During first ever Antioch Salutes Ceremony

“Thank you, future servicemembers for your courage and commitment. May God bless each of you…” – Navy Commander Clinton T. Ceralde

“I challenge you…gain from your service and then come back to your communities and lead.” – Local veterans’ leader J.R. Wilson

“What you’re defending is not just the Homeland, you’re defending…the ideals that make us uniquely American.” – Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe

“…protecting one’s country and being loyal to the nation is one of the essential tenets of the religion of Islam.” – Intisar Malhi of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

By Allen D. Payton

The first ever Antioch Salutes Ceremony honoring local high school graduates who have chosen to serve our nation in the United States Armed Forces and become part of the 1% of Americans who serve in military uniform on Saturday, June 8, 2024.

The ceremony, organized by Antioch Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe, was held at Waldie Plaza in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown with the backdrop of the river. He was joined by Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson, Antioch School Board President Antonio Hernandez and Trustee Dr. Jag Lathan, as well as City Attorney Thomas L. Smith, and Delta Veterans Group President and Founder J.R. Wilson, Commander Clinton T. Ceralde, U.S. Navy, Surface Warfare Officer, Commanding Officer of the Navy Talent Acquisition Group Golden Gate, and a representative from the Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier.

The officials led a procession of the enlistees from City Hall across W. 2nd Street into Waldie Plaza. Then half-way through the park, the officials turned and stood at attention, with those who are veterans, saluting as the honorees proceeded to their seats.

The Presentation of Colors was provided by the U.S. Armed Forces Recruiting Center in Brentwood and the National Anthem was performed by Kennedy Williams of God’s Gift Dance Ministry at Genesis Church in Antioch.

A poem was then read by Izabel Eisner which included, “Today we say, ‘thank you’. Today we say, ‘congratulations.’” She was followed by the AUSD Board president who offered welcoming remarks saying, “Know that everyone here is so very proud of everything you’ve done and everything you’re going to do. Antioch will always be your home.”

J.R Wilson, a veteran, then honored the enlistees’ families and offered a Veterans’ Charge saying, “I want to express my deepest gratitude to the families who have nurtured and instilled in them a love for their country. We honor you for shaping the lives of the future patriots. We salute you.”

“These recruits…are already demonstrating exceptional commitment by choosing to serve their country by prioritizing the greater good over personal interest,” he continued. “They are joining a select group of individuals who are safeguarding safety and freedom for millions worldwide.”

“Stand tall and proud,” Wilson challenged the recent grads. “The respect and admiration for your decision are evident throughout our city. We salute you. I challenge you…go through your service, enjoy your service, gain from your service and then come back to your communities and lead. Thank you for choosing to serve. I salute you, every one of you.” He ended by saluting the enlistees who were seated in front of the audience.

Commander Ceralde addressed to “these young men and women embarking on a noble journey of service.” He shared a story that, “illustrates the spirit of service that defines our military” about a 2008 mission labeled Operation Continuing Promise” that “wasn’t about combat but compassion, cooperation and skilled professionalism.” It was a joint and international effort of various U.S. military branches and the Canadian military for humanitarian relief to Central and South American countries and Caribbean islands.

“The mission…exemplified the United States maritime strategy of building confidence and trust among nations through collective, humanitarian efforts,” Ceralde continued. “We demonstrated that wearing the uniform is about more than defense. It’s about making a difference, showing compassion and building bridges across nations.”

“To our young enlistees, as you prepare to begin your military career, remember that your service will take many forms, whether in moments of conflict or acts of peace, your contributions will leave a lasting legacy,” he stated. “Thank you, future servicemembers for your courage and commitment. May God bless each of you, our community and the United States of America.”

Hernandez-Thorpe, a Navy veteran, thanked those in attendance, shared of his experience in the military and said to the enlistees, “What you’re defending is not just the Homeland, you’re defending a set of ideas, that make us different than most countries. The ideals that make us uniquely American. So, I couldn’t be more proud of the decision you’ve made.”

Representatives from the Navy and Marines gave each of the honorees were given a special Certificate of Commendation from the mayor and a special “Thank You” for their service to the nation.

The student enlistees were then given a ceremonial oath of office administered by Commander Ceralde, which included the commitment they “will obey all orders of the President of the United States and the officers appointed over” them “according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice.” He then congratulated them as the audience applauded.

A lengthy benediction with three Muslim prayers was offered by Intisar Malhi of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community who began with “the Islamic greetings of peace of as-salamu alaykum, everyone, which means peace and blessings of Allah be upon you all.”

