As the 24’-25’ school year ends, our young HP Spartans are devastated to have been notified that our Senior Class is the last class to have the support and encouragement of GEAR UP. GEAR UP has been at our school for the past 5 years, and even at the local Gage Middle School for 2 years. Their sole purpose was to inform and advise students about college and career, and the preparations for colleges.
They also assisted our college center in keeping students on track to graduate with all their A-G courses completed. The GEAR UP office is located in the 100s Building/Main Building, and consists of their 3 key members, Ms. Ball, Ms. Sanchez, Ms. Alviso. In the following years, GEAR UP will be highly missed, it will definitely leave an everlasting impact on our school and it’s students.
Our Spartan nation is wondering, Why is GEAR UP leaving after being with HP for almost a decade? GEAR UP had always been a government grant to HP and GMS (Gage Middle School). Although they had extreme success, with a 7-year contract, 2025 was known to be the final year for them to aid with the much needed help of college preparation, and career exploration.
The main person in charge of GEAR UP is Ms. Daisy Alviso, with some words to express her connection and emotions with GEAR UP and our community,
”I am filled with so many emotions, a mix of gratitude, pride, and sadness, as the GEAR UP program comes to an end with your class. Watching all of you grow, dream, and rise over the past 5 years, and some 7 years, has been the honor of a lifetime. Though it’s heartbreaking to say goodbye to all of you, the students, the families, the school staff, and a program that meant so much to me, I truly believe the impact will live on in each of you and for that, I will always be grateful.”
GEAR UP has had an everlasting impact on the students’ lives as well. A certain group of students, class of 2025, have had the support of GEAR UP ever since middle school. Personally, they have made a huge change in my high school life because they became a group of people that I could always count on for academic, college, and even emotional support.
Cristian Romero, “ It feels like a part of me is dying. When I walk across that stage, all I will remember is the help I got from these wonderful people, all the good memories. The reason why I want to further my education at LATTC is because of them, and without them I wouldn’t be in the place I am in today.”
Written by: Patrick Elyass, Staff Writer