Southside resident Rogelio Ortiz announced his candidacy for a seat on the Bethlehem School Board in a press release last week.

A proud father of five, who have all attended Bethlehem schools, Ortiz and his family have lived in the Lynfield housing area for the past 14 years. "My wife and I are proud parents, supporters and advocates of the Bethlehem Area School District," he said, lauding his children's successes as part of the positive BASD system. "They were and continue to be blessed with wonderful, caring and knowledgeable teachers; and thanks to them two of my children are presently attending college.

"They were and continue to be blessed with wonderful, caring and knowledgeable teachers."

Ortiz said he has volunteered as Freemansburg ES basketball coach and Southside Little League baseball coach and is currently president of the Community Resident Council.

"I have worked and continue to work with at-risk youth and their families by developing after school programs, sports and community outreach to the families," Ortiz said. It has always been my goal to help my community by providing programs and services that help children and their families learn, have fun and become productive citizens."