On July 12, 2012, former “Los Nietos School” alumnus, Willie C. Gordon, was invited by the Los Nietos School Board of Trustees to attend the School Board Meeting to be recognized and thanked formally for his financial contributions towards the creation of a 40-IPAD Cart for the students at the Los Nietos Middle School. Joining Mr. Gordon was noted “Los Nietos School” alumnus, Carlos Rodriguez who also has been instrumental in making financial contributions that have allowed the 40-IPad Cart to become a reality for the Los Nietos students in the Fall of 2012. Principal Jacqueline Cardenas introduced Mr. Rodriguez and Mr. Gordon and thanked them for their support of the Los Nietos Middle School.
As both alumni addressed the Board of Trustees, it was easy to see how comfortable the two men who have known each other over 50 years were with each other. Through the years Willie and Carlos have remained lifelong friends and have shared many similarities in their lives after forging a solid friendship from being on the award winning 1951 undefeated boys Los Nietos basketball team. Both became attorneys and became active in community involvement. The one similarity that binds them the most significantly however, is their love of the Los Nietos Community and their memories of their time together at the “Los Nietos School”, which is now known as the Los Nietos Middle School.
Carlos Rodriguez has spent much of his life giving back to the community where he was raised and that he loves. Upon graduating in 1955 from the Whittier Union High School District, Carlos studied law in college and became a lawyer. After an illustrious career as an attorney, he retired as a judge that specialized in Workers' Compensation. He served as a school board trustee on the Los Nietos School District, as a community representative on the Rio Hondo College Foundation, and set up a family foundation to award scholarships to Rio Hondo students who are transferring to major universities. During the Los Nietos School District’s Sesquicentennial Celebration, Carlos was recognized for his outstanding contributions in inviting all alumni from the “Los Nietos School” to attend and be a part of the celebration. Due in part to his efforts and that of his cousin, Andy Morales, the Los Nietos Middle School’s 150th Celebration had alumni attending as far back as the 1920’s.
Mr. Gordon spoke of growing up as a child and finding refuge in the local library where he taught himself how to read, think, and dream. It was his personal connection and recollection of libraries that made him want to donate his own money to benefit the children who currently attend his old alma mater at the Los Nietos School.
After a distinguished law career, Mr. Gordon entered a new career as an author. He credits his wife, internationally known author Isabel Allende, for being the “Master” who helped him refine his craft. He has currently authored four books that have been translated into English, Spanish, German, Dutch, Italian, Portuguese, Brazilian Portuguese, Polish Romanian, and French. The pictures of Mr. Gordon and his wife Isabel Allende were obtained from his website which can be accessed by clicking on the link below.
After hearing of Mr. Gordon’s storied career and in recognition of his generous contribution to the Los Nietos Middle School’s Library I-Pod Cart, the Board agreed to name the Los Nietos Middle School Library the “Willie C. Gordon Library”.
A picture of the 1952 8th grade championship winning basketball team is included. Carlos Rodriguez is far right and Willie Gordon is seated far right next to coach Leo Grijalva.
As both alumni addressed the Board of Trustees, it was easy to see how comfortable the two men who have known each other over 50 years were with each other. Through the years Willie and Carlos have remained lifelong friends and have shared many similarities in their lives after forging a solid friendship from being on the award winning 1951 undefeated boys Los Nietos basketball team. Both became attorneys and became active in community involvement. The one similarity that binds them the most significantly however, is their love of the Los Nietos Community and their memories of their time together at the “Los Nietos School”, which is now known as the Los Nietos Middle School.
Carlos Rodriguez has spent much of his life giving back to the community where he was raised and that he loves. Upon graduating in 1955 from the Whittier Union High School District, Carlos studied law in college and became a lawyer. After an illustrious career as an attorney, he retired as a judge that specialized in Workers' Compensation. He served as a school board trustee on the Los Nietos School District, as a community representative on the Rio Hondo College Foundation, and set up a family foundation to award scholarships to Rio Hondo students who are transferring to major universities. During the Los Nietos School District’s Sesquicentennial Celebration, Carlos was recognized for his outstanding contributions in inviting all alumni from the “Los Nietos School” to attend and be a part of the celebration. Due in part to his efforts and that of his cousin, Andy Morales, the Los Nietos Middle School’s 150th Celebration had alumni attending as far back as the 1920’s.
Mr. Gordon spoke of growing up as a child and finding refuge in the local library where he taught himself how to read, think, and dream. It was his personal connection and recollection of libraries that made him want to donate his own money to benefit the children who currently attend his old alma mater at the Los Nietos School.
After a distinguished law career, Mr. Gordon entered a new career as an author. He credits his wife, internationally known author Isabel Allende, for being the “Master” who helped him refine his craft. He has currently authored four books that have been translated into English, Spanish, German, Dutch, Italian, Portuguese, Brazilian Portuguese, Polish Romanian, and French. The pictures of Mr. Gordon and his wife Isabel Allende were obtained from his website which can be accessed by clicking on the link below.
After hearing of Mr. Gordon’s storied career and in recognition of his generous contribution to the Los Nietos Middle School’s Library I-Pod Cart, the Board agreed to name the Los Nietos Middle School Library the “Willie C. Gordon Library”.
A picture of the 1952 8th grade championship winning basketball team is included. Carlos Rodriguez is far right and Willie Gordon is seated far right next to coach Leo Grijalva.