When we are young, Disney movies teach us that a hero is a fictional character who rescues the damsel in distress. When we are older, life teaches us that a real hero could be your neighbor, your classmate, your son or your daughter—an average person faced with personal obstacles.
With strength, hard work and determination, these average people conquer adversity and become every day heroes.
The Hero of the Week Program honors these everyday heroes and has been doing so since it was founded ten years ago by the City of Santa Clarita’s Anti-Gang Task Force and Mad About Rising Crime (M.A.R.C.). This year 31 students from local junior and senior high schools were selected by teachers, counselors and principles for showing leadership qualities and overcoming obstacles in their lives. Nathan Crookstone, an honoree from Placerita Junior High School, stated that the program, “Honors kids who have gone through some pretty bad things. These kids have made me realize that there are a lot of good people in the world, a lot of heroes.”
Juana Diaz, a Hero of the Week honoree from Canyon High School, was diagnosed with cancer two years ago. She explains, “With cancer comes a whole different life. Sometimes it is more challenging, but you just have to find ways to make it work.”
Donna Manfredi and Cheryl Hanks nominated Juana because, “She is an extremely dedicated student who does not let obstacles stop her.”
Ann Johnson nominated Ashlee Bahr from Rio Norte Junior High School for her contagious smile and effervescent personality despite a life-changing stroke that has paralyzed half of her body. Another student from Bowman High School, Cristina Morgan, has been abused physically, emotionally, and mentally, but overcame it all due in part to her motto: “Label me as strength, as my strength unlabels my weaknesses.” Cristina’s inspirational motto seems to be a belief of all the students in the program.
The Hero of the Week Program culminated in a year-end recognition ceremony in late April with 130 people in attendance. The thirty-one honorees were recognized by local dignitaries including Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich, Assemblyman Cameron Smyth, Senator George Runner, California Senator Tom McClintock, United States Congressman Howard “Buck” McKeon and local businesses. McKeon remarked, “These students have faced serious obstacles, and in some cases, faltered in the face of adversity. However, none of these students gave up. Their hard work and determination have earned them the title of hero in our community.”