Marsha Waggoner: Local schools helped create that success story
Re “Sicily in a Starbucks – Modesto writer gets 12 minutes, 28 seconds of fame” (Front page, Dec. 12): The s article on Dante Cipponeri was another positive view of our community’s successful educational systems. I love how our young people find success in the world. I was privileged to teach Dante at Perkins Elementary School before he went on to Salida Middle School and Modesto High. Each school’s staff can take some small credit for Dante’s success.
In this season of giving, it is important to reflect on what each of us can give to make this world better. Dante was given the support of a wonderful family, teachers who cared and nurtured him, and a community rich in opportunities to explore his creativity. He developed his own strong work ethic. Yes, it is coincidence that he was in the right place at the right time to be “discovered” by James Corden. But he was prepared. There are many such examples. Along with Salida, the Sylvan and Stanislaus School Districts have produced success stories that include: George Lucas, Jeremy Renner, Jeremy Stolle, Mallory Mitchell and others. They and others followed their dreams and found success.
Marsha Waggoner, Modesto
This story was originally published December 15, 2016 at 4:51 PM with the headline "Marsha Waggoner: Local schools helped create that success story."