Editor, Ceres Courier,

On behalf of Ceres High School, the students and staff, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who made the Every 15 Minutes program possible. In order for this program to be successful, it takes school personnel, district personnel, and community personnel working together.

Special thanks go to the Every 15 Minutes Committee for their tireless time and work on this event: Felicia Beard, Kim Chapman, Shellie Coutrakis, Kathi Foster, Ashleigh Gabryshak, Dave Johnson, Susan Borges). Thanks also goes to Eric Parson of the California Highway Patrol , the California Office of Traffic Safety, American Medical Response, Mercy Air, Memorial Medical Center and personnel, the Ceres Department of Public Safety - including Sgt. Chris Perry, Captain Sonny Snyder, Captain Dan Foster and Officer Pat Dayton - and all fire and police personnel who volunteer for this event. Thanks also goes to the Ceres Police Department chaplains, the Stanislaus County Coroner's Office, Lakewood Memorial Park and Funeral Home, the city of Ceres, Ceres Police Explorers and Volunteers, Starlight Video, Sounds in Motion DJ, Darrell Long, Ceres Lions Club, Ceres Pro Tow, CUSD Foundation, and Diamond Bar Arena - Shane Parson.

The businesses that donated food are: American Custom Meats, American Recycling, Chilli's - Turlock ,Ciao Bella Estates, Donut Factory, Donut Town, Donut Delite, Embroidery Plus, Food-4-Less, KM Enterprises, Kentucky Fried Chicken on Hatch and on Whitmore, Little Caesar's Pizza, McDonalds on Hatch and on Herndon, Producers Dairy Foods, Inc., S&S Tack, and Walmart.

Special thanks also go to the CUSD personnel who moved bleachers, translated, donated the bus for transportation, donated custodial time, and much more. Thank you to Dr. Siegel, Mr. Fabela, and the Blaker Kinser staff and principal.

I would like to personally thank the Ceres High School staff. Special thanks to Principal Linda Stubbs, for your support of this program. Without our staff support, it would not be possible. We, the committee, believe in this program wholeheartedly because if it saves one life, it is worthwhile.

Last, but not least, I would like to thank the students and parents who participated in this program. It is an emotional two days for everyone, but especially for the students and their parents.

Thanks again everyone and I apologize if I missed anyone.It really does take a village to accomplish a task this big for our students.

Linda Cooper,
Activity Director,
Ceres High School

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