The family of the late David J. Sanchez, father of CTA Vice President David A. Sanchez, gathered in Santa Maria June 24 along with many community members and dignitaries for the dedication of a new elementary school named in his honor.
Widely known as a "teacher of teachers," the elder Sanchez was the kind of teacher who understood that he had to reach the hearts of students before he could reach their minds.
He spent 23 years of his life inspiring students in various ways. He was professor of education at Cal Poly, head of the university's ethnic studies department, director of Head Start for San Luis Obispo County and special education teacher in the Lucia Mar School District.
Sanchez also helped more than 1,500 people become citizens.
Many of the students he inspired have come back to Santa Maria to teach, according to one dignitary. One of them is Olivia Bolanos, who will be serving as principal of the school. Many of the children the school will serve speak limited English just as she did as a child, she told the Santa Maria Times, "but they and their parents know education is the key to success, just like Mr. Sanchez professed."