Several letters arrived overnight to the editor. By the middle of the next day, 20 letters to the editor had been sent to the Tehachapi News.
Christine Peterson, editor of this paper and the Bakersfield Californian, is used to receiving letters, but not as many and not as quickly. She noticed that some writers submitted multiple letters covering a variety of local topics.
The letter promoted several businesses in Tehachapi, thanked police, doctors and nurses, and shared information about cycling events and activities.
A letter from student Natalia Semerenko provided a clue as to the origin of this unusual collection.
“Heritage Oak School is a welcoming and safe place where students can learn and grow in their studies and faith,” she wrote. “With the Knights’ motto, students will know God’s Word, develop godly character, influence the world with the gospel, increase knowledge and wisdom, honor God and others, think clearly with discernment, We strive to serve others. HOS teachers love and care for their students and encourage them to participate in music, drama, and other clubs. Come join us at this beautiful school and enjoy God and your classmates. Let us welcome you.”
Laura Kepler, a teacher at the school, confirmed that students participated in competitions between schools and that writing letters to the editor was part of the school's program.
Principal Amy Walker said that as part of Heritage Oak's house system, students are encouraged to get involved in their local community and church through volunteer hours. They are also encouraged to take steps to become better leaders through a variety of methods, including staying informed about current events.
“Writing letters to the editor is a way to practice your editor's logic and rhetorical skills by expressing your thoughts about events happening in our community,” Walker said.
The school's website says the house system is a traditional feature of many boarding schools in the UK. Students were assigned “dormitories” and activities and competitions with other dorms were organized to foster friendships and leadership.
Classical Christian schools in America, including Heritage Oak School in Tehachapi, use the house system for similar reasons.
Heritage Oak's house system is designed to promote the school's goals and school-wide learner outcomes for all graduates through four pillars: autonomy, leadership, honor, school spirit, and community service. The mansions are named after Christian “knights” including Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Jonathan Edwards, Eric Liddell, and William Wilberforce.
Kepler said the Wilberforce family won this year's contest.
some characters
In addition to Natalia Semerenko, students who submitted letters to the editor of the Tehachapi News included Fawn Ferguson, Summer Ferguson, Benjamin Langshaw, Alena Salazar, Zachary Semerenko, and Brogan Trapp. Ta.
Some of their letters are below.
Fawn Ferguson: As a student at Heritage Oak School, I had a strange experience with the sport. Our team is so small that we don't get a place as a team in many of the races we enter. This is because the positions of the top five racers are typically summed to arrive at the team score. For our small school team, this is a problem. Because last season, there were about five male runners total. This meant that the stars had to align perfectly for all the men on the team to make the multi-hour journey. too early in the morning) to compete. I would be lying if I said that it stopped me from enjoying sports. The love I have for my team and the close-knit community that supports me cannot be replaced by a high-tech gym or specialized equipment. My hope is that Tehachapi will foster an ecosystem for youth running and competition beyond the twice-yearly 5K. I love Tehachapi and all the “countries” I “cross” there. There is a huge treasure trove of untapped athletes that will continue to emerge if given the chance. Don't waste this rich resource.
Summer Ferguson: As a young girl, my family and I consider safety to be one of our top priorities. The Tehachapi Police Department made us feel safe. Whether I'm taking a walk or just hanging out in the park, my family and I will be safe and continue to live our best lives with the peace of mind that Tehachapi Police will be there if something happens. can do. Another department that keeps us safe is the fire department and ambulance. Fire trucks and ambulances both respond quickly and are prepared for any situation, giving your whole family peace of mind knowing that no matter what the situation is, it will be dealt with appropriately. All of this is to say a huge thank you to all the police officers and all the men and women who work to keep our city safe and operational.
Benjamin Langshaw: I'm not sure how much is known about this, but Tehachapi will host the Southern California Mountain Bike Championships on May 11-12, 2024. I believe that qualification for a student-athlete was for him to participate in at least two races and place in the top 30. I know of at least three student-athletes who have qualified. I am also one of them. It would also be great to have a regular sports column reporting on the performance of each Tehachapi student-athlete team. (His letter was submitted before last weekend's event).
Alena Salazar: Dear nurses and doctors, I would like to take a moment to thank you for your hard work and dedication throughout Tehachapi. You are an unforgettable person in our lives. Your reassuring words will ease the tension of the patient. Tehachapi doctors and nurses are always humble and put others before themselves. Thank you for being such a valuable and positive influence on our lives. Thank you very much for your continued patronage every year. Tehachapi doctors and nurses are available to answer all your questions and help you feel more at ease about your condition. These doctors are extraordinary human beings who show great care and consideration to their patients. Please continue to bring light and blessing to others through your profession.
Zachary Semerenko: Our small town of Tehachapi is home to countless donut shops. But one company that stands out and has persisted is Carlos Donuts. Whether you're looking for donuts or a breakfast burrito, stop by Carlos'. Open every morning, the shop offers a variety of donuts, from tiny donut holes to giant bear claws and cinnamon rolls. It's also a great place to get donuts for the whole group, and the staff makes it easy for you to choose what you want. All are very affordable. Carlos is also very kind, always smiling and helping customers. Their donuts are top notch and taste delicious, giving people exactly what they want in the morning. Overall, I highly recommend Carlos' Donuts to anyone who wants to start their morning with a delicious donut and a cup of coffee.
Brogan Trap: Over the past few months, BK Theater has become a second home to me. Not only the people in charge but also my fellow actors were very kind. As a 9th grader at HOS, my love of theater is evident in each of the actors, the actions on stage, and the staff working from the box office to the lighting in the tech booth. We highly encourage you to apply for a position at BK Theater or audition for an upcoming play. As William Shakespeare wisely said, “All the world is a stage.” Therefore, take your time and find your place on the real stage.
— Claudia Elliott