April 2020 

       by: Sree Sowmya Gudapati, a junior at Rocklin High School 
 

    “Freedom is never more than one generation from extinction.” This quote by Ronald Reagan shines light on the importance of the three-part mission of Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge; To Educate about American rights and responsibilities, Honor acts of civic virtue, and Challenge all to get involved. This mission was summed up perfectly by key-note speaker John McGinness February 29 at the annual Awards Banquet  in the Timber Creek Ballroom.  A record attendance of over 300 gathered to honor local heroes in the Sacramento area. 

    The awards honored local heroes, upstanding members of society that changed the world for the better in ways both big and small. From worldwide non-profit organizations to being an outstanding member of the community. Local Hero Awards were presented to Bob Bryce for his volunteer service in the community and Diane Nichols from her Kindred Spirits Fawn Rescue Program. The prized George Washington Honor medals were presented to Donna Eckwortzel and Karen Wilkes. Donna runs the Hearts Landing Ranch program which restores and rejuvenates the lives of both children and horses and Karen founded the Days for Girls program, which has helped the lives of hundreds of girls around the world. These heroes were honored alongside Ryan Peterson from Hiram Johnson High School who was awarded the teacher of the year award.

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by: Sidney Fife, a junior at Inspire Charter Academy
 

    Over its many years Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge has worked with countless teachers in accomplishing amazing things for students. This year was the first time the Sacramento Chapter of Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge has recognized one of these great teachers.

        The Sacramento Chapter named Ryan Peterson its first Teacher of the Year at their awards banquet on February 29th. Ryan is a 20 year veteran of the Air Force, and currently teaches Air Force Junior ROTC at Hiram Johnson High School in Sacramento, CA. 

    Ryan loves teaching and working with the students at Hiram W. Johnson. He has also been the school’s coach for Varsity Women’s soccer, Varsity men’s and Women’s Golf teams for the past four years. One of his students, Dorothy Jimenez, said, “He is really dedicated to his students, he goes out of his way to help any student in need whether they are ROTC related or not, such as our soccer team”.  Ryan thrives as a teacher and is always helping and encouraging his students
to reach their full potentials.

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In this time of national crisis arising from the COVID-19 pandemic many individuals and organizations are experiencing unprecedented conditions.  In order to comply with the restrictions placed on social interaction we have postponed our annual golf tournament until Oct. 23. This postponement of our major fund-raising event of the year has put us in need of additional funding.  Please consider making a donation to support us in our mission. Thank you.