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Schools

Gateway Academy Founder-Director Soo Yoo Kicks Off School Board Campaign

Soo Yoo kicks off her campaign for the ABC School Board race this November.

Last weekend, Soo Yoo, the founder and director of Gateway Academy, kicked off her campaign for the empty ABC School Board seat left behind by Cerritos City Councilman Mark Pulido. During the gathering, Yoo laid out her plans for the November 8 election before friends, family and supporters at Cerritos planning commissioner Naresh Solanki’s house. 

With Pulido stepping down from his term earlier this year to pursue a spot on the City Council, there are still two years that remain on his vacated seat on the school board. Four candidates, including Yoo, are revving up their campaigns in this race.

As a college education counselor, Yoo created Gateway Academy as a way to enhance and compliment students’ academics and college preparation (think a local version of Sylvan Academy) with SAT I and SAT II courses, AP testing and private tutoring. And because of her efforts, Yoo is revered by her friends, including Cerritos Mayor Carol Chen, Councilman Bruce Barrows and Councilman Joseph Cho,  as someone who is passionate about counseling and caring for her students. 

“She (Yoo) has the ability to counsel,” Chen said. “She understands the education system; she’s owned and run a school for all these years. I think we all need to step up, one way or another, and I think this is how we want her to step up for our community.”

Gateway Academy student, Mary Park spoke on behalf of the candidate, noting how her experience with Yoo had changed her life as a student.

“When I met her, I really got inspired and motivated by her,” Park said. “I can tell she not only cares for students academically, but cares for their personal welfares.”

During the kick-off, Yoo had a chance to speak to her guests, and one point she brought up the importance of disconnecting youth from a sedentary lifestyle – away from their iPods.

“Bring them out of their rooms!” Yoo said. “There are so many youths that struggle, that are discouraged, depressed. I’m interested in their welfare, not just their academic well-beings, but their emotional well-beings.”

According to Yoo, she has the support of the local councilmembers, commissioners and the Korean community. This was evident with the presence of Lakewood councilmember Jeff Wood, Cerritos planning commissioner Chuong Vo, ABC School Board member James Kang and the Korean Press.

“I have a passion for students,” Yoo said. “I  will put in all my energy, and mobilize our people to help me with the campaign. I’m very excited to be meeting people.”

The school board election will be held on Nov. 8, 2011.

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