Craig Collins, Craig Collins, Craig Collins, Craig Collins, THHS PrincipalTHHS PrincipalTHHS PrincipalTHHS Principal

Andrea Padian , Andrea Padian , Andrea Padian , Andrea Padian , Editor Editor Editor Editor (Position Open)

Rachel Ward, Rachel Ward, Rachel Ward, Rachel Ward, PTSA PresidentPTSA PresidentPTSA PresidentPTSA President

Volume 3 Issue 3Volume 3 Issue 3Volume 3 Issue 3Volume 3 Issue 3 Dec 2012 / Jan / Feb 2013Dec 2012 / Jan / Feb 2013Dec 2012 / Jan / Feb 2013Dec 2012 / Jan / Feb 2013

continued on page 2

“Courage is contagious.

When a brave person takes a

stand, the spines of others are stiffened.” ~ Billy Graham

Trabuco Hills High School PTSA Pony Express 27501 Mustang Run, Mission Viejo, CA. 92691 (949)768-1934

www.thhsptsa.org

Trabuco Hills High PTSA Saddleback Valley Council PTA Fourth District PTA California State PTA National PTA

The Pony ExpressThe Pony ExpressThe Pony ExpressThe Pony Express

Inside This IssueInside This IssueInside This IssueInside This Issue Challenge Days 2012 pg 1-3 Mustang Marvels pg 4 Special Educator’s Breakfast pg 5 Teacher / Staff Cookie Exchange pg 5 THHS Sports pg 6 Keeping Up w/Natasha-School New pg 7 State PTA Senior Scholarship pg 7 Snowflakes for Sandy Hook pg 8 Master Drive Program pg 8 Membership Matters / Meetings pg 9 ASB in Action pg 10-11

What Up? Campus Life pg 12 Master Drive Class pg 12 Grad Night 2013 pg 13 Mini– Grants pg 14 Civic Classes Met Representatives pg 14 Advocacy Actions pg 15-16 2012-2013 Reflections Winners pg 17 Help with No Cost Fundraisers pg 18 2013 Calendar pg 19 2012 Calendar/Volunteer Needs pg 19

continued on page 2

The PTSA held three Challenge Days this year and each day was an inspiration and success. The hardest part was turning away students because the days were so full. But, the PTSA hopes to continue the program every year so that after four years of school at least half our students will have participated. Each day included 100 eager student participants, approximately 30 in-credible adult participants, and 25 student leaders who

had experienced the program before. The Challenge Day program is lead by two coaches who have put on 1000’s of Challenge Days throughout the world. And like last year, they were an incredible team. This pro-gram is provided entirely by the THHS PTSA with the help of Madeline Jaroch and Craig Collins and some sponsorships from businesses and foundations— so your support and membership in the PTSA helps pro-vide this amazing and vital program.

The day begins with games to loosen up the crowd, followed by a discussion about the real you verses the you we show others. The coaches talk about how, like an iceberg, only 10% of who you are is usually re-vealed to others—it is the image you want people to see—while on the other hand, we tend to keep 90% of

who we are below the surface...things that might in-clude your fears, your dreams and reality. The coaches share their own stories and then the group breaks into small groups where they go around a circle, For two minutes each person shares their true selves. “If you really knew me…” Challenge Days present a safe envi-ronment for kids and adults to talk about issues, fears, pressures...anything they want to discuss, while others

Challenge Day Challenge Day Challenge Day Challenge Day ---- Be the Change You Want to See Be the Change You Want to See Be the Change You Want to See Be the Change You Want to See

Trabuco Hills High 2011-2012

PTSA Board Members

Rachel Ward, President

Craig Collins

Trabuco Hills High Principal

Michelle Ramacher

Executive Vice President & Convention Chair

Christina Simon

Vice President Membership & Silent Auction Chair

Diane Williams

Vice President Ways & Means

Jessica Shipma,* Student Leader (President)

Mike Padian, Treasurer

Nicole Cassens, Financial Secretary

Lisa Semon, Historian

Linda Boud, Recording Secretary

Louise Robertson, Auditor

Suzann Gastreich, Parliamentarian

Larry Hausner, Legislative/Advocacy Representative

Joan Rosenberg, Foster Care Liaison

Kim Saavedra, Volunteer Development

Lisa Bauer & Andrea Padian, Grad Night Co-Chairs

James Peredo, Webmaster

Andrea Padian & Tonga Prather , Reflections

Chris Burns & Liz Busch, College Fair Co-Chairs

Tish Witkin, Arts Advocacy Chair

Sheryl Titchener, & Andrea Padian Challenge Day

Mike Padian, Mini-grant Chair

Yvonne Arnett, Special Education Chair

Michelle Wincek, Welcome Committee Chair

Gabriela Peredo, Outreach

Brenda Hanrath, Discount Cards & Restaurant Nights

Jill Azuma, Ralphs & E-Script Chair

Andrea Padian & Lisa Bauer, Taste of the Hills Chairs

Diane Depreta, Teacher/Staff Appreciation

Andrea Padian, Newsletter Editor

Jenny Morgenstern, Drugs & Alcohol Prevention

Jennifer Brase , Senior Scholarships & Award Night

Michelle Gerry, Adopt a Book Chair

Gloria Briones, Campus Beautification Chair

Sharon Neubauer, Paper Drive Chair

Mike Briante & Lynette Berke, Grant Writers

Health Advocate, Kim Knoble

Parent Education Chairs—OPEN

Publicity Liaison—OPEN

Teacher Representative—OPEN

December 2012 / January & February 2013, Volume 3, Issue 3 page 2

Jessica Shipma,

Student Leader/President

Open, Freshman Representative

Open, Sophomore Representative

Josh Nuzzo , Junior Representative

Andie Wong, Senior Representative

Chiara Burns, College Fair Chair

Brendan Busch, Special Ed Chair

Alayna Zuckerman, Grant Writer &

Challenge Day Leader

Julia Mihaylov, Newsletter& Website

Natasha Behnam, Publicity Chair

Nicole Peredo, Outreach

Hadar Albo, Volunteer Coordinator

James Padian & Duncan Bauer

Grad Night Co-Chairs

Alexa Simonton, Advocacy

Airon Hojas, Reflections Chair

Michelle Briones & Niki Neely,

Campus Beautification

Open, Membership

Open, Paper Drives Chair

Challenge Day Challenge Day Challenge Day Challenge Day (continued from page one)

