Students honor longtime labor leader
By Saria Kraft
kraft@theacorn.com

MICHAEL COONS/Moorpark Acorn HONORING CHAVEZ--Junior Kerry Berns, 16, discusses Cesar Chavez during a class presentation from the Spanish 3 Honors class at Moorpark High School Tuesday. Students took turns presenting small excerpts from the life of Chavez.

Against all odds, Cesar Estrada Chavez (1927-1993) made something out of nothing.

The life of the labor leader who did so much for those who had so little was explored Tuesday at Moorpark High School.

About two dozen Spanish 3 Honors students performed "Cesar Chavez Biography LIVE" for less advanced Spanish classes, English language learners and Mesa Verde Middle School students.

The one-hour event, replete with 1960s folk music, student created Power Point presentations and other visual materials, was performed in Spanish throughout the day in the Education Building.

Despite technical glitches, audiences were respectful of their fellow students. Most sat silently as performers recalled the values, commitment and tenacity of the leader who organized the first national association of farm workers in 1962.

"We have high expectations of them," said instructor Ana Cuevas, who coordinated the event. "The way to achieve those expectations is by providing role models. I firmly believe that.

"No matter what you teach students, they learn better from their peers."

Many of the performers were surprised at what they learned.

"I thought that Cesar Chavez just helped the Latinos," said sophomore Julie Bien. "I didn’t know he helped African Americans, Asians and other minorities.

"When he was young, prejudices in school were difficult to overcome," Bien added. "He was made fun of because he was not an American."

"The most he ever earned was $5,000 a year," said Troy Jasso, who delivered the introductory and closing speeches of the event.

In one presentation, sophomore Lauren Petersen portrayed Chavez’ colleague, Dolores Huerta.

"She was his loyal and trusted advisor," Petersen said. "She helped him form the union and went on strike with him.

"Cesar Chavez has the coolest birthday," Petersen added. "It’s my birthday, and they should make it a national holiday."

Sophomore Caitlin Smith and junior Kerry Burns paid tribute to the final chapter of Chavez’ life. In a "Regis and Kelly" segment, Smith interviewed Arturo S. Rodriguez (Burns), who succeeded Chavez as union president in 1993.

For the United Farm Workers biography of Chavez, a chronology of events in his lifetime and related links, visit www.lasculturas.com/aa/bio.