Emmett Terrell Hosts Celebration

By IVN Interns Anthony Macklin, Rebecca Udokop and Jonathan Ng
Upland, CA– Emmett Terrell, former Deputy Superintendent of Pomona Unified School District (PUSD) surprised his wife Marilyn with a party in honor of their 10th wedding anniversary and to celebrate her accomplishments at their beautiful estate in Riverside, CA last Saturday.
The party hosted a total of nearly 150 guests with catering, and live music. Despite such a large group of people Mr. Terrell was disappointed that he couldn’t invite everyone and had to continue to modify the guest list.

“The party went very well and I was very tired at the end but it was nice to see all my family.
The party gave my wife a chance to reconnect with a lot of family members and friends she hasn’t
seen in a while. One such group was the Black Porsche Club,” stated Terrell.Upon further discussion of the function, Mr. Terrell revealed that the party was also a way to allow he and his wife to interact with one another and strengthen relationships that have been helpful throughout their lives. When he was asked, has your ten years of marriage been full of bliss, he responded, “They have been wonderful and full of valuable learning experiences. I have found that when you are married to someone, you must be willing to do for each other.”

Mr. Terrell explained that the relationships he has with his family, friends, and other acquaintances have helped him progress throughout his entire life from college to his former position at PUSD.
He referred to himself as an “instrument” which people used to help him accomplish his goals.“There are a lot of things that I have done that I wouldn’t be able to do without the support of people in my life.” Stated Mr. Terrell as a testament to the importance of maintaining relationships, “Because if you help people they will help you.”

In his former role of Deputy Superintendent he had a very prominent part in the development of young people and their educational welfare. We asked him how he used his position in PUSD to influence the lives of young people. He replied, “Relationships must be developed in order to branch out and make ways for young people to succeed in the world. Because young people need to realize as I did, that they, need help in order to accomplish career goals and aspirations.” As a former educator Mr. Terrell gave a valuable insight to the importance of networking.

Terrell preaches a very strong message of creating contacts and friends along the way to help in the quest of accomplishing goals. He also stresses to young people that, “Formal education is helpful in being able to critically think and learn social skills in order to network.”

It is important to network and have connections with people to help sustain relationships. So we asked what about social media, the cyber relationship? Mr. Terrell replied, “I think social media can’t replace the importance of touch within a relationship, and the internet can’t help with growth of a relationship on a deeper level of understanding. I understand social media has its role but nothing is like having a conversation where you can hear someone’s words, and see them in the same place.”

Emmett Terrell has emphasized the importance of maintaining relationships and understanding that asking for help is acceptable because even he has needed help to make it where he is today. Terrell used his 10-year anniversary party as a celebration, and as a reminder that the building and strengthening of relationships is important for a long healthy life.

Inland Valley News is proud to provide summer internships. This year we are happy to have working Rebecca Udokop from Xavier University of Louisiana, Anthony Macklin from Diamond Ranch High School, and Jonathan Ng from California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB).