Look for Francisco's story on Sunday
As most of you regular readers know, Daily Breeze education reporter Vu Nguyen died suddenly last month at 34 years old.
At the time, Vu had interviewed a young Lennox man for what we call a "Sunday package," a longer read for the Sunday paper.
It focused on Francisco Hernandez, a Lennox Mathematics, Science and Technology Academy student. Francisco has been through quite a bit in his 18 years, including the recent death of his mother.
But somehow with the aid of those around him, he has worked his way into college. That's all I'm giving away.
Vu, I'm told, was quite moved by Francisco's story. Unfortunately, he never got to tell it.
My editors asked me to take it over. Apparently, Vu had not begun to write it, so I started from scratch. Francisco understood the circumstances, but was apprehensive about a second interview. It wasn't easy for him.
We sat down for more than two hours a couple weeks ago. I had no idea what he was going to tell me. It was a pretty amazing tale.
I went to Francisco's graduation Friday, watched him give a speech and finished writing the story.
It's a change of pace for what I normally do around here. It has absolutely nothing to do with crime. I'm glad I was chosen to write it. Francisco is someone I will always remember.
Look for it Sunday.
At the time, Vu had interviewed a young Lennox man for what we call a "Sunday package," a longer read for the Sunday paper.
It focused on Francisco Hernandez, a Lennox Mathematics, Science and Technology Academy student. Francisco has been through quite a bit in his 18 years, including the recent death of his mother.
But somehow with the aid of those around him, he has worked his way into college. That's all I'm giving away.
Vu, I'm told, was quite moved by Francisco's story. Unfortunately, he never got to tell it.
My editors asked me to take it over. Apparently, Vu had not begun to write it, so I started from scratch. Francisco understood the circumstances, but was apprehensive about a second interview. It wasn't easy for him.
We sat down for more than two hours a couple weeks ago. I had no idea what he was going to tell me. It was a pretty amazing tale.
I went to Francisco's graduation Friday, watched him give a speech and finished writing the story.
It's a change of pace for what I normally do around here. It has absolutely nothing to do with crime. I'm glad I was chosen to write it. Francisco is someone I will always remember.
Look for it Sunday.
About the Blogger
Larry Altman has covered crime in the South Bay since 1990. He's seen it all - the missing model who turned up dead in the desert, the wives found dead in trunks, the high-school coaches who get a little too close to their players. He drives his young colleagues nuts with his "I remember when" stories. He welcomes your tips and observations about the present, and you can mix in a little Lakers basketball talk if you like.
E-mail Larry at larry.altman@dailybreeze.com.
ADVERTISEMENT
|
|
ADVERTISEMENT
|
|
Leave a comment