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SINCE 1889 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CXXXV, NO. I
THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2024
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Paso Robles commemorates D-Day with inaugural Sherman’s Legacy Flight
Two passengers of Sherman’s Legacy Flight pose next to Betsy’s Biscuit Bomber on June 6 at the Estrella Warbirds Museum in Paso Robles. Photo by Derek Luff
Over 400 students graduated from Paso Robles High School at the War Memorial Stadium on Friday, June 7. Photo by Daniel Kulaguz/PRP
Paso Robles High School celebrates Class of 2024 graduation Superintendent Curt Dubost delivers final address as over 400 students embark on new journeys By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
PASO ROBLES — Over 400 students walked into their next phase in life at War Memorial Stadium for the Friday, June 7, Paso Robles High School (PRHS) graduation. The milestone was marked by a series of recognitions highlighting the achievements and aspirations
of the Class of 2024. Paso Robles Joint Unified School District (PRJUSD) Superintendent Curt Dubost welcomed the graduates. “In this, my final public address as a school administrator after 45 years,” Dubost began. “I have the opportunity to speak to you both as your superintendent and as a grandparent of a student.” Dubost went on to speak to the students about love, marriage, having their own children — by whatever definition that means to them. “Life is not always easy, and
Trustees adopt resolutions supporting by-trustee election despite concerns
Four trustee seats will be up for election this November By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
PASO ROBLES — The upcoming November elections were discussed at the Tuesday night, June 11, Paso Robles Joint Unified School District (PRJUSD) board meeting. Due to the California Voting Rights Act, the district has had to make the move from an at-large voting system to a by-trustee area election. In 2019, the district received a demand letter that alleged the district of violating the California Voting Rights Act. This prompted the Board of Trustees to move forward to transitioning to a by-trustee area election. However, the COVID pandemic delayed the process due to the need for updated census data to develop the trustee districts. Eventually, a map was approved in June 2021. The district map is required to be adjusted following every census data collection, next would be around 2030. The district is continuing to transition all the seats on the board to the by-trustee area election.
The 2022 General Election saw the election of the following trustees: • Trustee Area 1: Jim Cogan • Trustee Area 2: Joel Peterson • Trustee Area 4: Sondra Williams • Partial Term (At Large): Laurene McCoy The Nov. 5 General Election will see the following on the ballot: • Trustee Area 3 • Trustee Area 5 • Trustee Area 6 • Trustee Area 7 Current trustees whose term expires and will be up for election this year include: • Nathan Williams • Laurene McCoy • Dorian Baker • Kenney Enney All four were elected when the district used the at-large method for elections. Enney issued concern over using the by-trustee method: “My concern is that you get these little areas and I think you are limiting the number of people that can run.” His concern was echoed by other trustees and Superintendent Curt Dubost. Peterson agreed, “It’s hugely problematic. I agree with you.” CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
AGRICULTURE
trying to make it alone makes it nearly impossible,” said Dubost. He also spoke to the students about substance abuse and warned them to steer away from them as he experienced alcoholism himself and has remained sober for 17 years. “If you need help, please get it before you waste time and health unneccessarily,” he added. “Dont ever lie to yourself.” Dubost also encouraged the students to attend college and take advantage of the opportunities available to them at Cuesta College. “I fear this generation has left
you a bit of a mess, but dont lose faith on our democracy. Dont lose faith in the United States of America,” he said. “Be kind, be a good friend, be a good mom or dad, and above all be a good American. Our country needs you.” Jennifer Loftus, who will be stepping in as PRJUSD superintendent following Dubost’s retirement in July, also shared a few words for the graduates. “As you now move beyond high school, your teachers want nothing more than to ensure their belief in you, travels with CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
Local veterans enjoy special flight honoring Sherman Smoot’s legacy and the bravery of all veterans By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
PASO ROBLES — Thursday, June 6, marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day — when United States military and other allies landed on the beaches of Normandy in France and led to the liberation of France from the Nazis, which served as a turning point in World War II. This year also marked the first Sherman’s Legacy Flight, a commemorative event dedicated to celebrating the life and legacy of Sherman Smoot. The flight is in partnership with Honor Flight Central Coast (Honor Flight). Smoot was a devoted supporter of the
nonprofit, which is dedicated to honoring veterans by providing them with an opportunity to visit memorials in Washington, D.C., free of charge. This annual tradition, set to take place every year on the anniversary of D-Day, honors Sherman’s memory and the bravery of all veterans. In September 2022, Smoot lost his life in a plane accident in Kern County. He was born into an aviation family in San Luis Obispo on July 29, 1948. His father pioneered the aerial pipeline patrol industry in California. Adding to his aviation destiny, Smoot was initially raised on the original Paso Robles airport. He then entered the aviation industry for himself in 1971 when he entered flight school in Pensacola, earning his wings the following year. Smoot excelled as a Navy aviator, piloting F-4Js from the USS Ranger Aircraft CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
Newly graduated students toss their mortarboards in the air at the end of the Templeton High School graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 6. Photos by Matt Macfarlane
Eagles soar into next chapter at Class of 2024 graduation Nearly 200 students receive diplomas in memorable ceremony featuring flyover and heartfelt speeches By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
TEMPLETON — Templeton High School celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2024 on Thursday, June 6, at Volunteer Stadium. The event was marked by nearly 200 students receiving their diplomas from the Templeton Unified School
NORTH COUNTY NEWS
District (TUSD) Board of Trustees. The ceremony began with a rendition of the national anthem by the Wallace brothers. A highlight of the event was the flyover tribute by the Estrella Warbird Museum, adding a memorable touch to the celebrations. Templeton High School Principal Jessica Lloyd welcomed students and their families in the crowd on Thursday night. “As we gather to honor the achievements of our seniors, I am filled with immense pride and admiration for each one of these young adults. They have reached a significant milestone,” said Lloyd.
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She continued by thanking family, friends, and the community for supporting the students throughout their educational careers. Lloyd then recognized some THS employees who were also graduating into retirement: Coach Phil James, Matt Macfarlane, Chris Hildebrand, and Cindy Deazer. She again addressed the graduates sitting on the stage: “I hope you look back fondly on your time at Templeton High School and your years in Templeton Unified School District. More importantly, my hope is that CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
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