Public-safety specialists honored at football game

— Earlene Ward

Yosemite High School held special ceremonies at last Friday night’s football game to Honor America. There were special activities between the junior varsity and varsity games and at half-time of the varsity game.

Local emergency services personnel were honored at half-time. Representatives of the Madera County Sheriff’s Department, Madera County Probation Department, California Highway Patrol, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection-Madera County Fire and the U.S. Forest Service joined each other on the field for a brief ceremony.

Following a moment of silence, they each lit another person’s candle.

Other observances included the singing of “The Star Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America,” accompanied by the Yosemite High School band.

Balloons were released into the evening sky in memory of those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks September 11.

The event was organized by Jerry and Linda Robison and Bob Collins, all teachers at YHS.

All YHS football players wore a patriotic arm-band for Friday night’s game against the Roosevelt Rough Riders.

Prior to kick-off, the YHS seniors crossed the field to the Roosevelt side and Roosevelt’s seniors joined the YHS players in a show of unity.

The announcer commented that at this time in our country’s history, we are not Badgers or Rough Riders, but we are all Americans.

Children of YHS staff members participated in the event to Honor America. Caleb Collins, 9, carried the American flag, followed by his brother, JoshuaCollins, 7, and Chase Shaw, 7. They are the children of YHS teachers Bob Collins and Kevin Shaw.

Madera County Sheriff’s Deputy Roy Broomfield (who is assigned to the YHS campus) lights candles with California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Engineer Orlando Vigil and Captain Keith Jacobs.

Chase Shaw shakes hands with California Highway Patrol officers to thank them for the work they do to protect the citizens of the area. The CHP officers are Bill Beltz and Dave Huskey.