SMJUHSD Celebrates Military Signees

May 17, 2022

More than 50 Santa Maria Joint Union High School seniors will soon join Uncle Sam.

Seniors from Righetti, Santa Maria, Pioneer Valley, and Delta High Schools plan to celebrate joining the military at 4 p.m. on May 20th inside the Santa Maria Vets Hall on Tunnell Street. Their parents, recruiters and local vets will join them.

The future service members have committed to serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. Teacher Dutch Van Patten believes the recognition is long overdue.

“Athletes and graduates are celebrated with signings and ceremonies and these young people should be too,’’ Van Patten said. “Realistically, these kids are signing full rides. They are all making a good choice. This is a positive thing. A special thank you to Gina’s Piece of Cake at the Town Center Mall for providing the event’s cakes at cost.’’

The celebration started at RHS in 2017, but quickly turned into a district-wide event.

SMJUHSD Media Contact: Public Information Officer Kenny Klein 805-709-1454 or kklein@smjuhsd.org