The California State Legislature
honors
Cherie and the Exceeding Expectations Kids
September 28, 2006
What a great day for Cherie and the kids! State Senators Tom Torlakson (D-Antioch) and Nell Soto (D-Pomona) came to San Bernardino to present them with Senate resolutions and certificates acknowledging a program that made a real and significant difference in the lives of a handful of wonderful and deserving young people. Senator Torlakson is Chairman of the California Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness.
* * *
The ceremony was held at the Cypress Elementary School,
where it all started six years ago.
The whole school turned out for the
festivities,
which were graced with the presence
of several community leaders.
The race trailer is pulled into position.
Coach Cherie briefs the troops before the program.
"This isn't some race
where it's okay to be rowdy.
You have to represent!"
Isi Ibarra: "Whatever you say, Coach!"
Cherie with Cypress principal David Delgado and
Exceeding Expectations co-founder
(and Cypress teacher) Jacque Irons
Jose Lopez greets the guests and hands out programs.
San Bernardino School District
communications director Linda Hill
Cherie with California State Senator Tom Torlakson (D-Antioch).
The kids make it a point to introduce themselves to
California State Senator Nell Soto (D-Pomona).
A little last minute program planning.
Los tres amigos: Diego Ramirez, Nicholas Samano
and Ricardo Orozco.
How do you keep a bunch of bored and restless kids amused
until the program starts?
Nik Keller does it with a little card magic.
Principal Delgado kicks it off.
But he forgets to do the Pledge of Allegiance,
and whispers to Nik to cover for him.
Nik steps up and makes it happen.
...and then gives a riveting and heart-warming speech
of his own,
"What Exceeding Expectations Has Meant To Me."
"Say...didn't Nik used to be a student right here at Cypress?"
Cherie takes over.
Senator Tom Torlakson asks,
"How many of you have a dream worth pursuing?"
"We do!"
"I've been a high school track coach for thirty-five years!"
Senator Nell Soto puts her own spin on
setting goals and working hard to achieve them.
A special presentation to Exceeding Expectations
co-founder
and Cypress teacher Jacque Irons
Then some high praise for the guest of honor,
Exceeding Expectations founder Cherie.
"The Senate of the State of California has
proclaimed
a resolution honoring you..."
Cherie grabs the microphone from the senators to
heap high praise on Jacque Irons, "Miss Cindy" Haigler and
others who have worked hard to ensure that
Exceeding Expectations makes a real difference
in the lives of these kids.
Jacque and Cindy.
The proud coach.
Emilio
Holguin, Willie Barrios and Jose Lopez are
"The Originals,"
current team members who were with
the program from the very first day.
They make a special presentation to
Senator Torlakson.
You can't buy these anywhere...
...not even eBay.
All thirty-five Exceeding Expectations
members in
attendance
received commendations from both
the California State Senate and Senator Torlakson's
California Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness.
A splendid time was had by all!
* * *
If you're interested in the wording on Cherie's Senate
resolution.
here it is:
