Three well-known gentlemen will be added to the Firebaugh High School Wall of Honor at a gala dinner/auction on Nov. 5.
Ramon Guerra, Ron Leyva and the late Gilbert Coelho are the 2022 honorees.
“Our 2022 inductees have been chosen for their contributions of service to the Firebaugh schools,” said dinner chairman Patti Tashjian. “These new inductees share in the important foundation being laid during our educational years and our alumni would like to say, ‘We appreciate you.’”
Guerra was selected for his enthusiasm and his well-known public address announcing duties.
“When the games were over, Mr. Guerra reminded the kids of their highlights and stats on the field and encouraged them to go for more and that they are part of Firebaugh’s best.”
Guerra has been involved in sports not only as an announcer, but also a youth coach, baseball umpire, and baseball club booster president.
“He has been instilling values in the kids of Firebaugh since 1968 when he began assisting Dan Street in various sports areas. His passion for the kids and community of Firebaugh continues to this day,” said Tashjian.
Guerra attended Dos Palos High School before enlisting in the United States Navy.
Like Guerra, Leyva also attended Dos Palos High and was involved heavily in youth sports. But he is best known as a school bus driver who also served as a trainer and supervisor.
“Students remember Mr. Leyva for his love and compassion that he showed to each of them,” said Tashjian. “Their safety was first and foremost and the alumni recall many memory-making field trips that he was a part of. They also remember him giving his time unselfishly, providing help, a listening ear, and giving encouraging advice to anyone who needed it.”
Coelho was selected for his unending dedication to the community, the students, and the staff of the Firebaugh school district.
“His work as a school board member and his support for the FFA and caring for the school’s almond trees and always cheering them on at all the sporting events made the students feel special,” said Tashjian. “They remember him always being accessible for whatever they might need, and alumni felt that needed to be recognized.”
The trio will be added to the Wall that already lists 24 educators, coaches, and community volunteers.
The Nov. 5 dinner/auction will take place at the Ramada North in Fresno. It will start at 5 p.m. with the induction ceremony taking place at 6. Besides the dinner and auction, there will be a raffle for a 24×20 autographed picture of Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen
For more information, contact Tashjian at 559-360-5348 or Tracy Kreigbaum at 559-908-5234.
