The Black Student Union (BSU) from Righetti, St. Joseph’s, and Pioneer Valley high schools collaborated recently with the NAACP of the Lompoc/Santa Maria branch for a black history celebration at Allan Hancock College.
The theme was A Century of Black Commemorations marking the 100th anniversary of the first black history week. Judge Denise Hippach was the keynote speaker, selected for her distinction as the first Black judge of the Santa Barbara Superior Court.
Students said they found the program engaging.
“It was inspiring to hear Judge Hippach’s story and how she persevered to the position she is in now,” said Joellen Augustt, BSU vice president at Pioneer Valley High.
“She overcame college life even when her parents could not fund her education,” said Gabriel Dillon, BSU president at St. Joseph High. “That showed me how one can still succeed when the odds are against them.”
Teachers described the uniting of the BSUs from the high schools as outstanding.
“Our students’ participation in this event is yet another example in a long list of examples of how they are caring and selfless individuals, dedicated to the betterment of their community and the world around them,” said Chris Harmon, BSU advisor at Pioneer Valley.
“I’m deeply proud of how our local BSUs have banded together to serve our community on multiple occasions,” said Ajani Edwards, BSU advisor, Righetti High School.
Teachers described the uniting of the BSUs from the high schools as outstanding.
“Our students’ participation in this event is yet another example in a long list of examples of how they are caring and selfless individuals, dedicated to the betterment of their community and the world around them,” said Chris Harmon, BSU Advisor, Pioneer Valley High.
“I’m deeply proud of how our local BSUs have banded together to serve our community on multiple occasions,” said Ajani Edwards, BSU Advisor, Righetti High School. “Because of this union, our Black History Month event was powerful, meaningful and unforgettable.”
“The entire St. Joseph High School community has been thrilled to see our newly formed Black Student Union dedicated to both outreach on campus and with our greater Santa Maria community,” said Samantha Santana Pule, St. Joseph High School activities director.
“The Black Student Union has been working tirelessly this Black History Month from a joint fundraiser with Righetti and Pioneer Valley’s BSUs through Raising Cane’s, on-campus bake sales, and their highlighting of African-American athletes, innovators, and leaders during our daily video announcements,” she said. “We are excited to continue to see their endeavors both on and off the SJHS campus.”