He offered “a prayer that Muslims are expected to offer multiple times a day” which he said in Arabic, then translated in English to, “Oh, our Lord, grant us good in this world as well as good in the world to come.”

Malhi then spoke of “doing good in this world and one of the best ways of doing that among Islamic values is service to mankind. These young men and women…are living up to one of the most noblest virtues as described in the holy Quran which urges human beings to help and serve each other and serve their communities.”

“And protecting one’s country and being loyal to the nation is one of the essential tenets of the religion of Islam,” he continued. “And when you stand up for a just cause to protect the country or to establish peace in the world, the holy Quran offers a couple other small prayers, as well,” which Malhi read in Arabic and explained in English.

About those in the audience and the community leaders he said, “We exercise our voice and become the conscience of the leaders of our country so our young men and women are protecting the innocent and fighting for peace in the world, and they do not get dragged into any conflict in the world that may be unjust or pointless.”

“So, in the end, I salute you all, the young men and women who signed up to serve their country and pray that may God be your protector and guide in your service to this country. Amen,” Malhi concluded.

The MC then said over the loudspeaker, “Congratulations and Godspeed to our newest military services members. Please give it up, give it up, give it up,” as the audience and those on the platform applauded. “It’s OK to stand and applaud,” the MC said, as people yelled, “Thank you. Thank you.”

The ceremony was followed by refreshments catered by Chef Clarice LaGrone Jackson owner of SupperJam in Antioch.

See video of ceremony on the mayor’s official Facebook page.

Jasmine Gonzales wins All Around National Champion

Train at the Josephine Guzman Youth Center in Somersville Towne Center

By Ana Walker

Three girls from the Empower Gymnastics Academy team in Antioch recently placed first in two competitions, second in one and third in another at the National Gymnastics Association (NGA) National Championships in Anaheim, CA.

Academy owners Mike and Natalie Guzman run the competitive team at the Josephine Guzman Youth Center’s (JGYC) which offers a recreational gymnastics program for girls. It is named for Mike’s mother and located inside the Somersville Towne Center in Antioch.

The Academy’s Gold and Platinum levels compete throughout California to qualify for the Western Regional Zone Championships in Reno, last month and this year they qualified for Nationals. The team competes in four events – bars, beam, floor and vault.

Three girls from the Academy’s Gold level, Jasmine Gonzales, Josette Walker and Kaira Nwamuo, competed against girls from 27 states, Puerto Rico and Canada. They received first place on the floor routine, first place on beam routine with highest score of the meet, second place on bars and third place on vault.

A post on the JGYC Gymnastics Facebook page on June 11, 2024, reads, “This weekend was a success!!! Our Gold & Platinum competed in Anaheim at NGA Nationals & absolutely rocked it!!!

Jasmine – Beam National Champion & All-Around National Champion!

Josette – Floor National Champion!

Congrats to our champions.”

In gymnastics the athletes get individual and team scores. Beam Queen award was given to Josette and Jasmine for scoring 9.7 or higher on beam (out of 10). All three girls earned the Top Three spot as an Empower Team together. In the meet there was no placement but rather Top 3 or Top 5.

Josette received floor champ and Jasmine received all around champ

The two winners have been invited to the National team camp in Tennessee which is offered only to the top 30 girls. 

To learn more, to try out for the team or visit the gym, call (925) 350-0215.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

TreVista in Antioch was recently named a 2024 “Best Assisted Living” by U.S. News and World Report. U.S. News & World Report, is the global authority in hospital rankings and consumer advice, and recently revealed its 2024 Best Senior Living. It’s the second straight year TreVista in Antioch was named to the Best of List.

U.S. News analyzed 400,000 survey responses from residents and their family members at more than 3,500 senior living communities nationwide to compile their 2024 rankings. The top-rated communities for each level of care have been rated Best Senior Living in their categories. TreVista is managed by Agemark Senior Living. Seventeen Agemark Senior Living communities were named to the U.S. News and World Report’s Best Senior Living list for 2024.

TreVista is led by Executive Director Alberto Maldonado, and features a team of exceptional leaders and caregivers. Previously owned and managed by another company, the building was purchased by current ownership, including Agemark, in 2017, and given a full-scale remodel. The community features a variety of apartment floorplans in both assisted living and memory care, beautiful common spaces, a spacious dining area, gorgeous outdoor courtyards that featured covered seating and a water feature, an in-house salon and much more. Residents of TreVista enjoy a variety of life-enriching activities, delicious chef-prepared meals and care provided by a loving and empathetic team. More than 125 residents call the community home.

