skip to main content
Contact
  
Search
 
Altrusa and SMHS back button

Altrusa of the Central Coast will help Santa Maria High School Chicano/Latino Studies students “Pay It Forward” in a positive youth program.

The non-profit organization will deliver three dozen copies of the book “Pay It Forward Youth Edition” and another book called “Always Running” to the Saints between 10:25 a.m. and 11:25 a.m. on Friday, January 19th.

“Pay It Forward” is about a movement started by a young student who wanted to change the world for the better by performing three favors for a stranger and seeking nothing in return. “Always Running” is a story about a young Chicano student who gives a personal account of the downfalls of gangs and drugs and how he rose above them.

“All students should have the opportunity to learn about themselves and others,’’ said Chicano/Latino Studies Teacher Ricardo Valencia, adding he’s very excited about the partnership. “When students can see themselves in what they read, it inspires them to be proud of who they are and see their connection to humanity as a whole. Thank you, Altrusa, for making this learning opportunity possible!’’

Altrusa and WonHeart started the Pay It Forward Campaign last year by buying Youth Edition books for three English classes at Battles Elementary School. They also have partnered on many events to help improve the quality of life and literacy.

Valencia, who heard about the outreach and requested the literature for his students, said he and his students are very excited about the new partnership.

“We look forward to checking back and interviewing both the teacher and some students regarding their thoughts on the books and if anything changed within themselves,’’ said Altrusa Secretary Joelyn Lutz.

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY: The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District is committed to ensuring equal, fair, and meaningful access to employment and education services. The SMJUHSD does not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis and/or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics of age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, ethnic group identifications, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital, family or parental status, medical condition, military or veteran status, nationality, national origin, immigration status, political affiliation, pregnancy and related conditions, race, religion, retaliation, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by California state and federal nondiscrimination laws respectively. Not all bases of discrimination will apply to both education services and employment. If you believe you have been subjected to discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying, immediately contact the District’s Discrimination, Equity and Title IX Compliance Officer Mr. Kevin R. Platt at 2560 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria, CA 93455, (805) 922-4573 or kplatt@smjuhsd.org. You may request a copy of SMJUHSD’s Uniform Complaint Procedures, Non-Discrimination Policies, Sexual Harassment Policies or click here.