Trabuco Hills High PTSA Student Board

just listening. No one interrupts. After each person talks, they are acknowledged with hugs of support and understanding. The group then does an exercise called crossing the line. This is a pretty amazing lesson for all there as participants stand before a line and cross the line if they have experienced a certain event or experience in their life. It might be as simple as—cross the line if you are under 18. Or cross the line if you have ever felt judged because or your weight, your race, your sexual orientation. If it applies, participants cross the line and look back at those that did-n’t. But the message is simple. If you cross the line, you find you are not alone. “Cross the line if someone you know was killed by a drunk driver; cross the line if you or someone you know has tried to commit suicide; cross the line if anyone in this room has done something to hurt you; cross the line if you’ve ever felt abandoned; cross the line if you feel pressured to perform in school…” With few dry eyes in the house, everyone begins to realize they are not alone and others realized that they don’t really know everything they think they know about the people around them. Everyone has things they hide, that they don’t share. You cannot tell who a person is by the way they dress, or talk or look. And the message is clear, if you don’t know someone, you shouldn’t make judgments about that person. It’s about accep-tance. It’s about being able to be who you really are—whether people think you have everything going for you in life or not.

After crossing the line, everyone breaks back into their small groups again and each person takes two minutes to talk about why they crossed the line. The day ends with a free for all, where kids and adults step up to make comments about the day, what they plan to do to make the changes they need to make in order to treat each with more respect and love. It is impossible to de-scribe, but suffice it to say, everyone walks out changed. Without going through the experi-ence, it is hard to imagine, but this is a day that can change lives. With lots of hugs and genu-ine appreciation for each other—you leave continued page 3

Trabuco Hills High PTSA Pony Express page 3

Challenge Day Challenge Day Challenge Day Challenge Day (continued from page 2)

inspired and uplifted. Its hard not to be. To enhance under-standing, PTSA also pays for substitutes so 5 teachers each day can experience Challenge Day and the transformation that takes place in the room. They share their lives too, open-ing up, and then are able to bring some of the lessons of Challenge Day back into their classrooms.

The second part of Challenge Day is bringing the message to the campus. This year, under Coach Fred Kendell, a extraor-dinary teacher at Trabuco, the Be the Change Club has formed. Be the Change Club is an extension of Challenge Day, with the goal to keep the spirit & feel of Challenge Day alive. The group consists of students that have been through Challenge Day. In January, they will have their first official club meeting of the year followed up in February with a Challenge Day Reunion lunch where new Challenge Day participants can say hello and learn more about the Club. This event is also sponsored by the THHS PTSA….so if you were there this year or are a member of the Challenge Day Club now, look for announcements about the reunion lunch soon. Adults and teachers are invited, too.

Thanks to all those that participated and volunteered their help. Without you, this extraordinary day couldn’t happen. We also must thank our student leaders and Be the Change Club members, our dear partner, Madeline Jaroch (office manager and Mr. Collin’s secretary,) Sheryl Titchener, our very pregnant and very crucial Chair person, and other team members who helped plan this event.

To date, we have been able to put almost 500 students through the program. With your help and participation in the PTSA’s fundraising efforts, the hope is to continue this pro-gram for years to come. Ask someone that was there….did they walk away changed in some way? Smarter about how their words and actions can help or hinder others? If they said no, it would be a surprise to most participants there. Please support our PTSA’s efforts to make a difference by joining PTSA this year—especially if you participated. Our motto, every child, one voice, really comes out in this pro-

gram and your support is greatly needed and appreciated.

Andrea Padian, Challenge Day

Leader

Lots of hardworking Mustangs to thank over the last couple months! Where to begin…

Our thanks to all the PTSA members who agreed to serve on the Nominating Committee for the 2013-2014 PTSA Board: Suzann Gastreich, Lisa Semon,

Andrea Padian, Diane Depreta, Michelle

Rachmacher, and Craig Collins. This is one of the most important committees PTSA has, as it comes up with a slate of officers that will lead the PTSA in the coming year. Thanks for offering your valuable assistance. We would also like to thank all of you that have thrown your name into the pool of po-tential leaders for the board next year. You are to be commended for under-standing and agreeing to help with the leadership of the PTSA—without which the PTSA could not exist. So thanks for caring about our school, stu-dents, teachers and parents.

We would like to thank our Challenge Day leaders for another very successful series of days. Sheryl Titchener, Challenge Day chair person, who champions the event coordinating and getting parent participants lined up….a busy time for a mom-to-be. Luckily she didn’t give birth and make it a truly chal-lenging day—though she is expecting any day as this issue goes out. Thanks also to Madeline Jaroch and

Andrea Padian, hardworking members of the team, who coordinated student and staff participants, student leaders, check in, travel arrangements for our Chal-lenge Day leaders and much more, and Craig Collins, whose support is immeasurable. Thanks to Mike

Padian, for his work coordinating the set up, and pick-ing up lunches for over 500 people over 3 days. We also want to thank Fred Kendell, teacher and Be the Change Club Coach, and Alayna Zuckerman, student

Challenge Day Chair and president of the Be the Change Club and her Be the Change Club VP, Samantha Sparks. They organized all our student leaders, coordinated meetings and plans for February’s Challenge Day reunion lunch for student participants and leaders. Alayna was also instrumental in getting grants among other things— like free hotel rooms at Ayres Suites for our leaders, that helped cut costs for Challenge Day. Thank you! We thank all the parents

participants, student leaders, check-in and lunch

helpers who made this day doable. Without all these volunteers, this day would be impossible to put on….so while the list is long, they all deserve a BIG note of appreciation for taking the time to make this valuable program a success once again. Many participating look forward to doing so again next year—and their commitment to the idea of Challenge Day is crucial. We would like to thank our Challenge Day sponsors, too, Ayres Suites, and the

David & Julianna Pyott Foundation.

Thanks to Diane Depreta, who put together the Cookie Exchange for Teachers and staff at THHS. Once

again, she did a wonderful job. We’d also like to thank the helpers there that day and all the parents

that donated home made cookies, bars and holiday

treats for our school team. Great job! This is a favor-ite annual event for them all and wonderful treat.

And lastly, our thanks to Yvonne Arnett, our Special Education Chair, for putting together a celebratory breakfast for our special ed teachers and aides in honor of Special Educator’s Day in December. Your help is so appreciated! You are not forgotten!

Go Mustangs! Go Blue!