To learn more about TreVista in Antioch, located at 3950 Lone Tree Way, or to schedule a tour, call (925) 470-3395 or contact us online.

Named to 2024 Cal Hospital Compare Patient Safety Honor Roll for having a strong culture of safety

By Antonia Ehlers, PR and Media Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California 

With a commitment to providing high-quality, safe patient care, Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center has been named to the Cal Hospital Compare 2024 Patient Safety Honor Roll.

The honor roll uses objective, publicly available patient safety measures to evaluate hospitals across a variety of domains, including hospital-acquired infections, adverse patient safety events, sepsis management, patient experience, and the Leapfrog Group’s Hospital Safety Grade.

This year, 72 of the state’s 306 adult, acute-care hospitals made the honor roll. Kaiser Permanente Northern California had 10 hospitals on the list – representing 14% of the hospitals recognized.

“The safety of our patients is our top priority,” said Pam Galley, senior vice president and area of Kaiser Permanente’s Diablo service area. “Our health care providers work hard to create a safe, exceptional patient-care experience.”

Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals are consistently recognized as among the country’s best for outstanding patient safety, positive care outcomes, and exceptional patient-care experiences.

“We are committed to providing excellent personalized care while keeping our patients safe from harm,” said Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center Physician in Chief Sharon Mowat, MD. “We are very grateful for our extraordinary physicians, nurses and staff members who make a difference every day.”

Hospitals on the honor roll had to meet a rigorous threshold of performance by having at least two-thirds of measure results above the 50th percentile and no measure result below the 10th percentile and/or an “A” grade in the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for the past three reporting periods.

This honor roll offers Californians a rigorously evaluated list of hospitals that have consistently demonstrated a strong culture of safety across multiple departments, according to Cal Hospital Compare.

Award for Exemplary Community Service, East County Educator Award, Spirit Award

By Juliet V. Casey, Director of Marketing, Los Medanos College

Los Medanos College (LMC) is pleased to announce the honorees of the 2024 César Chávez: Honoring a Legacy Awards Celebration. Honorees will receive recognition at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 5 in the Student Union Conference Center, 2700 E. Leland Road in Pittsburg.

This event celebrates the life of labor leader and human rights activist César Chávez and recognizes East Contra Costa County community members who follow his example of service, activism, and non-violent social change. Event details are posted at www.losmedanos.edu/chavez.

This year’s honorees:

Concepcion James, chair of United Latino Voices of Contra Costa County, earned the César Chávez Award for Exemplary Community Service, established in 1995, for her long-standing commitment to service and for demonstrating the core values modeled by César Chávez: Service to Others, Sacrifice, Help the Most Needy, Determination, Non-Violence, Acceptance of All People, Respect for Life and the Environment, Celebrating Community, Knowledge, and Innovation.

Rosa Armendáriz, interim dean of Equity & Inclusion at LMC, and Jessica Linares Boyle, Puente counselor at LMC, earned the East County Educator Award for demonstrating the qualities of César Chávez and a commitment to student success and equity, particularly for students of color and those from low-income families.

Teyoltlahui Gonzalez, a student leader from Pittsburg High School and Gabriel Perez-Cano, a student leader from LMC, earned the César Chávez Spirit Award in recognition of their efforts over the past year to affected change through advocacy and social justice.

About Los Medanos College (LMC): LMC is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District, serving the East Contra Costa County community. Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution. It offers award-winning transfer and career-technical programs support services, and diverse academic opportunities in an inclusive learning environment. With exceptional educators, innovative curriculum, growing degree and certificate offerings, and state-of-the-art facilities, the college prepares students to succeed in their educational pursuits, in the workforce, and beyond. LMC’s Pittsburg Campus is located on 120 acres bordering Antioch, with an additional education center in Brentwood.

To be honored at annual Chamber Gala March 22

Antioch, CA – Among the Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s annual award winners, Soroptimist International of Antioch was named 2023 Non-Profit of the Year. 

Soroptimist International is dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.  Soroptimist International of Antioch does much more by actively supporting the Senior Center by participating in various charitable activities. They also assist Antioch High by generously donating supplies needed for different projects. Additionally, the club has played a crucial role in providing clothing and food for homeless children at the elementary school.

