Angel Stadium was the site of a big-league celebration on Wednesday as 1,600 OC students were recognized for making positive choices and improvements in school.
County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean joined Sheriff Don Barnes, District Attorney Todd Spitzer and other local leaders at the special field trip organized by the Orange County Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership — or OC GRIP — in collaboration with Angels Baseball.
For making progress in school and in life, the students in attendance were treated to a VIP experience that included a meal, early stadium access and the opportunity to stay for the Angels’ game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Angels outfielder Jo Adell and manager Ron Washington were among the heavy-hitters who spoke during a pregame ceremony that began around 2:45 p.m. near the third-base line, as fellow Halo players warmed up behind them.
From the field — and with his image visible on the stadium’s jumbotron — Dr. Bean shared his personal story of arriving in the United States as a Vietnamese immigrant, English learner and student with a disability. The county superintendent offered three pieces of advice: believe in yourself, believe in education and believe in the people who support you.
“You each are here today because you have overcome the challenges that you have faced,” he said, adding later that “Education is the key to your future success.”
While Dr. Bean’s path took him from the classroom to county leadership — not the outfield — that didn’t stop a wave of young fans from seeking his autograph after his remarks.
OC GRIP currently operates in 62 schools across 14 cities in Orange County and is supported by law enforcement agencies, nonprofit organizations and about 200 community partners. The program connects students and families with mentoring, counseling, after-school activities and other supports to reduce gang involvement and promote long-term success.
From left to right: County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean, District Attorney Todd Spitzer, Chief Probation Officer Daniel Hernandez, Sheriff Don Barnes and former MLB pitcher and Angels announcer Mark Gubicza at Wednesday’s OC GRIP celebration at Angel Stadium. (OC District Attorney’s Office) 
Dr. Bean gathers students and law enforcement representatives at Wednesday’s OC GRIP event. 
Chief Probation Officer Daniel Hernandez, Sheriff Don Barnes and District Attorney Todd Spitzer were among the local leaders who helped recognize students on behalf of OC GRIP — a collaborative effort to prevent gang involvement and support positive youth development across Orange County. (OC District Attorney’s Office) 
Approximately 1,600 students got the VIP treatment at Angel Stadium for making progress in life and school. (OC District Attorney’s Office) 
Angels outfielder Jo Adell (pictured to the right) and manager Ron Washington were among the speakers during the pregame ceremony. (OC District Attorney’s Office)