December 2012 / Jan & Feb 2013, Volume 3, Issue 3 Page 4

THHS PTSA Mustang MarvelsTHHS PTSA Mustang MarvelsTHHS PTSA Mustang MarvelsTHHS PTSA Mustang Marvels

“In every community there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it.” ~ Marianne Williamson

“Snowflakes are one of nature’s most fragile things, but just look what they can do when they stick together.” ~ Vesta M. Kelly

“May our adversaries make us strong. May our victories make us wise. May our actions make us proud.” ~ H. Brown

Trabuco Hills High PTSA Pony Express page 5

Annual Annual Annual Annual Holiday PTSA Holiday PTSA Holiday PTSA Holiday PTSA Teacher & Staff Teacher & Staff Teacher & Staff Teacher & Staff Cookie ExchangeCookie ExchangeCookie ExchangeCookie Exchange

Special Educator’s Day BreakfastSpecial Educator’s Day BreakfastSpecial Educator’s Day BreakfastSpecial Educator’s Day Breakfast By Yvonne Arnnett, PTSA Special Ed Chair

The Special Educator’s Day break-fast was a huge success. We were able to discuss the needs of our Special Ed students, and the teach-ers and aids discussed their various concerns and needs as well. PTSA advocates for and supports all our students - including our special education students and teachers/

December 2012, January & February 2013, Volume 3, Issue 3

page 6

Trabuco Hills SportsTrabuco Hills SportsTrabuco Hills SportsTrabuco Hills Sports GOGOGOGO----GOGOGOGO----GO GO GO GO Mustangs!!!! Mustangs!!!! Mustangs!!!! Mustangs!!!!

THHS Wrestling Team celebrates another victory!

RRRRUUUUGGGGBBBBYYYY

James Padian runs for a try against Tesoro as the THHS Var-sity Rugby team (in white) continue their undefeated season.

THHS Frosh/Sophomore soccer team play a preseason game against

Santa Margarita High School. Pictured: Megan Logsdon

Varsity 2012 League versus Laguna Hills High School Pictured: THHS player, Clare Loper

JV 2012 Mustang Cup Finals Pictured left to right: Megan Lu-cas, Hannah Terry (varsity) and Katia Fenner

SOCCERSOCCERSOCCERSOCCER

WRESTLING CHAMPSWRESTLING CHAMPSWRESTLING CHAMPSWRESTLING CHAMPS

“The way a team plays as a whole determines its suc-

cess. You may have the greatest bunch of stars in the

world, but if they don’t play together, they won’t be

worth a dime.” ~ Babe Ruth

Trabuco Hills High PTSA Pony Express

Campus News Campus News Campus News Campus News ---- Keeping Up Keeping Up Keeping Up Keeping Up with Natashawith Natashawith Natashawith Natasha By Natasha Behnam Natsha.behnam1@gmail.com

Hey there Mustangs! We’ve got another exciting couple months headed our way, as usual for Mustang Country! Things may seem bleak right now as Trabuco students are bustling to get their grades up and to keep them up through-out the upcoming finals week, however, second semester is only about three weeks away, and then comes all the fun!

The finals schedule is as follows:

Tuesday January 22: period 1 final Wednesday January 23: period 4 and 7 finals Thursday January 23: period 2 and 3 finals Friday January 24: period 5 and 6 finals Coming up right after finals is our “Willy Wonka Winter Formal Dance.” This year, The dance is at the Richard Nixon Library in Yorba Linda from 8-11:30pm. ASB is an-nouncing the kings and queen for each grade level during halftime show at the basketball game on Friday, January 25th. Make sure to come out and support your mustang bas-ketball team and see an entertaining halftime show! Even sooner than that, on January 17th ASB is putting on an extended rally for all of the winter sports coming up. Many

sports are participating; such as girls and boys soccer, girl water polo, and even the Comedy Sportz team! All the teams will be doing a dance for the student body in hopes of winning the grand prize of $100 towards their sport team. Speaking of sports, our basketball team played against our rivals, El Toro High School, this past week and the crowd was rallied up and excited! Although we didn’t go home with a victory, the spirits for this season are still high after our nail-biting win against Esperanza High School, our first home game of the season. Another exciting event coming up at THHS is food fair! Food fair is on Friday, February 8th. There are over 15 clubs participating and selling food from all around the world. This year, in addition to our culturally diverse booths, food trucks are also going to be at the food fair providing even more varieties of delicious snacks. Even though it sounds too soon to be true, we only have two more Got Spirit Days this year until the much anticipated Battle of the Grade Levels assembly in March! The assem-bly will determine which grade level wins Got Spirit this year. There will also be a Got Spirit themed informal dance in our gym after the final Got Spirit competition week. With so much going on, finals week will seem like a small blur as we keep busy this next month or two. If you have any important information you want to get out there, always feel free to email me at Natasha.behnam1@gmail.com. And as always, go blue mustangs!

Page 7

CAPTA Graduating CAPTA Graduating CAPTA Graduating CAPTA Graduating Senior Scholarships Due Senior Scholarships Due Senior Scholarships Due Senior Scholarships Due February 1, 2013February 1, 2013February 1, 2013February 1, 2013

Purpose: The CAPTA offers Graduating High School Sen-ior Scholarships ($500) to recognize volunteer service by high school seniors in a school and community.

The Scholarship Program provides funds for PTA members to register for courses at accredited colleges, universities, trade or technical schools

Eligibility: Successful applicants must meet the following criteria. • PTA member graduating from a high school in Califor-

nia between January 1 and June 30of the current aca-

demic year. • Current member of his/her high school PTA?PTSA

which is in good standing. • Scholarship used during fall semester following high

school graduation at schools mentioned in paragraph 2.

Go to the CAPTA website for more tips and information about the scholarship program at www.capta.org/sections/programs/high-school-grad.cfm . Look for more information about the THHS PTSA scholar-ships that are due May 4, 2013. We offer 4 scholarships, two for community service, almost identical to the State PTA scholarship application, one for the arts (you must be majoring in one of the arts: visual arts, creative writing, music, theater, dance/choreography, video/film production or photography. Look for more information in the Career Center soon. Those scholarships will be presented at the Senior Award Night Ceremony in June.

March, 2011, Volume 1, Is-

STATISTIC OR SURVIVOR…

What will your Child be?

The reality is that teens are injured and killed every day driving cars. More than 6,000 teens die in car crashes in this country every year, and over 300,000 are seriously injured, Every parent should be rightfully concerned about their child becoming a safe driver in this dangerous driving environment! THHS PTSA is teaming up with the LHHS PTSA to bring you a seminar that addresses this important subject.

