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Parents, guests star in takeover day at Hopwood
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Posted on Nov 24 2004
About 40 parents and guests shared their knowledge on various topics to students during Tuesday’s annual Parent-Guests Takeover Day at Hopwood Junior High School.
According to school counselor Patty Mendoza, the event was organized by the school’s Parents, Teachers, Students Association, in coordination with PTSA head Maggie Wonenberg, Beth Nepaial, Lino Olopai, and Rose Peterson and the assistance of school staff.
“I like it because we got to learn about their work,” said 14-year-old student Marvin Deleon. “They would tell us how they enjoy doing their job, and about things we need to do to get good jobs in the future. Also, I really enjoy it because it’s learning in a different way, and I think they should keep doing things like this.”
Guest speaker Sebastian Camacho, a local performing artist, echoed similar comments, citing the importance for other members of the community to support students and provide encouragement for future success.
“While I was growing up, there was nothing like this,” he said. “We need to try to make a difference in kids’ lives, and that is why I’m here. Kids receive discouragement everyday, even at home, and I tell them that just because they get discouraged, that doesn’t mean they should not pursue their dreams.”
Fellow speaker Josie Mikel, who presented her hobby of sewing, said sharing her knowledge with the students will result in nothing but positive results.
“I came to present my hobby and share a little about my knowledge and what I do during my free time,” she said. “I learned how to sew since I was in elementary, and if it can make a difference in their lives, my time here is worth it.”
Social studies teacher Felisa Brel expressed her appreciation to all visiting participants, saying that sharing experiences is “very helpful for the students because its something different from what they learn in classes everyday.”
“It is an opportunity for the students to learn something aside from what a parent can share [and] what they learn from regular classes,” she said.a
