Grand Opening of Alpha: Blanca Alvarado Middle School
By Martha Sessums
The power of education showed strong and clear at the ribbon cutting ceremony at Alpha: Blanca Alvarado Middle School last week, October 5th. By the time Blanca Alvarado, the school’s namesake and local leader who served on the San Jose City Council and the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, cut the opening ribbon, the students of the new school and the attendees of parents and supporters were pumped.
Blanca Alvarado cuts opening ribbon.
There were standing ovations, cheers from the students and tears rolling down cheeks as stories were told of the determination to learn and the power it can bring. This enthusiasm became a rally for the courage, determination and hard work required to succeed in school and graduate from college. As Ms. Alvarado said, “It is important to lead productive lives.”
Not once was technology mentioned. It didn’t need to be. Just showing up at school is a matter of choice for students, and the Alpha kids want to be there. So do their parents. Their teachers, the administration and the community want them to show up too.
Computers are a powerful tool. The empowerment of education Ms. Alvarado and others talked about comes from the commitment to not only learn the lessons on the screen, but also learn from pages of books and listen to leaders and each other. Technology becomes a partner to help learn faster, deepen understanding and explore. Inspiration comes from that team standing by each student, encouraging them to succeed.
“Have faith in trying and you can accomplish what you want,” spoke Elizabeth Plancarte, an Alpha student presenter.
The inspiration that day downloaded faster than any Internet connection.