Around Town . . . with Robert Airoldi: Gilroy Elks-sponsored girl takes third place in national free throw contest
Girl’s lucky charm is her Curry Shoes
The Edward Boss Prado Foundation gave $25K to Gav’s nursing program.
Photo courtesy
Gavilan College
By Robert Airoldi
Robert Airoldi
A big congratulations goes out to Audrina (also known as Drina or Shorty) Salinas who came home from Chicago with a third-place trophy for the girls in the 8- and 9-year-old category in the National Hoop Shoot competition that took place April 22.
Salinas was welcomed home by the Gilroy Elks Lodge members May 31 who honored her for her accomplishments. She represented the Gilroy Lodge and the California West Central District.
Her adventure began at the Elks Lodge contest in Gilroy where she sank 19 out of 25 free throws. She advanced to the district contest in Santa Clara where she again made 19 out of 25. From there she went to the state contest in Modesto where she made 43 out of 50. Then she went to the regionals where she made 17 out of 25.
In Chicago, she made 22 out of 25 free throws. For the shoot off she made 4 out of 5 shots.
Her lucky charm is her Curry Shoes, which certainly came in handy in the competitions.
In an effort to bridge the nursing shortage, the Edward Boss Prado Foundation has committed $25K to Gavilan College’s nursing program to cover fees for completing a degree for at least five students.
“We have a great need for nurses, and we have a great need in our most disadvantaged communities for good paying jobs for our young people,” said Executive Director Cecelia Ponzini. “We have the solution right here in our backyard with Gavilan College’s nursing program. It is gratifying to know five students will not have to worry about fees or program costs, and will transform their lives, and that of their families.”
Ponzini and the Edward Boss Prado Foundation are a cornerstone in South County communities, said Gavilan Superintendent/President Dr. Pedro Avila.
“The organization helps the most underserved families with dignity and supports other non-profits in our area,” he said. “With this donation, the Edward Boss Prado Foundation is making a commitment to economic sustainability, and we are grateful.”
Throughout the months of June and July, Santa Clara County Library District libraries will be hosting an exciting and enriching lineup of programs for children, teens, and adults as part of their free Summer Reading Program. Participants can look forward to performers, arts & crafts, book clubs, speakers, and more.
“According to the California State Library, Summer Reading programs can help children develop skills in art, science, math, technology, and literacy, which helps to maintain what students learned through the school year,” said County Librarian Jennifer Weeks.
It is easy to get started. Library patrons can preregister on Beanstack. Make sure to log books read and activities completed. Find Your Voice is free and fun for all ages.
We got word from Sunday Minnich, organizer of the Morgan Hill Mushroom Music Benefit that more than 500 people purchased tickets.
“We were very happy with the turnout and received numerous accolades from people who attended saying what a great event it was,” she said.
They are already working with the Morgan Hill Police Department, their new security company and the Morgan Hill City Council on next year’s Morgan Hill Mushroom Festival, May 24-25, 2024.
“The MHPD and city council are committed to working with us to ensure Morgan Hill continues our 43-year tradition of providing a great festival and to support our educational donations for scholarships, mini grants to elementary and middle schools and donations to youth sports, school groups and clubs and other nonprofits,” she said.
Money raised will provide 23 scholarships.
Sunday, we are looking forward to next year!
