Latest news with #WilsonCreek
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
'Diverse personalities' and 'interesting times' discussed at Wilson Creek graduation
Jun. 12—WILSON CREEK — The Wilson Creek High School Class of 2025 is going places. "Every one of you has made this bold and admirable decision to pursue higher education," Dean of Students Anna Thomas told the nine graduating seniors May 31. "You've all chosen to invest in yourselves, to take the next step, to challenge your mind, to grow into the people you're meant to be. What I find especially remarkable is how you've done it together. You've grown up, side-by-side in a small school, knowing each other in ways that no one else ever will, and now you're about to scatter across the state and the country, each heading off to something new." The Class of 2025 has received a total of more than $82,000 in scholarships, according to Thomas. The traditions surrounding Wilson Creek's graduation are a little different from other schools. The gym is split in half and still doesn't fill up, so students can have as many family and friends in attendance as they like. The other half of the gym is set up with tables laden with photos, awards and memorabilia from each student's 12 years of school. The students do their own decorations and choose their own speakers. "This class in particular has been together for the majority since kindergarten," Thomas said. "They're very connected." The salutatorian was Allie Newman, and the valedictorian was Madison Finkbeiner. Finkbeiner spoke about the dynamics of growing up in a small community. "We all come from similar backgrounds, yet have diverse personalities, which has led to some interesting times," she said. "That's what makes our class special. None of us are afraid to show who we are. My hope is that that never changes." English and history teacher Nick Weitzel was the students' chosen guest speaker. The students had come a long way since he first encountered them, he said. "I remember when I first got this class, they were a very rambunctious group of students," he said. "Several students in this class I called 'squirrels' ... because they could not sit down for five minutes to work without constant reminders from me and more than a few write-ups and more than a few people sent to the office ... What I see before me is not a bunch of young, rambunctious and unfocused students; they're an amazing group of young adults that all have high hopes and dreams for their future, as they should." Before she read off the list of students and the scholarships and awards they had earned, Thomas added a few final words. "Don't let anyone tell you that education doesn't matter," she said. "It does because education isn't just about a degree. It's about how you think, how you lead, how you contribute to the world. It shapes who you become. And so, as you go, whether it's to community college, university, trade school or beyond, know this: we are so proud of you. We believe in you, and no matter how far you go, you'll always have a home here in Wilson Creek."
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Wilson Creek Winery Wins Prestigious ACG Award for Pioneering Regenerative Farming in California Wine Country
Temecula's beloved winery turns heads with cutting-edge environmental practices and community-driven legacy TEMECULA, Calif., June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a major win for sustainable agriculture and family-owned business, Wilson Creek Winery has been named the recipient of the 2025 Green/Sustainability Award by the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Orange County Chapter. The honor—announced at ACG OC's 30th Annual Awards Gala—recognizes a standout company that's doing more than just reducing its footprint. Wilson Creek's unique and science-driven regenerative agriculture program has made the Temecula Valley winery a model for environmental innovation in California's wine industry. "This award is more than recognition—it's a reminder that we can build a successful business by healing the land, not just using it," said Bill Wilson, Owner and CEO of Wilson Creek Winery, who accepted the award with members of his leadership team. "We believe that healthy soil equals healthy grapes, which leads to exceptional wine—and a better future for all of us." Why It Matters: A Deeper Commitment to the Planet While many wineries have adopted sustainable practices, Wilson Creek has gone further—implementing a holistic, data-driven regenerative program that includes cover crops, compost testing, insect biodiversity tracking, soil health monitoring, and even rotational sheep grazing. One of their showcase blocks has seen dramatic results: higher yields, reduced disease pressure, and improved grape quality, all while restoring vineyard biodiversity. Investing in the Next Generation of Growers In addition to transforming their own vineyard, Wilson Creek is actively helping to shape the future of regenerative farming in the region. The winery is leading the Temecula Valley High School Regenerative Agriculture Program, mentoring students and providing hands-on training in living soil practices, integrated pest management, and sustainable vineyard operations. "Our goal is to help create the next wave of winegrowers and ag leaders who understand that sustainability is science, not just philosophy," said Greg Pennyroyal, Vineyard Manager. A Family Legacy Rooted in Stewardship Founded in 2000 by Gerry and Rosie Wilson, Wilson Creek Winery has grown into a thriving 90-acre estate known for its award-winning wines, weekend concerts, weddings, and charity events. The Wilson family's culture of celebration and care extends far beyond the tasting room—it's rooted in stewardship, integrity, and a genuine commitment to the community and the land. From the ACG Awards Committee:"Wilson Creek Winery exemplifies the spirit of this award category—combining innovation, environmental integrity, and deep community impact. Their story is one of purpose, progress, and possibility." Wilson Creek's recognition is a testament to what's possible when agriculture, science, and heart come together. It's not just about growing grapes—it's about regenerating the land for generations to come. About Wilson Creek WineryNestled in Southern California's Temecula Valley, Wilson Creek Winery is a family-owned destination winery known for warm hospitality, award-winning wines, and groundbreaking regenerative farming practices. Since 2000, the Wilson family has been committed to crafting not only exceptional wines, but also a better future for their land, their people, and their guests. Contact: Wendy HolderVP of Marketing, Wilson Creek Winery396493@ | (951) 699-9463 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Wilson Creek Winery Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
