Acknowledgments

Highlighting the people and organizations who helped make this book a reality, this also includes the first in a series of "Fun Facts": 'Stanislaus County's Connection to California Schools,' which details the unique connection of John Gage Marvin, California's first superintendent of public instruction, to Lakewood Elementary in Modesto. # # # Original work by Joseph Burton Vasché under the direction of Margaret L. Annear, superintendent of Stanislaus County Schools, in 1941. Reprinted in 1950. Revised by Peggy Mensinger of the Stanislaus County Historical Society, Heidi Warner of the Citizen’s Cultural Center Committee, and Gertrude Vasché of the Stanislaus County Department of Education in 1971. Updated by Harry Bakker, Barbara McCullough, Marsha Zellman, Nanette Olson, and V. Ruth Smith for the Stanislaus County Department of Education in cooperation with eleven local school districts in 1981. Expanded upon by Keith Highiet and David Seymour of the McHenry Museum & Historical Society in 2023. Special thanks to Dr. Jeffrey Buechler of Merced College, news journalist Elias Funez, McHenry Museum volunteer Marco Moreno, and professor Cecilia Hudelson of Modesto Junior College. Reviewed by Jose Marquez and Charles Taylor of the Stanislaus County Office of Education. Additional contributions were added by student reviewer Hunter Highiet (age 9). Edited by Lois Belt, Janet Lancaster (1935–2024), and Kristen Santos. Revised by Keith Highiet and David Seymour of the McHenry Museum & Historical Society in 2025 to meet California FAIR Education Act of 2012 requirements. Substantial printing support provided by the Mary Stuart Rogers Foundation. Significant contributions were also received from Ann M. Veneman, Beard Land Improvement Company, GALLO Giving Program, Piccinini Pesco Family Fund, and other community members.