At the end of National Charter Schools Week, the San Diego Padres Baseball Team recognized charter schools’ contribution to education at their May 6, 2011 game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park in downtown San Diego.

“In January I learned of this special event, and the opportunity for a charter school color guard to present the colors,” advised Sally Klein, Principal of the School for Integrated Academics and Technologies (SIATech) at the San Diego Job Corps Center. “I thought it would be an amazing experience for our students and our center,” she added, “and it certainly was!”

“I’ve only been in our color guard for 2 months”, stated San Diego Job Corps Homeland Security trade cadet, Maria Sandoval, “so I was a little nervous marching out on the field with so many people watching, but our instructor, Ray Hondl had prepared us well, and it was a good feeling representing Job Corps and hearing all the applause.”  Ms. Sandoval has completed Job Corps’ Office Administration trade, earned her GED, and will be obtaining her High School Diploma at Job Corps in the near future. “I am planning on working for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after graduation,” she stated.

Job Corps student, Oliver Garces, color guard captain, has completed the Homeland Security trade and is also studying for his High School Diploma. He plans on continuing his education, enrolling in college and eventually become a Border Patrol Agent.  “Maybe I felt a little more pressure than my fellow color guard members,” he stated.  “I am the leader of the group, was calling out commands, and also carrying the American flag. It was a proud moment for all of us, especially when they announced we were from Job Corps.”

Later Sandoval and Garces joined nearly 40 other Job Corps students, and 80 Job Corps staff members, family, and friends who attended the game. “Other students were congratulating us when we sat down,” Mr. Garces stated, “and it felt really good.  Most of us had never been to the stadium, or had seen the Padres play, so it was a lot of fun. The Padres even won,” he added with a smile.