Hall of Fame 2009

  

 Alex Solano 

Class of 1950

Alex Solano... Patriot

Alejo "Alex" Solano shares his thoughts:  I was born December 5, 1931, in Mexicali, Mexico. My family came to California shortly thereafter as migrant workers and traveled around California and finally settled in Watsonville in June, 1941. I started school at eight years of age which wasn't too uncommon because many of the children helped the families in agricultural work. I started first grade at Pajaro Elementary. In sixth grade and later the eighth grade, Ann Matiasevich (Soldo) was my teacher. While in the eighth grade, since I had driving experience after driving trucks in the field, Miss Matiasevich asked me to drive Principal Mrs. Delaney's car to the District Office once a month to pick up the teachers' checks.  She had a lot of faith in me and that has continued through my whole life. She was a wonderful teacher and encouraged education as a key to our future.

 

I entered Watsonville High School in my freshman year and continued through my senior year to graduation in 1952. At Watsonville High I had many very good teachers who encouraged us to finish school to get a good education because it would help us through our adult life. I did have FFA (Future Farmers of America) classes where we learned how to raise and care for animals and farming. We had an agriculture field near the high school dedicated to this class. We also had woodworking, metal shop, and auto mechanics which taught us skills that might lead to a career in those fields or help in general with our adult life.

 

While in my junior year seven students and I wanted to join the service during the Korean War. The Boys' Counselor, Bud Decker, was in the Air Force Reserve at the time. He advised us to finish our education and graduate since that would give us a better opportunity to serve and advance in the military. It would also help us find better jobs before starting our families. We listened to him and the day after our graduation in 1952 we were on a bus and on our way to military service and boot camp. I served in the U.S. Air Force while still being a citizen of Mexico. President Eisenhower, who had served as a General in the military, declared all military personnel should be American citizens. While in Metz, France, I became a Naturalized Citizen of the United States. I served four years active duty as a Crew Chief on jet aircrafts and then served four years Reserved Duty.

 

After returning home from the service, I drove tractor for a Watsonville farmer and shortly thereafter was offered a job at a service station. I became manager of the station and in 1958, I met Patricia Gospodnetich who was born and raised in Watsonville. In September, 1959, we were married in Reno, Nevada. This year we will celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary.

 

In August, 1960, our first child was born and I was offered a job as a commercial refrigeration mechanic. The boss asked if I had any experience in that field and I told him I didn’t but I was willing to work hard to learn. I worked in that field for 41 years and retired in 2001. While working there I was elected to serve as a Trustee for the Pajaro Valley School Board. I served for eight years and enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to serve our students and families.

 

My wife and I began our volunteer service to the schools when our first child, GeriAnne, entered the first year of the Head Start program in 1964 at Hall Elementary School. We continued to be active in the schools as our family increased to five children.  Each of our children went through our local school system. Our children were encouraged to be active in school and the community. They have continued service to this day. Today many of my grandchildren attend our local schools. I have 13 grandchildren, some of which have graduated and some will be graduating this year and some in the years to come.

 

I was honored to have a school named for me; Solano Summit Academy though after three years because of a budget deficit, the school was closed.

 

My life has been in this Pajaro Valley and I firmly believe that a good education is vital for a better life not only for the students but for their families and community as well.  Better jobs will be available to you and more knowledge can only make a better life in this community or wherever you choose to live.

 

Today, at age 77, I can say my education in our local schools and in the Air Force have taught me skills that have come to help me daily in my work and in my life in general. Education is the key to your future, a better future.

 

Mr. Solano's service to the community consists of:

 

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