Sanchez Elementary Participates In ALS Challenge To Support Former Teacher With Disease

More than a dozen buckets – filled with ice – were picked up and tossed over the heads of teachers by students at Sanchez Elementary School Friday.

The school joined the popular ALS ice bucket challenge to honor a former teacher diagnosed with the debilitating disease.

“Thank you Sanchez family for everything that you do for my family. I love you all,” said Hortensia Montoya.

Montoya taught in the Santa Maria-Bonita school district for 10 years and at Sanchez for three.

However, for the past seven years, she has been battling Lou Gehrig’s disease.

“She has been so strong through it all,” said Montoya’s daughter, Judy.

Judy teaches at her mom’s former school. She, along with her family, is touched by the outpouring support of the community.

In addition to the ice bucket challenge, Sanchez elementary raised $800 for the ALS association in Montoya’s name.