Student mentored by publisher Marty Cheek pens poem in his honor
Sobrato High School junior Daniel Edwards was part of teacher Chrissy Hunger’s creative writing/journalism class that publisher Marty Cheek was working with. She said the classes writing has improved greatly through his mentorship.
This past summer, Edwards worked with Cheek to write two stories that were published in the paper. Moved by his time working with Cheek, Edwards authored this poem to honor him:
I Shook His Hand
I knew him over the summer.
I shook his hand.
It was firm, tough, yet it held truth and goodwill.
It was warm without burn.
I could feel his experience through its wrinkles.
Years that begun like mine. His hand respected me.
It was non-judgmental, dedicated. Immovable. Certain.
He was a firm handshake.
Every single person he met.
The people we interviewed.
To me. It was infectious without cure.
It was genuine. It was his secret weapon.
It shattered his own intimidation.
It befriended every stranger.
His eyes creased at the corners.
Enthusiasm shown through his cheeks.
He was a welcoming smile.
He destroyed my work.
Ripped it to shreds.
Exposed its vulnerabilities. Reshaped it.
My writing was not dead.
He made it a phoenix.
Letting it be reborn, a soaring majesty.
An eternally flowing river of thoughts from him.
Endless ideas, each one better than the last.
A shape with infinite sides and colors.
A passion that will never die.
He was a pen who will never dry.
Thank you, Daniel. It appears you’ve learned a great deal from our friend, Marty.
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A Morgan Hill farm has been featured in a National Agriculture Series called “America’s Heartland,” the first nationally broadcast agricultural series of its kind in the United States. It returns for its 18th season with 10 new episodes featuring unique crops grown on diverse, locally-owned farms.
This season, “America’s Heartland” highlights FarmTECH, a farming program in the Morgan Hill Unified School District that grows hydroponic lettuce in shipping containers (see the March 20 issue – https://morganhilllife.com/2024/03/09/mhusd-nutrition).
Produced by PBS KVIE, the weekly half-hour series can be viewed on stations across the nation. The episode featuring FarmTECH (#1804) is available to stream on the PBS app. Viewers can also find it on YouTube or at americasheartland.org.
“We’re pleased to offer these new episodes to PBS viewers,” said Michael Sanford, Associate GM for Production at PBS KVIE.
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The Morgan Hill Unified School District has hired two new Assistant Superintendents: Kolvira Chheng, who will oversee Business Services, and Diana Tavares, who will oversee Human Resources. Both started Sept. 1.
MHUSD Superintendent Dr. Carmen García said she is pleased to welcome such talented, experienced administrators to the district team.
“Each will bring a focus on excellence to MHUSD in their respective areas of expertise. Each will hit the ground running ensuring we accomplish our goals seamlessly,” she said.
Chheng is a graduate of San Jose State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting, He began his career at the Santa Clara County Office of Education.
After serving there for 16 years in various roles, he moved to the Alum Rock Union Elementary School District in 2015 and was appointed as the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services in 2017.
Tavares has a 30-year track record in education as a teacher, principal, and human resources professional.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Master of Science in Administrative Leadership from California State University, East Bay. She also holds a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and an Administrative Services Credential.
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Chick-fil-A is coming to South Valley. The popular fast-food chain opened a location in Gilroy Aug. 22 at 7060 Chestnut St. It is open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The Gilroy location brings the number of Chick-fil-A restaurants in the greater Bay Area to 24, according to the company.
In addition, a location is planned for the former Marie Callender’s and Forbes Grill on Cochrane Road in north Morgan Hill. I’ve never been, but heard their chicken sandwiches taste fabulous.
