Liberty High Alums Honored

Since it's opening in 1901, Liberty High School has seen a lot of graduates pass through its doors. Many of those students have gone on to make a difference in their community. Wanting to find a way to bring attention to those students the district started a program called the "Grads of Distinction". Each year former graduates of the high school are honored with an awards lunch and a tour of the schools within the district. Last week three new grads were honored.

"It is really was something," said Manuel Vilchez a 1949 graduate of Liberty High School. "We really got the royal treatment. I felt very honored to be chosen."
Each of the former graduates were honored for different accomplishments they reached through out their life. Vilchez was recognized for his public service activities to the community.

As a lifelong member of the Brentwood community, Vilchez has seen a lot of changes to the community, but he was amazed to walk through the doors of Liberty High School for the first time in years. "I was taken a back," he said. "The campuses are so large now. When I attended there were 39 in my graduating class. Now there is something like 2,000."

Honored along with Vilchez, were two other graduates. Nancy (Gemetti) DeGuire, PharmD, class of 1982, was recognized in the area of Education and Rick Mello, class of 1976, was recognized in the area of Business. Vilchez and DeGuire both attended the daylong ceremony, but Mello was unable to attend due to a family emergency.

"I am proud and humbled to be honored among so many of our district graduates whose notable credits may not be widely known or recognized, but who distinguish themselves and help their communities in many ways," DeGuire said. "I appreciate being nominated for this honor. Being recognized by those I have the privilege to serve is perhaps the greatest gift I have been given."

DeGuire has worked for the University of the Pacific in Stockton for 18 years. Currently she holds the position of director of the Postgraduate Professional Education at the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at the college. After leaving Liberty, DeGuire went on to attend college at the University of the Pacific and received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

She remembers her time at Liberty High School fondly saying that the education and mentorship she received from the faculty, students and staff was exceptional. "They saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself, and their confidence and support paved the road to my future. I believe we are, as children and young adults, parented by all adults who take the time to be involved in our lives," she said.

Although DeGuire commutes to work in Stockton every day, she is still a resident of East County. Likewise, Vilchez has never left the area.

"I've been very fortunate," Vilchez said. "I lived across the street from my grammar school for eight years, I lived half a block from the high school for four years and then I was able to walk a block away to go to work for 39 years."

Vilchez worked for the Brentwood Post Office for 39 years. After graduating from Liberty he went to college and then served in the Navy and Marines seeing action in Korea. When he came home from the service he went to work for the Post Office as a clerk, mail carrier and then the Post Master. He retired in 1992.

Over his lifetime Vilchez volunteered for the Lion's Club, was a charter member of the Marine Corps League, the American Legion and worked on Brentwood's Planning Commission. Recently he has been working on the American Cancer Society fundraisers.

Mello, who was unavailable for comment, went to Utah State University in 1980 where he received his Bachelor of Science, Journalism. He has spent 27 year working in intercollegiate athletics and is currently serving as the Associate Commissioner, Sports Administration and Championships Sun Belt Conference. Additionally, he is a member of the NCAA Division One Championship Cabinet and president of the Humane Society of Greater Miami. He has worked to provide private funding and implement new sports programs in several colleges and universities.

During the day the honorees were presented with several awards and certificates from different dignitaries and organizations. Their names will also be presented in a place of honor at the High School.