Furthermore, the teddy bears provided by the club continue to bring comfort to children in crisis situations at the police department. The organization continues to provide support in various ways to help improve the lives of all residents. Their efforts play a crucial role in enhancing the well-being and quality of life for community members. Through their dedication and commitment, they strive to make a positive impact and foster a stronger, more resilient community.

Each of the winners, including the Citizens, Businesses and Youth of the Year will be honored at the Chamber’s annual Gala on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Lone Tree Golf & Event Center. Tickets are $80 each or $640 for a reserved table of 8 and can be purchased on the Chamber’s website at www.antiochchamber.com.

“They’re poets and now they know it!“

By Allen D. Payton

In a post on Facebook on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, Antioch High School offered “Congrats to the winners of the Annual AHS Poetry Contest. They’re poets and now they know it!”

The AHS Poetry Contest was open to all AHS students, and there was no set theme.  Of course, the poems had to be unique and original, but beyond that, the students were encouraged to let their creative juices flow and write about whatever stirred their souls and moved their hearts. The results were fascinating. 

The top three entries from each grade level were awarded beautiful rosette ribbons, certificates and goody bags with gift cards to Starbucks, In-N-Out Burger, and lots of Easter candies.

Freshman Class

First: Navayah Thompson

Sophomore Class

First: Shadrack Gitan Nganga

Second: Mckeyla Feliciano

Third: Sydney Hill and Julianna Fraser (tie)

Junior Class

First: Jamall Burks

Second: Eimy Garcia

Third: Samantha Gonzalez-Guzman

Senior Class

First: Alex Valladares

Second: Mariah Worrell-Osborne and Zora Musawwir (tie)

Third: Tianna Kemokai

Pam Swicegood, Antioch High School English & Creative Writing Teacher, Coordinator of the AHS Poetry Contest and Advisor for The Pantheon, AHS’s Literary Magazine, provided the following information about the contest and winners:

The winning poem from the senior class was entitled Hateful Prometheus, by Alex Valladares. In Greek Mythology, Prometheus was one of the Titans, birthed from clay and given the strengths and abilities of the gods. Prometheus loved mankind, and when he saw they were struggling on earth, he stole fire from the Gods and gave it to man. This angered Zeus, who punished Prometheus and took his revenge on humans, giving them all the negative aspects of life. In Alex’s poem, Zeus’ punishment presents itself in the form of critical, manipulative parents who lack compassion, bark orders to their children, and fail to be a guiding light or nurture their children’s joys or success. Thus, making Prometheus hateful toward his creator.

The winning poem from the junior class was entitled The Unknown, by Jamall Burks.  This poem is a beautiful, poignant ballad dedicated to the late Malik El-Ameen, a former AHS student who was shot last year by his father. Jamall was Malik’s best friend. 

The winning poem from the sophomore class was entitled Navigating High School, from Shadrack Nganga, a new student who recently moved to Antioch from Kenya. In his poem, Shadrack writes about the struggles of feeling out of place in a new country surrounded by strangers and trying to fit in.  Though at first he felt judged and criticized, wanting to hide and keep himself small, he eventually found new friends who showed him kindness and acceptance. His poem encourages others to embrace their uniqueness and face their fears, because in time, they’ll “find their song.”

The winning poem from the freshman class was entitled Happy Black History!, by Navayah Thompson. In her poem, Navayah acknowledges the history of pain and injustice from slavery’s chains to civil rights, celebrating the triumphs and struggles of those who came before her and honoring their journey.

The subjects of other winning poems were varied and beautiful; about dewdrops and disco balls, romance and unrequited love, friendship and betrayal, and wanting to have it all. One was written from the point of view of a character in a book she read in her junior English class.  Another celebrated the experience of dancing the “Mama Candelaria” at a street carnival with all the beautiful costumes, the “Morenos”, and the lively rhythms and upbeat music in her home country of Peru.

All in all, the annual AHS Poetry Contest was a huge success and showcased some of the many outstanding students we are fortunate to have at Antioch High School.

By Marie West, Head Cheer Coach, Park Middle School

Congratulations to the Park Middle School Cheerleaders for winning first place at the Rockstar-Justice League National Cheer and Dance Competition in Sacramento on Saturday, March 16, 2024. Over 50 teams participated in the national competition. Over 50 teams participated in the competition, one of six different cheerleading and dance events held across the country.

This is the first official cheer team at Park Middle School and the first middle school in Antioch Unified School District history to compete at a national cheer competition.

Way to make your school and AUSD proud! Go Spartans!