On Thursday, January 31, 2013 (6:30-8:30 PM in the Trabuco Hills High School Theater)

MasterDrive of Orange County will provide a seminar for new drivers and their parents

with very specific survivor strategies.

This two-hour program is designed to equip parents with strategies for teaching their teen to become a compe-tent driver. Come and learn about today’s driving dangers, the licensing process, essential car control skills and response maneuvers, financial liabilities, cars for new drivers and much more.

Each family at the seminar receives a complete packet with information and strategies for teaching teen driv-ing. Also, MasterDrive is offering free Drivers Education Classes (a $200 value) for all teens that attend with a parent! Spaces are limited at this free seminar so reserve your spot now by emailing Linda Boud at boud@cox.net.

page 8 December 2012, January & February 2013, Volume 3, Issue 3

PTA’s Around the Country Send Snowflakes PTA’s Around the Country Send Snowflakes PTA’s Around the Country Send Snowflakes PTA’s Around the Country Send Snowflakes to Decorate New Sandy Hook Schoolto Decorate New Sandy Hook Schoolto Decorate New Sandy Hook Schoolto Decorate New Sandy Hook School

Under the direction of ASB and in conjunction with the PTSA, Nicole Pedero, Student PTSA Outreach Chair, gathered snow-flakes collected from and made by stu-dents at THHS to send to the Connecticut PTA. Their State PTA is collecting snowflakes from around the country to decorate the walls of the new Sandy Hook school so when students return, they will find a winter wonderland await-ing them.

Many students included words of sympa-thy, compassion and hope for families of Sandy Hook Elementary, where 26 peo-

ple died in that recent school tragedy.

Thanks Nicole and everyone at Tra-buco Hills that participated in this project of love. The snowflakes and messages were beautiful!

2013201320132013 SVUSD SVUSD SVUSD SVUSD

Board of Board of Board of Board of Education Education Education Education MeetingsMeetingsMeetingsMeetings February 12thFebruary 12thFebruary 12thFebruary 12th

March 12thMarch 12thMarch 12thMarch 12th April 9thApril 9thApril 9thApril 9th

May 14thMay 14thMay 14thMay 14th June 11thJune 11thJune 11thJune 11th

July 9thJuly 9thJuly 9thJuly 9th

@ 6:30PM in the SVUSD Board Room

25631 Peter Hartman Drive, Mission Viejo, California

Join your THHS PTSA TodayJoin your THHS PTSA TodayJoin your THHS PTSA TodayJoin your THHS PTSA Today————it’s not too late!it’s not too late!it’s not too late!it’s not too late!

For only $15 you can make a big difference at your school. PTSA supports ALL our students, teachers and school families. Don’t sit on the sidelines and watch - get involved! If you can’t help with your time and talents, at least be involved with your membership. Our mid year Membership Campaign is underway. We need to increase our numbers—so please help and join today. Email Chris-tina Simon at dunes2river@cox.net for more information.

page 9

THHS PTSA MeetingTHHS PTSA MeetingTHHS PTSA MeetingTHHS PTSA Meeting Monday, February 11, 2012Monday, February 11, 2012Monday, February 11, 2012Monday, February 11, 2012

7 PM in the MPR7 PM in the MPR7 PM in the MPR7 PM in the MPR

• Get informed • Join PTSA

• Principal & PTSA President Reports • 2013-2014 PTSA Board slate announced • 2011-2012 THHS Reflections Awards

• Buy Community Discount Cards • Adopt a Book for our library

• Student Leader & ASB Reports • Committee Reports

• Grad Night Information • Elect Sacramento Safari Representatives

March 18th Meeting March 18th Meeting March 18th Meeting March 18th Meeting ---- *2013*2013*2013*2013----2014 PTSA Board Election 2014 PTSA Board Election 2014 PTSA Board Election 2014 PTSA Board Election

Let your voice be heard!Let your voice be heard!Let your voice be heard!Let your voice be heard!

Trabuco Hills High PTSA Pony Express

2013201320132013----2014 Board Positions2014 Board Positions2014 Board Positions2014 Board Positions Are you interested in helping?

• President • Executive Vice President

• VP Membership • VP Ways & Means • VP Student Leader

• Treasurer • Financial Secretary

• Secretary • Auditor • Historian

• Advocacy / Legislative Rep

You must be a PTSA member. If you have questions or are interested in serving, email

Suzann Gastreich right away at Suzann.gastreich@gmail.com

Page 10

ASB In ActionASB In ActionASB In ActionASB In Action

Stangs 4 ChangeStangs 4 ChangeStangs 4 ChangeStangs 4 Change

By Clara Nguyen Freshman President

It's that time of year again, the time for giving, receiv-ing, eating, sleeping, not doing homework, enjoying time with friends & family, but most importantly, CHANGE-ing. Change-ing? Yes, that means Stangs 4 Change! Every year, the Trabuco Hills Mustangs host a week-long effort to help change the lives of the less fortunate. For the week of December 4th through 7th, we collected hundreds of dollars in coins and bills--all money reaching out to needy families of students here at Trabuco and to the children and teens in the Orange County Foster Care System. Homeroom teachers have been in competition with each other, trying to raise more money and fighting for the prize. The top three money-earning homerooms are also receiving a prize! This conscientious effort is crucial to helping our community and our Mustangs have got that down. What a better way to start the holiday season? Be the CHANGE in your school!

NationballNationballNationballNationball

By Snehal Chitalia Sophomore Class President

‘Tis the season for Nationball at Trabuco Hills High School! Similar to Dodgeball, the participating teams are all composed of Trabuco’s very own students! Ac-cording to Ben DePerry, the ASB student in charge of Nationball, this year’s Nationball is the “craziest year of Nationball ever!” With so much happening at one time during every game, the crowd is always capti-vated by the games’ entertainment. A great pastime for the student body at snack time, the games took place on Wednesday and Friday at snack. The teams playing Friday, December 7th, in the semi-finals were Team EOHIOHAA and Team Minorities. On Wednes-day, December 12th, the teams of Bracket B played in the second day of semi-finals. Following the semi-finals there was the much anticipated Championships! The winning team received a grand prize of $100! Na-tionball is one of the most exciting and entertaining activities to occur in the school, and it is definitely an attraction to all of the different groups of students at Trabuco.

January 2012, January & February 2013, Volume 3, Issue 3

“The best response to the long list of social ills is to put into effect the Noah principle.

