Las Vegas NowLas Vegas Community Reacts to Polly's Death

Las Vegas Community Reacts to Polly's Death

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A prayer was said Tuesday morning in the Nevada State Legislature as people far and wide remember friend and colleague, Polly Gonzalez.

As we remember our co-worker and friend here at Channel 8, we can't help but tell her story from the perspective of her life outside of the station. As Eyewitness News Reporter Cindy Cesare tells us, Polly got involved with projects with 100-percent of her energy, as was witnessed at a local middle school.

Sylvia Tegano, K.O. Knudson Middle School principal says, "Polly was just a powerful spirit. Lots of energy. And wearing my principal hat for a moment, I believe the kids energized her even more."

Having Polly Gonzalez come to K.O. Knudson Middle School was not just a treat for the students, but also for Polly. The Academy of Creative Arts Middle School is Channel 8's adopted school. But Polly took it a step further than just donating money. She came for every event possible, mostly to expose her two daughters Sabrina and Gabriella to the arts.

Principal Sylvia Tegano recalls, "She was a regular at our evening performances and our plays and our concerts, and I recall one concert where her girls were dancing in the aisles and it was just a wonderful connection she would bring to our school."

Polly just read the book, Harvesting Hope, about the civil rights leader, Cesar Chavez, to a group of sixth graders during Nevada's Reading Week a month ago.

Ruth Dyer, K.O. Knudson Middle School librarian said, "I think they were just inspired and thought, 'Wow, I can do something. I can be a successful.' Just the way she carried herself and the way she was dressed. Just great spirit about her."

Students like sixth grader Chelsea Traufler felt that spirit just with that one visit. She was looking forward to getting to know Polly better by taking up her offer to visit the TV station.

In an ironic premonition, Traufler dreamt that Polly had died last night, before knowing Tuesday morning. "I woke up this morning and asked my mom did Polly Gonzalez die because I could've sworn I had a dream about it and she said no. And then when I came here and somebody said she died, I was just so sad," Chelsea Traufler said.

It was that kind of reaction that Polly's passing brought to many of the people she touched -- even with just one visit.

As we have mentioned, Polly was also very involved with the Latin Chamber of Commerce. The chamber has decided to name a $1,000 scholarship after Polly. The money will go to a Hispanic student attending UNLV.

Click here to contact Reporter Cindy Cesare.