I, Eric LiCalsi, after moving to Madera in 1992, I attended both Howard and Lincoln Elementary Schools. After elementary school, I attended Thomas Jefferson Middle School and Madera High School (MHS). As a student athlete at MHS, I was fortunate to play for several coaches who instilled confidence, discipline, and perseverance in me, which I have carried with me throughout my professional career.
In reflecting back on my experience at MHS, now Athletic Director John Fernandez was an important figure to me as I grew athletically, personally, and academically. I will always remember Fernandez as Coach Fernandez, as he was my football and baseball coach at MHS.
Throughout high school, Coach Fernandez pushed me not only to become a better athlete but to become a better teammate, student, and person. After graduating from high school, Coach Fernandez continued to be impactful in my life, which has developed into a friendship that I cherish today.
After high school, I played baseball at Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas, where I grew both academically and personally. Leaving Madera to advance my education was difficult.
However, I learned many life lessons, such as adapting to new surroundings and having confidence in myself to conquer any of life’s challenges. I eventually moved back to the Valley and graduated from Fresno Pacific University.
I knew I wanted to become an attorney, so I attended law school at San Joaquin College of Law. Studying for the Bar Exam was one of the most difficult challenges I have faced. However, through self-discipline, perseverance, and confidence in myself, I passed the Bar Exam and achieved my goal of becoming an attorney.
After many years as an attorney, I achieved my next goal by following in my father’s footsteps, serving the community of Madera as a Superior Court Judge.
To the current students of Madera Unified, continue to work hard in your academic journey. Be a lifelong learner, not just in the classroom, but also in the world around
You.
As a Superior Court Judge, I have had the opportunity to preside as a judge in the High School Mock Trial Program. I have witnessed firsthand the hard work and potential that Madera Unified students possess. Invest in yourself, and you will reap the benefits.