School District Makes a Splash With Celebration of Families

Relay races at Santa Ana High School’s pool Friday capped a week of activities to honor parents and celebrate family ties.

The competition, organized by Santa Ana Unified School District officials, was part of a series of events meant to give families time together without spending a lot of money, said Patricia Gomez, the district’s parent, family and community coordinator.

Among the week’s events were family discount day at the Santa Ana Zoo on Thursday and folkloric dance performances set for today at four local parks.

After school starts in the fall, the district will also name a parent of the year based on qualities that include leadership and humor, Gomez said.

In 1994, Congress established the fourth Sunday in July as Parents Day. Santa Ana schools, observing the occasion for the first time, scheduled their events in advance of the actual date, officials said.