ThePower

ofPomona

isPeople

Sergio showed me the power of applying your personal best

Army Specialist Sergio Gudino was a lifelong resident of Pomona. In high school, he was a straight-A student and lettered in football, wrestling, and track and field. Both of my sons played on teams with Sergio and counted him as a friend. As a football parent, I remember Sergio was a humble young man who could dominate in his position on offensive line. He was an example of good sportsmanship. Off the field, Sergio was a solid A student even though he was in sports year-round. This takes a tremendous amount of work and dedication. When Sergio graduated from high school, he joined the military. Sadly, Sergio was killed Christmas Day 2005 in Iraq while serving his country. With the challenges that students face today, I think it is important for them to to be inspired by people like Sergio who strove to do their personal best — and amazed us with they accomplished.