Celebrating Inclusive Leadership and Community Empowerment

In a heartfelt farewell, Dr. Lisa Norton, the esteemed Dean of the College of Education and Health Sciences at Touro University California, was honored by her colleagues and elected officials. Her tenure was marked by a steadfast commitment to inclusive leadership, collaborative partnerships, and a relentless pursuit of education, health, and social justice. Meanwhile, the Vallejo High School Class of 1974 reunited on the pickleball courts, reminiscing their tennis championship days and preparing for their 50th reunion. Amidst these celebrations, the Support For Actively Rising Youth (SFARY) nonprofit proudly announced its plan to send a delegation of outstanding young leaders to the National Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Association's annual conference in Washington, D.C., empowering them to serve their community more effectively.

Empowering Youth, Strengthening Communities

Honoring a Legacy of Inclusive Leadership

Dr. Lisa Norton's tenure as the Dean of the College of Education and Health Sciences at Touro University California was marked by her unwavering commitment to inclusive leadership and collaborative partnerships. Her colleagues and elected officials recently gathered to celebrate her distinguished career and the positive impact she had on the institution and the community it serves.During her time as Dean, Dr. Norton fostered an environment of inclusivity, ensuring that diverse perspectives and voices were heard and valued. Her collaborative approach to decision-making and problem-solving enabled her to build strong partnerships with various stakeholders, including fellow faculty members, community organizations, and local government officials.Dr. Norton's dedication to education, health, and social justice was evident in her leadership. She championed initiatives that addressed the needs of underserved populations, working tirelessly to improve access to quality education and healthcare. Her visionary approach and tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on the institution and the lives of those she has touched.

Reuniting and Reminiscing: The Vallejo High School Class of 1974

The Vallejo High School Class of 1974 recently gathered on the renovated GVRD courts at 401 Amador Street to rekindle their old tennis championship years by playing pickleball. This reunion was a testament to the enduring bonds and shared experiences that have kept this class connected over the decades.As they took to the courts, the classmates reminisced about their glory days, recounting the thrilling matches and the camaraderie that defined their time as student-athletes. The pickleball games provided a fun and nostalgic backdrop for the class to reconnect, share stories, and reminisce about the memories they had forged during their high school years.The Vallejo High School Class of 1974 is now gearing up for their 50th reunion, scheduled for August 17th. This milestone event will be an opportunity for the class to celebrate their achievements, rekindle old friendships, and create new memories that will carry them forward into the next chapter of their lives.

Empowering Youth Through National CERT Conference

The Support For Actively Rising Youth (SFARY), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering underserved urban youth, is proud to announce its plan to send a delegation of outstanding young leaders to the National Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Association's annual conference in Washington, D.C., scheduled for July 21-26.The selected group of students from the Robbin Mackbee Firefighter/EMS Youth Academy (FYA) will represent Vallejo at this national event, which will provide them with an exceptional opportunity to gain advanced training in disaster preparedness and emergency response. This training will enhance their skills and enable them to serve their community more effectively.SFARY's mission to nurture a resilient community by educating its youth in public safety and emergency preparedness finds a significant milestone in participating in this national conference. The event not only recognizes the hard work and dedication of these young individuals but also provides them with invaluable educational experiences and training that they will bring back and implement within their own communities in Vallejo.The delegation will participate in workshops and training sessions covering various aspects of disaster response, including hands-on simulations and classroom-based instruction. Several youth will attend training that will qualify them to teach the CERT curriculum to their schools and their community, further amplifying the impact of this initiative.Furthermore, the National CERT Association is a relatively new organization that is actively seeking ways to engage and empower youth. The student/cadets will have the chance to learn and share experiences with other CERT program leaders from across the country, expanding their perspectives and building nationwide networks that will benefit their local communities.This opportunity represents a significant milestone for SFARY and the young leaders it serves. By empowering these individuals with advanced training and national exposure, the organization is paving the way for a more resilient and prepared Vallejo community, where the youth are equipped to respond to emergencies and lead their peers in times of crisis.