From Prunedale to Paris: North Monterey County teachers share their journey to watch the Olympic games

PRUNEDALE, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Two North Monterey County teachers are sharing their journey from Prunedale to Paris to capture the sights and sounds of the 2024 Olympics.

"We've been best of friends for 15 or 16 years," said Cassandra Cuellar.

Cassandra joined Kelly Melendez in the journey.

Kelly said it was her idea to go to Paris during the games after initially thinking her Summer travel plans would be ruined because she wouldn't be able to watch the games during her trip.

So she decided to make the trip all about the Olympics.

"I knew Paris would be expensive," Melendez said. "We saw airbnbs were around $1,000 a night."

This isn't Kelly's first Olympic journey, joining her father at the games in Los Angeles back in 1984.

Cuellar, meanwhile, was at the games for the first time. Both women said the trip so far has been magical.

They're carrying around a sign reading "Prunedale Loves the Olympics" that they get questioned about. This allows them to take the time to tell people about the Prunedale area.

As for the games, Kelly and Cassandra said they're signed up to watch soccer, swimming and basketball.

"The Guinea spectators were the best they were the loudest," said Cuellar. "I want to hang out with the spectators more chanting and singing and having the best time, kinda like how I am."

Kelly said before the Summer break she took time to educate her students on the Olympics and told them if they focused hard enough in school they can also be in the Olympics.

Kelly and Cassandra also took time to acknowledge athletes from the 831 competing at the games this year.

"Hopefully they bring home a medal to the 831!" said Kelly.

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