A group of Valley High School alumni are speaking out because they are upset with their alma matter. They feel they are being rejected by the school when they say they are just trying to help the underprivileged students.
Randie Gorbena, Mike Cordova, and Lisa Reynolds haven't known each other forever but their bond is unbreakable now that they have one common goal in mind as Valley High School alumni.
"I said we've got to help these kids, they need us, and I can't walk away from them," said Randie Gorbena.
The school has changed a lot since Gorbena, Cordova and Reynolds attended.
"After learning about the school becoming an at-risk school, becoming involved with this, seemed to be such a simple thought," said Mike Cordova.
The Valley High School alumni association started off on a roll a couple years back. They began by providing Christmas to students less fortunate.
"At the very beginning we were extremely welcomed," said Gorbena.
The group went on to create a food bank inside the school. They flew donated dresses in from all over the world so more students could attend prom. They also helped kids who lost everything in a fire. But as time went on, they say their help wasn't as wanted anymore.
"When we started asking questions, I think that we were pushed to the side so that's why we asked for our money back," said Lisa Reynolds.
Now the group feels like they are not allowed to help the students.
"It makes me sad because that's the reason that we are all supposed to be here," said Gorbena. "It's our opportunity to give back to the school that gave us so much."
The group hopes they can work out the issues with the Valley High staff so they can get back to giving back.
"So that we can progress and help every single student at Valley High School to be the best that they can be," said Gorbena.
A spokesperson with CCSD responded by saying:
"CCSD schools are appreciative and welcome community efforts to help their respective students. If community members want to help the efforts of a specific school, they should communicate directly with the school's administration."
