The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley was founded in 1949, and is “one of the oldest in the area by far,” said Chamber President/CEO John Blanchard. The Chamber Member of the Month recipient serves more than “3,000 students in the Santa Clara River Valley every day. They have a wonderful staff,” including Executive Director Doug Caldwell and Marketing/Special Events Coordinator Barbara Kroon, and “we’re lucky to have her,” noted Blanchard.He noted that the club is also fortunate to have Board President Mike Mobley, “Mr. Volunteer in this town... he doesn’t know when to stop,” and has been heavily involved and/or led fundraisers such as the Rotary Club Pumpkin Patch and American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. “Mike is an amazing Santa Paulan and we’re lucky to have him,” said Blanchard.“We’re really proud of this organization, and with Doug at the top” and Kroon outstanding handling special events and marketing, “we’re really going places,” said Mobley. “We have a great board and we’re finally hitting on all cylinders,” now that the organization has hired a new executive director after more than a year of not having a leader. Club finances remain a concern, and Mobley noted that support is always appreciated.John Macik/Santa Paula Chevrolet provides the monthly Chamber award plaques.
Legendary SPHS teacher, Boys & Girls Club lauded by Chamber
February 15, 2008
Santa Paula News
A legendary high school teacher and the organization that offers a “Positive Place for Kids” were honored by the Chamber of Commerce during February’s Good Morning Santa Paula.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesA legendary high school teacher and the organization that offers a “Positive Place for Kids” were honored by the Chamber of Commerce during February’s Good Morning Santa Paula. Limoneira Co./John Chamberlain hosted the Chamber-sponsored event held at Logsdon’s at the Santa Paula Airport.Principal Paul Marietti said that teacher Paul Royle, the Educator of the Month, has “been giving service to Santa Paula High School for decades; he’s been a wonderful teacher and coach,” as well as advisor to numerous campus clubs. Royle has been recognized by his peers, as well as by his students that represent generations of Santa Paula children. He has further distinguished himself by doing “everything to fit into every facet of the school, and we thank him for his service.”“A lot of you I know,” as the teacher of their children, said Royle after he received the award from GMSP Moderator Ben Schuck. “It’s also a pleasure to be recognized by the community... it’s my 36th year at Santa Paula High School. It’s been a great career,” especially since his two children were “born and raised in Santa Paula” and attended the high school.“I believe strongly in this community, and we’re big boosters,” a stance that Royle said encompasses the business community. Royle stresses to his senior economics students the “importance of buying locally” and its benefits to the community. “I brought my truck in Santa Paula,” he noted.
