Community Impact: SEF brings sweet music to students
San Gabriel schools were good to us, so in return, I feel the need to continue to support such a wonderful organization that helps shape the young minds of San Gabriel.
1. Why do you support SEF?
Dena Dragoo, Wilson Elementary School Teacher and SGTA President
I grew up in the city of San Gabriel and our family owned a home on Willard Avenue for more than 40 years. This community is extremely near and dear to my heart and always will be.
I can remember roller skating through the halls of Wilson Elementary and playing softball with my team at Sunnyslope on Broadway. So many of my friends have fond memories of this city and continue to do so.
Many times, I am asked by SG alumni if I can swing by an elementary school and pick up a couple school t-shirts for old time sake. San Gabriel schools were good to us, so in return, I feel the need to continue to support such a wonderful organization that helps shape the young minds of San Gabriel.
2. In your opinion, what is the One Thing that SEF does that enriches students lives?
The San Gabriel Educational Foundation provides opportunities for our students that may not have ever been possible. School assemblies can cost upwards of $1,000 and are a luxury that not all public schools can afford to maintain. School sites do not have the expendable cash to fund these assemblies and this is one area that often gets ignored. Therefore, I am always grateful when SEF schedules an assembly for our students.
Over the years, SEF has brought many amazing assemblies to our schools and has enriched our student’s lives. I can especially recall one assembly that was hugely entertaining and enjoyable for all.
SEF had arranged for a barbershop quartet to come to all of our elementary schools. I remember seeing firsthand the smiles on the children’s faces when the singers were performing. This was also greatly beneficial because after each song they taught the students about four-part harmony and the meaning of singing Capella. I think most students and faculty would agree that a good time was had by all!
