Pomona's Village Academy students, faculty recognized

POMONA - Students along with faculty and staff at Village Academy High School were recognized this week at the meeting of the Pomona Unified School District board of education for their work and efforts that drew presidential attention to the campus, the district and the city.

The students in Michael Steinman's advanced placement English class produced a video called "Is Anyone Listening?" in which they talk about the current economic climate and its impact on their families' lives and their own concerns the crisis may keep them from pursuing a college education.

Students wanted the video to reach President Barack Obama. Earlier this month, the president made mention of it in his first major address on education.

The students, who had drawn attention through the video, were placed in the spotlight after the president's speech.

Last week. when the president visited the Edison International Vehicle Electronics Plant, a short distance from Village Academy, he took a few minutes to visit with the students.

"The president's visit was a gift to all of us, and I want to thank you for bringing that gift," Superintendent Thelma Melendez de Santa Ana said at the meeting.

Students, faculty and staff received certificates of recognition from the school district and a representative of the board of directors of the YMCA of Pomona Valley presented them with one year memberships.