That is, stop looking for credit for predicting the rain, its time to start building an ark.”

~ Johnetta B. Cole

“If you think you’re too small to make a differ-ence, you haven’t been in bed with a

mosquitos.” ~ Anita Roddick

ASB In Action! ASB In Action! ASB In Action! ASB In Action! continued from page 7

By Mezu Ukah Junior President The Mustangs celebrated their third Got Spirit? Day of the school year on November 30th. During the snack rally, students participated in the cinnamon challenge, in which they attempted to swallow an en-tire cup of cinnamon, while in the middle of the rally stage, students participated in a game of Twister. This rally was unique in that it involved two activities on stage at the same time; truly a unique "twist" in plans. As of now, the current Got Spirit? points are as follows:

Trabuco Hills High PTSA Pony Express page 11

4th Place—Sophomores 3,952 Points

3rd Place—Freshman 4,317 Points

2nd Place—Juniors 4, 616 Points

1st Place—SENIORS 5,306 Points

Stephen Montgomery Senior Class President This year the fall sports CIF Luncheon was held in the MPR on Wednesday the 28th of Novem-ber. Five fall sports made it to CIF this year in-cluding, boys cross-country, girls cross-country, girls golf, girls volleyball and boys water polo. We celebrate all of these athletic Mustangs for their dedication. To show appreciation, Trabuco Hills had the CIF Luncheon during 5th period. Along with Chipotle burritos, there was also so-das, brownies, chips and cookies! Besides the delicious food and celebrating our Mustangs’ athletic achievements, each Coach gave a small speech congratulating their dedicated athletes, and ASB awarded each individual with a medal! Great job Mustangs and Go Blue!

Willy Wonka’s Willy Wonka’s Willy Wonka’s Willy Wonka’s Winter Winter Winter Winter

Formal DanceFormal DanceFormal DanceFormal Dance

Saturday February 2, 2013

8:00 –11 PM

Richard Nixon Library, Yorba Linda, CA

Buy your tickets soon before prices go

December 2012, January & February 2013 Volume 3, Issue 3 page 12

What Up? What Up? What Up? What Up? Almost ThereAlmost ThereAlmost ThereAlmost There By Julia Mihaylov, julze97@cox.net Student Newsletter Associate

The end of yet another first semester of high school is just within view. Thanksgiving break has passed and now we settle into the craziness of pre-winter break. Teachers are already rushing to end their lessons, mak-ing tests earlier, and piling on the homework when stu-dents simply want to get into the holiday spirit. Every high school student knows to never lose focus before big breaks, even though that is exactly what we want to do. We must push ourselves to give it our all, do not take the easy way out, we will benefit from our hard work.

“You’ve got to work hard for your success and you’ve

got to have a steady presence. That’s the

secret.” ~ Kid Rock

The closer we get to the holiday season, the more stressful things become. However, the closer we get to the holiday season, the more improved our moods be-

come. In the end, we ease into the holiday spirit and care less about the amount of work we are given and simply look forward to our well-deserved break.

The days grow shorter, the weather gets colder, and we Califor-nians love the change. We finally get to wear our jack-ets and scarves with a good reason. No more beach days or swimming pools, now we have our fireplaces accompanied by a blanket and some Starbucks: The time of year when being inside is better than outside.

“You can’t get too much winter in the winter.”

-Robert Frost

Get ready for the next couple weeks that lie ahead, stay focused, work hard, enjoy the cold, grab a cozy blanket, and get into that holiday spirit: Winter break is approaching.

Being a VolunteerBeing a VolunteerBeing a VolunteerBeing a Volunteer————a Noble Professiona Noble Professiona Noble Professiona Noble Profession By Erma Bombeck

I was a “thousand points of light” long before volunteerism lighted up the sky and had an official name. I had my lights short-circuited, burned at both ends and occasionally punched out. I hang in there because generally volunteerism is a dazzling galaxy of gems that streak across the sky and illuminate the world when it falters and cannot find its way.

I was thinking the other day that Americans are intrigued by royalty. Americans have never felt the need for a hierarchy who live in castles and get paid for waving and going to funerals, but I would like to propose a royal family for this country who would have no political power but would symbolize what we are all about and set the tone for our nation. ...the Royal Family of Volunteers.

You cannot be born to this royal family. You must earn your way through the ranks. Congress will not appro-priate a salary for your efforts. You won’t even have your own principality, especially if you volunteer your medical services to travel down the Amazon River on your vacation to tend to the needs of children in Brazil.

The perks of royalty, which usually add up to yachts, box seats, parades and state dinners, may translate to long hours, tired sandwiches, costs, rejection, cold coffee, and screaming kids. Royalty as a rule is recogniz-able. The Royal Family of Volunteers are nameless, faceless and forgettable. They are often taken for granted, and only a fraction of them are recognized for their talents.

So how do you know you’re royalty? Ah...it’s the crown jewels that give you away– that sparkling tiara of smiles you have given and tears you have shared, and the rich legacy of caring.

Trabuco Hills High PTSA Pony Express page 13

Raise $$$$ for your Raise $$$$ for your Raise $$$$ for your Raise $$$$ for your Grad Night TicketGrad Night TicketGrad Night TicketGrad Night Ticket

Car Wash Opportunities! Car Wash Opportunities! Car Wash Opportunities! Car Wash Opportunities! Parent Help Needed!!!Parent Help Needed!!!Parent Help Needed!!!Parent Help Needed!!!

Need help paying for Grad Night? How about spending a day or two helping at a car wash? All money raised by students who participate will be divided, including tips, and credited to their Grad Night accounts. You can also sell car wash tickets to Santa Margarita Ford with all proceeds going directly to your account. If you sell PTSA Community discount cards—you can make $5 per card sole. If you don’t make some effort to

earn some money to pay for your Grad Night

ticket, we will not be able to help you finan-

cially with scholarship funds— unless you are in foster care, living on your own, in dire need of help & already working. If that is the case, con-tact us right away.

All students requesting assistance will be assured of privacy regarding any arrangements made to accommodate them. Email one of the Grad Night Chairs to sign up and participate.

We also need additional helpers (14 and older) who will receive community service hours for helping at one of our car washes. We are also

currently looking for a parent to organize

these car washes. We are hoping to do at least two this year in order to help our students out. Email apadian@aol.com if you can help. Doing so will mean a lot to students needing help.

