David Rodriguez: Going the extra mile for Planada’s students

Graduation is a special and joyous event celebrated by students and their families; in Planada it’s no exception. Congratulations to the eighth-grade class of Ceasar E. Chavez Middle School. A heartfelt thank you goes to our keynote speaker Daniel Diaz from McFarland.

Diaz is an original runner on the cross country team that won the state championship in 1987 and was depicted in the movie, McFarland USA. Diaz’s speech had everyone glued to their seats, especially the graduates, since the entire student body of the Planada School District had the opportunity to see the movie when it premiered in Merced.

Diaz’s belief in God, family and education had a strong, resonating effect and will no doubt stay in the minds of the students. He said you cannot change everything, but you can change your attitude on how you view everything. Thank you, Danny Diaz, for going the extra mile for our students. Thank you to our superintendent, administrators, classified staff, board members and our great teachers. We are family here in Planada.

This story was originally published June 17, 2015 at 12:17 PM with the headline "David Rodriguez: Going the extra mile for Planada’s students."