids to read as much as they can – including newspapers like Morgan Hill Life as they build their reading skills.

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Congratulations to Ron Hannon, Gavilan Community College’s Dean of Kinesiology & Athletics. He has been selected Athletics Director of the Year by the California Community College Athletic Directors Association.

“I had an evening phone call with Dan Clauss, president of CCCADA,” Hannon said. “We talked about other issues, then he said, ‘oh by the way we want to recognize you.’”

Hannon has managed Gavilan’s kinesiology and athletics programs for the past 18 years. The department offices are filled with awards and trophies Gavilan athletics teams have won during his tenure.

Hannon’s accolades reflect a bigger picture. A Gavilan alumnus, he continued his education at San Jose State University and was working there when the athletic director position opened up 18 years ago. Hannon insists the college deserves the recognition because of the entire team. He views his role as a facilitator who sets boundaries, buffers and offers vision.

Competing in athletics as a youth, Hannon cited three values that were instilled early by his coaches: teamwork, quality people and relationships, and the freedom to excel.

“It takes a team,” he said. “You can’t do this by yourself.”

That’s true. But a team needs good leadership to make its dreams a reality. And Hannon provided that.

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The long-awaited Upper Llagas Flood Protection Project has passed a major hurdle. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has issued Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water) their permit. This clears the way to start construction by this summer

Ultimately, the project will provide flood protection to about 1,100 homes, 500 businesses and more than 1,300 acres of ag lands.

Valley Water Board Member John Varela is elated about starting construction. “At 13.9-miles, this is one of the largest flood protection projects we’ve ever tackled. Gone will be the days of frequent flooding in Gilroy, Morgan Hill, and San Martin,” he told us.

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Mike Wasserman

Are you a young person — or do you know a young person — interested in a possible career in public service? The office of Santa Clara County Supervisor Mike Wasserman offers full-time and part-time unpaid internships to see first-hand how local government works.

“High school, college, and graduate students as well as non-students are encouraged to apply,” said Wasserman who represents District 1, which includes South Valley. “Interns can expect to learn how a county supervisor’s office operates. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills and an interest in local government.”

To apply, visit www.sccgov.org/sites/d1/Pages/Supervisor-Mike-Wasserman.aspx and send your cover letter, completed internship application and resume to: [email protected]. For more information, call (408) 299-5010.