2013 Great 2013 Great 2013 Great 2013 Great

Gradsby PartyGradsby PartyGradsby PartyGradsby Party

Grad Night Co-chairs Andrea Padian @ apadian@aol.com Lisa Bauer @ isakaybauer@yahoo.com Student Grad Night Co-chairs James Padian @ jrpadian2@aol.com Duncan Bauer @ bauerd253@yahoo.com

What could be more fun than an entire night celebrat-ing your graduation with your fellow classmates? This year’s Grad Night theme is the Great Gatsby or as it has been named….The 2013 Great Gradsby Party. A bit of roaring 20’s fun, lots of delicious food for din-ner and breakfast, speakeasy fun with mocktails and endless drinks, casino action, crazy rides & entertain-ment including fortune tellers, a hypnotist, crazy hair artists, balloon artists, all night dancing, raffle, movies, photos, and so much more.

The fun begins right after the graduation ceremony. Students will meet at the tennis courts to pick up their ticket and get on a bus. Come with your friends as there will be NO prior bus assignments. Tickets must be pur-chased in advance and the price goes up throughout the year. No refunds are offered at this time. Don’t miss the fun! Prices are currently $180.00. Complete your permission forms, make a check payable to the THHS PTSA—Grad Night and drop both off in an envelope in the office with Debi Hope. Prices go up to $190 on Feb-ruary 19, so don’t wait!

Current Price $180, or $90 in

January & $90 in February

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December 2012, January & February 2013, Volume 3, Issue 3 Page 14

PTSA 2012PTSA 2012PTSA 2012PTSA 2012----2013 Mini2013 Mini2013 Mini2013 Mini----grantsgrantsgrantsgrants Mike Padian, PTSA Mini—Grant Chair padianteam@aol.com For the third year, your support of the THHS PTSA reaches hundreds of students by providing much needed educational supplies directly to the classroom. Each year, the PTSA invites all of the teachers to make an ap-plication for a Mini-grant. The applications are reviewed and ranked by the PTSA and THHS Administration, with preference given to those that have the most impact on the most students. As in the past, most depart-ments received a mini-grant. This year, among other things, the PTSA purchased a bacterial transformation bath for Mr. McDermitt’s Biology classes, interactive computer tablets for Mr. Waegner in Science, and Mr. Dekofsky Math classes, graphing handheld calculators for Mrs. Gordon’s advanced math, current book selec-tions for the library, and a new audio/video cart for the school. The mini-grant program was started several years ago in response to cuts in funding for school supplies. Despite the recently passed tax increases, general school supplies are still substantially underfunded, and your continued support by becoming PTSA members and attending PTSA fundraising events enhances the educational experience of all THHS students.

Mr. Dekofsky with

some of the state-of-

the-art technology that

the PTSA has acquired

over the past three

years. With these de-

vices, Mr. Dekofsky is

able to record every

lecture, which he posts

on his website, or

which can be viewed

by students in the

classroom. Mrs. Gordon with her graphing calculators.

Trabuco Hills High

Civic Classes Meet Civic Classes Meet Civic Classes Meet Civic Classes Meet Sacramento LeadersSacramento LeadersSacramento LeadersSacramento Leaders By Suzann Gastreich

The THHS PTSA assisted in having two prominent California Legislators pay a visit to the THHS cam-pus. Republican CA Senator, Mimi Walters, and De-mocrat Rick Simpson, Chief of Staff to Speaker of the Assembly, spoke candidly and answered ques-tions from our history and government students.

The students packed the theater and surprised the leg-islators with their knowledge and depth of questions. They covered topics such as, Special Interest Groups, Campaign Reform, the Economy, Higher Education Costs, and there were many questions about the

newly passed Prop. 30.

Our students represented THHS well and hopefully the legislators will return next year for even more questions! Thanks PTSA!!!

Trabuco Hills High PTSA Pony Express page 15

4th District Legislative 4th District Legislative 4th District Legislative 4th District Legislative Advocacy CommunicatorAdvocacy CommunicatorAdvocacy CommunicatorAdvocacy Communicator

Next State Budget Process BeginsNext State Budget Process BeginsNext State Budget Process BeginsNext State Budget Process Begins

The start of a new year means the beginning of a new state budget cycle in Sacramento. The governor and legislature will have to decide how to resolve the re-maining $1.9 billion deficit and how to allocate the ad- ditional revenue resulting from the passage of Prop. 30.

They will also have to determine if this is the right time to replace the existing school funding system with a weighted student formula, which would provide a base amount for each pupil plus an additional amount for low-income students and English language learners. Gov. Brown has announced that he plans to re-introduce this idea and propose ways to give school districts more flexibility in how they spend state funding.

The first step in the process is the development of a pro-posed budget, based on estimated revenues, which the Governor must submit to the Legislature by January 10. The Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) will issue its analysis of this proposal by the third week of February.

During the next months, Assembly and Senate budget committees will review the proposal and develop their own versions of the budget.

In mid-May, the governor will issue an updated “May Revise” version of the budget based on actual revenues received through taxes. The LAO will again present its analysis. A conference committee may meet to resolve the differences between the Assembly and Senate ver-sions of the budget, and there may be continuing discus-sions between legislators and the Governor.

The state Constitution requires the legislators to com-plete the budget by June 15. If they miss the deadline, they permanently lose their pay and expenses for every day that the budget is not passed. If the Governor re-ceives the budget on time, he must sign it by June 30.

Information about the budget and the budget process can be found at the following sites: • The California Department of Finance will publish

the complete budget at www.dof.ca.gov • LAO reports my be found at www.lao.ca.gov

• For information and commentary on how the pro-

posed budget will impact education, go to www.edsource.org

• Additional information, including an easy to read guide to the budget process, is at the California Budget Project, www.cbp.org

Calendar of Events

Advocacy Roundtable Friday, January 25, 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM Orange County Department of Education

200 Kalmus Drive, Costa Mesa

*Open to all PTA members

The Latest Education News

from Washington D.C. Presented by

Jacque Chevalier National PTA’s Senior Education Policy Analyst

Friday, January 25

9:30 AM to 11:30 AM Orange County Department of Education

Building D, Rooms 1001 and 1002 200 Kalmus Drive, Costa Mesa 92626

All PTA members are welcome to attend.

