Merced Union High School District

There were smiles, laughter and a sense of pride filling the gymnasium at Atwater High School on Tuesday during the third annual MUHSD Salute to Service Luncheon. Seventy-four students from across the District who are either enlisting in the military or attending a service academy were the guests of honor at the event which was attended by local dignitaries, community members, family, educators, active service members and veterans.

 

MUHSD is one of just three school districts in the state that hosts an event like this which celebrates students who have chosen to join the military out of high school. The 74 students was the biggest group of enlistees in the three years MUHSD has held the event. 

 

“It is our responsibility to honor our students’ commitment to serve,” said MUHSD Superintendent Alan Peterson. “We celebrate academic and athletic achievement all the time. It’s important that service to our country gets acknowledged and appreciated at a singular event, just for them and their families.”

 

El Capitan High senior Nestor Martinez attended the luncheon with his family and was grateful for the recognition. “It’s pretty cool,” Martinez said. “There’s finally something for us, promoting us and showing that it’s pretty cool that you’re going into the military.”

Merced High School counselor Regina Cherf, who is a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, suggested that MUHSD helped start the luncheon and it has now become an impactful District event each year. “I watch the parents, the pride on their face, the tears in their eyes,” Peterson said. “I listen to the conversations at the table, community members, leaders, veterans all sit at a table with one student and their families. Stories are told, advice is sought, it’s what makes it such a special event.  It has a personal touch, it’s my favorite event of the year.”

 

As Cherf addressed the crowd, she told the students and families that they are seated alongside active duty service members, veterans, military parents, educators, community leaders who are here to offer support, encouragement and connections. “Our goal today is simple but meaningful: to build community and remind these future service members and their family that they are not alone on this journey,” Cherf said.

 

Cherf’s son, US Air Force Major DJ “Hankr” Cherf, was the program speaker for the event this year and talked to the future military service members about discovering why they want to serve. He talked about the challenges of basic training. “Is it easy? No. Is it fun? Sometimes,” he said. “It’s very difficult and once you start learning about it, you have options to leave, so why are you still wanting to serve? Sometimes that’s the same decision you wanted to go into.”

 

Cherf listed many of the reasons people enlist in the military including training, becoming physically fit, career development and financial stability. He said discovering your why can help you continue on your path to a career in the military.

 

Golden Valley High senior Adrian Hermoso has known for awhile he’s wanted to join the Navy. He has two older brothers serving in the Navy. “They love it,” Hermoso said. “It’s nice they get to travel. I’ve always known I wanted to go into the Navy but my senior year I knew for sure.”

 

The enlistees for each branch of the military were called up to the stage one-by-one. The Navy had the largest group with 35 students. The Marines followed with 14, the National Guard had 12, the Army had nine and the Air Force had two students. Merced High’s Brett Parker (Merchant Marines) and Atwater’s Johnna Quezada also received special recognition for being accepted to service academies.

Quezada underwent a year-long process to apply for West Point. She’ll attend the West Point Prep School next fall. She had to pass physical and medical tests. Her application was judged on her academics as well as her extra curricular activities.

 

“I’ve honestly wanted to go to West Point since I was 11 years old,” Quezada said. “It didn’t become a reality until I got into high school when I started applying to West Point. I love the culture that service academies breed and the type of environment they have. The academics pull me in as well as just like the challenge of balancing a bunch of things at once. It also provides that structure.”

 

What was her reaction when she found out she was accepted? “I cried,” she said. “I found out right after an FFA competition at the State Finals. I got a call from my Regional Admissions Officer and he told me, ‘You’re in.” I immediately called my mom and told her. I cried for like two hours.”

 

Quezada said it was special watching so many students celebrated for their decision to enlist in the military. “I think people overlook the commitment it takes to go into the military,” Quezada said. “You’re literally giving your life away to serve our country. I think it’s really nice that all these kids get recognition, even if it is for just a little bit. It’s an honor that they are serving our country.”

Shawn Jansen is the MUHSD Program Manager Digital Media. He can be reached at Sjansen@muhsd.org.