Mayor's Gala and ESFY's

So Friday marked the annual Mayor's Gala and Esperanza Scholarship Foundation event. The theme for this year's event was an "Academy Awards."

Just like any awards show, you're on the look out for who is filling the seats.

Well I was doing that Friday night when I was in attendance at the annual gala held in the Chaffey Auditorium.

The who's who in education showed up for the annual scholarship event. From the California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Jack O'Connell, to San Bernardino Supervisor Gary Ovitt, Congressman Joe Baca. Let's not forget Mayor Paul Leon and councilmembers Debra Dorst-Porada and Sheila Mautz who were also among the 800 in attendance.

This year there were 49 scholars that were receiving scholarships.

Prior to the event I ran into Ontario High School Band Director Dave Berry. He told me he was attending his first scholarship awards event because his drum corps were among the performers.

Gabe Chavez, president of the scholarship said the format of the event has completely changed in an effort to draw more recognition to students talents.

For more than two hours, students from Ontario high school band to the Chaffey theater department showcased their talents on the stage.

The student's performances even impressed O'Connell who said, "This is exactly why we need to keep funding the arts in public education system."

The mission of the Esperanza Scholarship Foundation is to assist high school seniors who want to attend college but need financial assistance, Chavez said.

The gala also honored Herb & Cheryl Fischer.