No need to RSVP...just show up! Questions? Contact Fran Sdao at’ roundtables@fourthdistrictpta.org

U.S. Department of Education Turns U.S. Department of Education Turns U.S. Department of Education Turns U.S. Department of Education Turns Down California’s NCLB waiver (No Down California’s NCLB waiver (No Down California’s NCLB waiver (No Down California’s NCLB waiver (No Child Left Behind)Child Left Behind)Child Left Behind)Child Left Behind)

California’s application for a waiver from the NO Child Left Behind (NCLB) law has been turned down by the U.S. Department of Education. The law requires among other things, that states show they are moving toward 100% proficiency of all students in English language arts and math by 2014. There are repercussions for schools and districts that don't’ show enough progress toward this goal.

Currently 70% of California schools that receive federal Title I money are in “Program Improvement,” the

continued on page 14

Page 16 December 2012, January & February 2013, Volume 3, Issue 3

Fourth District Advocacy News Fourth District Advocacy News Fourth District Advocacy News Fourth District Advocacy News (continued from page 13)

designation for failing to meet NCLB goals. These schools must notify parents annually that they can transfer their children to another school, and must set aside 20% of Title I money for student tutoring and transporting students to schools of their choice. There are also restrictions on Title I dollars for teacher training. Statewide, this ties up $353 million that schools could use for other purposes.

NCLB expired in 2007 and is overdue to be reauthorized, and possibly revised, but Congress has failed to act. Many people believe the goals of the law are impossible to achieve. The U.S. Department of Education agreed to issue waivers to states if they adopted rigorous academic achievement standards, programs to improve low-performing schools and an accountability system that included the use of standardized test scores to evaluate teachers and principals. California education officials estimated that it would cost $2 billion to $2.7 billion to meet the waiver criteria and objected to the use of test scores in evaluating educators.

NCLB inaccurately labels too many schools as failing, creating confusion among parents and the public, de-moralizing teachers, and restricting the use of funding, said State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Torlakson. He and State Board of Education president Michael Kirst asked that California be allowed to use its own accountability system for schools.

“We want relief from the parts of the federal law that aren’t working, but that doesn't’ mean we’re retreating from accountability,” said Kirst. “Our system is better than NCLB at identifying which schools need help.”

NCLB tracks school performance through the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) reports, while California has its own accountability system, the Academic Performance Index (API).

Waivers have been granted to 33 states and the District of Columbia. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Dun-can said he might consider granting a waiver to school districts in states whose waivers are turned down, as long as the districts meet the criteria, including evaluating systems. Eight California school districts have come together under the umbrella of the nonprofit California Office to Reform Education (CORE) and have ex-pressed an interest in applying for these waivers. They include Long Beach, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oak-land, Sacramento City and Fresno Unified School Districts.

Federal Education Budget Cuts Delayed by LastFederal Education Budget Cuts Delayed by LastFederal Education Budget Cuts Delayed by LastFederal Education Budget Cuts Delayed by Last----minute Dealminute Dealminute Dealminute Deal

The compromise deal approved by Congress on New Year’s Day to avert the “fiscal cliff” gave California schools a two-month reprieve from potential cuts in federal funding. Congress delayed a decision on the auto-matic spending cuts until early March.

If the 8.2% federal spending cuts had gone into effect January 1, California would have lost more than $350 million in education funding. The federal government provides less that 10% of school spending in the state, but most of the money goes to programs for poor children and students with disabilities.

The 8.2% in cuts for California would include: • $139.6 million in Title I grants to districts with low-income students • $107 million for special education, including services for preschool-aged children • $75 million for Head Start • $19 million in child-care subsidies • $15 million for career and technical education The cuts to Head Start and to subsidies for school districts that serve families working at federal facilities were to take effect January 1. The rest were scheduled for July 1..

Reflections 2012Reflections 2012Reflections 2012Reflections 2012----2013 “2013 “2013 “2013 “The Magic of a Moment…”The Magic of a Moment…”The Magic of a Moment…”The Magic of a Moment…” Reflections Co- Chairs, Andrea Padian , apadian@aol.com, Tonga Prather, tonga160@yahoo.com

Trabuco Hills High PTSA Pony Express page 17

A

The winning Reflections entries have been selected at Tra-buco Hills, within our district & in the Fourth District PTAs. This January all first place winners at our school district will be displayed at the Fourth District Open House and 1st place winners at that level will be announced. On February 11th, all winners at THHS will receive their awards during the PTSA meeting at 7 PM in the MPR. School district award winners have been invited to an open house reception at the district on February 25th at 6:30 PM. It will be attended by our superintendent, Clint Harwick, and school board members. Typically in the past, there has been a formal award ceremony, but because there were so many winners at this level, that would be impossible, and so the open house will be held instead. We had seven dis-trict winners this year! Cookies will be served and we en-courage all families to stop by and see the amazing work all

our SVUSD PTA schools have produced. We have real talent in our valley! Winners at the Fourth District level will move on to the State PTA for additional judging and those winners will be announced at the State PTA conven-tion in May.

Our school and district winners are listed below. We had winners in almost all categories except Dance / Choreogra-phy, so hopefully some students will submit entries in that area next year so we can participate in all the art categories.

Thanks to all of you that submitted entries this year. And thanks to all our teachers who encouraged their students to participate. Great job again Mustangs!.

Visual ArtsVisual ArtsVisual ArtsVisual Arts

1st Place THHS & *3rd Place District Madeline Klein “Happy birthday”

2nd Place THHS — Hannah Randal

3rd Place THHS — Brandi Masci

LiteratureLiteratureLiteratureLiterature

1st Place THHS & *1st Place District Chiara Burns “A Beautiful Struggle”

2nd Place THHS & *3rd Place District

Renee Sanchez “The Diner”

3rd Place THHS — Clara Nguyen

Video / Film ProductionVideo / Film ProductionVideo / Film ProductionVideo / Film Production

1st Place at THHS Mitchell Izykowski

MusicMusicMusicMusic

1st Place at THHS & *1st Place District Brittany Boud “Coming Home”

PhotographyPhotographyPhotographyPhotography 1st Place THHS — *2nd Place District

Elizabeth Elder “Perception of Reality”

2nd Place THHS —*1st Place District Sarah McCarter “Perception of Reality”

3rd Place THHS - Sarah Hayman

New PTA Reflections theme for 2013-2014

“Believe, Dream, Inspire…” Due October 8, 2013

Go to www.CAPTA.org/sections/programs/reflections.cfm for more information on this program.

