Letter; Music teacher, her impact appreciated

I would like to take time to thank and give my heart-felt appreciation to a teacher who is preparing to retire after 30 years of serving the Willows Unified School District.

Ellen Pastorino was given the task of starting a school band program after WUSD had terminated music in the schools in the 80s. Mrs. Pastorino has built up the Willows music program from scratch, teaching beginning band, junior high and high school band.

It took years of hard work and countless hours of her personal time spent mentoring kids, teaching leadership, having band meetings at her home and then, always with a focus on next year's band.

Today, Willows Unified School District has a fine music program. Mrs. Pastorino recently had her last concert and I think it would have been nice if someone from the school district would have took the time to attend and publicly show their appreciation.

Mrs. Pastorino has changed the lives of countless students and non-students alike. Be sure to thank her when you see her.

Patrick Hilton

USN Navy Band, Ret., Chico