Bank gives money to angels

Whittier Elementary students dressed in their Sunday best — or Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim red — for a special day Tuesday.

The school was presented with an $11,000 check by Wells Fargo at an assembly that also featured an Angels legend.

The check passing was during the school’s kindergarten singing recital, in which children coincidentally wore gold tinsel halos. The multipurpose room was packed with proud parents who cheered when the ceremony was performed in English and Spanish.

Parents and kids warmly welcomed Angels baseball announcer José Mota, a Dominican Republic native who had his own baseball career. He leads popular Spanish language broadcasts of Angels games. Angels Chairman Dennis Kuhl also paid a visit.

“You guys can be anything that you want to become,” Mota said in English and Spanish.

He stressed the importance of self-discipline and communication, tying them into his own career.

Many public schools were selected by Wells Fargo and Wachovia store managers in Orange County to receive $1,000 checks. Out of those schools, 48 submitted essays to win an additional $10,000; Whittier won the prize. The school also received 750 packages of school supplies from the Angels.

Wells Fargo Regional Vice President Jack Toan said Whittier was the school that stood out the most, out of 48 essays received. Nearly all of the school’s students qualify to receive a free or reduced-price lunch, which is an indicator of poverty in the community.

“Technology is an important skill to have,” Toan said. “I think they address a real need here.”

In total, Orange County schools received $140,000 from Wells Fargo through its Adopt-A-School program. The company has contributed $1 million this year to schools and educational programs in the county.

“In Orange County, we’re blessed with great corporations that have really stepped up,” county Supt. of Schools Bill Habermehl said.

“We at Wells Fargo understand and know that schools are real cornerstones for our communities,” said Hector Retta, Wells Fargo Orange County regional president. “This morning, I have the pleasure of being able to present a check to a very caring and very compassionate principal.”

“I’m so thrilled,” Principal Tracey Carter said. “This is a big day for Whittier School.”

The school will use the funds to expand its computer lab offerings so that all students will be able to use the lab at least weekly.

“It’s one of our jobs to help them learn those skills,” Carter said.