Hemet High School hosted a college symposium on Monday night, from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Ron Murray Performing Arts Complex. Students, parents and community members showed up with over 400 people to hear English teacher Melissa Smith, who organized the event, introduce US Representative Raul Ruiz, M.D., University of California-Riverside Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox, and RIMS AVID Directory Miceal Kelly.
The evening started off with the audience being entertained by the always enjoyable Hemet High School Jazz Band. They played multiple numbers and some older classics while everyone was seated and guest arrive. The HHS Jr. Air Force ROTC Color Guard then presented the colors as the band played the National Anthem.
An introduction and welcome were given by Mallory Marcus and her father, who performed a dance of their ancestors of the Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians to welcome everyone to an event. Mrs. Smith then introduced the guests of honor. Congressman Ruiz spoke of his up-bringing and life as it was for him in the Cochella valley where he grew up, worked hard, was creative and had a vision for himself, and then set out to accomplish what he knew he could do. He spoke of how he dressed in the only suit he had, borrowed a briefcase and went business mans doors to present them with a contract stating that if they would invest in him, he would, in turn, return to the community and invest in it. He is now fulfilling his part of that contract from so many years ago.
The rest of the panel was then introduced and responded to questions that were prepared. All three gentlemen took their time, related their findings and stories to the audience who listened.
Mrs. Smith was extremely proud of the turnout for this evening. This was a big deal, for Hemet High to get a sitting congressman, a UC Chancellor, and an AVID Director to visit our campus and tell their story’s of perseverance and inspiration. Many of the students showed up for the extra credit given by Mrs. Smith and Mr. Plinski also. But in the end, it wasn’t about that credit for the students, it was a chance to get some great information, and, perhaps, some great inspiration to see just what their dreams can be, and where it can take them.
Following the discussion, the audience got the chance to visit with the guests, snap photo’s, and then were treated to root beer floats along with meeting representatives from UCR, Cal State University San Marcos, Mt. San Jacinto College, The University of Redlands, Cal Poly Pamona and others that were set up in the Bulldog Plaza. Mrs. Kemp was available at the NCAA table to answer questions as well as financial aid information. Many other school officials and students were available to answer high school planning, financial aid and more.
This was the first college symposium and definitely should not be the last. The information and inspiration will be greatly appreciated by all in attendance.