Special ArtistSpecial ArtistSpecial ArtistSpecial Artist

1st Place THHS & *1st Place District Lelia Woods “Star Dragon”

THHS Winners & *SVUSD WinnersTHHS Winners & *SVUSD WinnersTHHS Winners & *SVUSD WinnersTHHS Winners & *SVUSD Winners

DONATION BIN: We have a donation bin in con-junction with Community of Change. Please donate your old clothing, towels, blankets, sheets, rags, purses and shoes! All textiles will be accepted. The PTSA will receive a dollar back for every 50 pounds of donations collected. The bin is located on the Santa Margarita Pkwy side of the school near the ten-nis courts, on the road that leads to the front of the school. You can just pull up to the bin and drop off

your goods. Do it throughout the year!

SPREEBIRD—(formerly Screamin Daily Deals):

Want to get a great deal on food, entertainment, mas-sages, hair care and more? Check out Spreebird! You will get about 3 deals per day from local busi-nesses. Purchase your deal, print the coupon and en-joy savings up to 70%! Sign up on the PTSA web-site, or www.spreebird.com, choose THHS PTSA as your school to support! It’s free and our school is

entered in a 100K giveaway based on new sign ups.

KEY TO SAFE DRIVING: Protect your teen from texting & talking on their cell phones while driv-ing! It does allow your teen access to 911 and parents in case of an emergency. The device is $95.00 and

can be purchased from the PTSA website.

ITALIAN ICE: Sold every Thursday from 2pm to 4pm in front of the school. Cost is $3.00 per cup and

supports PTSA. Yummy, too!

RECYCLING: Drop off your used printer cartridges, laptops, digital cameras, and cell phone—broken or otherwise in the of-fice recycle box. If you know a business that would donate their old recycles, we can pick them up. Email Brenda at brendahanrath@cox.net

for info.

RALPHS & E-SCRIP: Go to the PTSA website at www.thhsptsa.org and sign up your Ralphs Club Card or Vons/Pavilion’s card with the Ralphs Community Contribution Program and/or EScript program. It’s easy and a percentage of all your purchases will go back to the school/PTSA. It costs no money and doesn’t take away from your own rewards. Don t wait! Do it today. Families can raise thousands of

dollars this way, but not if you don’t sign up.

SIMON’S AUTO BODY, INC: When you go to have your car fixed at Simon’s and mention the Tra-buco Hills PTSA, he will donate 10% of the total bill back to our PTSA! The shop is at 23551 Commerce

Center Dr., Laguna Hills, 949-951-5265.

Eat Out and Help our School Eat Out and Help our School Eat Out and Help our School Eat Out and Help our School

daphne’s greek cafe

Join students, families and faculty to make our restaurant fundraisers successful. Be sure to print and bring a flyer

before you go. You can find flyers before the event on the Daily Announcements in PDF form, pick one up at the of-fice or download and print the flyer from the PTSA website at www.thhsptsa.org/ before you leave to eat. A percent-

age of your purchase will go towards purchasing paper

and soft supplies for teachers and classrooms. Our Janu-

ary restaurant is Daphne’s in RSM & Foothill Ranch .

Tuesday, January 22nd, 5:30 PM to closing

22245 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita

26612 Towne Centre Dr. , Suite 1, Foothill Ranch

****Don’t forget, your purchases help out all our

classrooms, students and teachers

How Can YOU Help Support Our PTSA, Students & Teachers?How Can YOU Help Support Our PTSA, Students & Teachers?How Can YOU Help Support Our PTSA, Students & Teachers?How Can YOU Help Support Our PTSA, Students & Teachers?

December 2012, January & February 2013, Volume 3, Issue 3 page 18

Purchase Our New Purchase Our New Purchase Our New Purchase Our New THHS PTSATHHS PTSATHHS PTSATHHS PTSA Community Discount CardCommunity Discount CardCommunity Discount CardCommunity Discount Card & & & & SAVE SAVE SAVE SAVE

every day on Food, Car Services, every day on Food, Car Services, every day on Food, Car Services, every day on Food, Car Services,

Activities, Salons and much moreActivities, Salons and much moreActivities, Salons and much moreActivities, Salons and much more!!!!

31 31 31 31 Vendor discounts to use every day until the

end of August 2013. Earn your money back after just one purchase in many cases!!! Email

Diane at dmwilliams@swlaw.com OR Brenda at Brendahanrath@cox.net

for info &/or to buy a card. today. Help PTSA help our students, teacher & school and SAVE!

Mark Your Calendar...Mark Your Calendar...Mark Your Calendar...Mark Your Calendar... • January 21 NO SCHOOL—Martin Luther King Day

• January 23-25 Finals Exams *Minimum Days

• January 28 Second Semester Begins

Collaboration Day

• February 2 Willie Wonka’s Winter Formal, Saturday 8 –11:30 PM, Richard Nixon Library

• February 4-8 International Week

• February 8 International Food Fair

• February 11 Collaboration Day

PTSA Association Meeting 7 PM MPR *2013-2014 PTSA Slate Announced

*THHS Reflections Award Ceremony

• February 14 Valentines Day

• February 14-18 NO SCHOOL—President’s Weekend *one day may be eliminated as furlough

days are returned to the school calendar

• March 11 Collaboration Day

• March 12 Board of Education Meeting 6:30 PM, SVUSD Board Room

• March 18 PTSA Association Meeting, 7 PM MPR *2013-2013 PTSA Board Election

• March 25 Collaboration Day

• March 27 THHS Open House

• March 29-April 5 NO SCHOOL Spring Break * March 29th may be eliminated as furlough days

are returned to the school calendar

Trabuco Hills High

Trabuco Hills High PTSA Pony Express page 19

Volunteer Helpers NeededVolunteer Helpers NeededVolunteer Helpers NeededVolunteer Helpers Needed

• 2013-2014 PTSA Board—New board members are nominated during January to fill the slate of elected board members for next year’s board. If you are interested in serving in any of the follow-ing positions, advise Suzann, our parliamentarian, at Suzann.gastreich@gmail.com. POSITIONS AVAILABLE: president, executive vice presi-dent, 1st VP Membership, 2nd VP Ways & Means, 3rd VP– Student Leader, Treasurer, Finan-cial Secretary, Secretary, Auditor, Historian, & Advocacy/Legislative Rep. Other appointed posi-tions will become available after the election in March. Look for more information then.

• Grad Night Car Wash Chair—One or two peo-ple to organize car washes for seniors that need help paying for Grad night. We are hoping to do at least 2 car washes before May on a weekend. Email Andrea at apadian@aol.com or Lisa at

lisakaybauer@yahoo.com

• Grad Night Committee Members and Grad Night volunteers for check in, goodie bag assem-bly, chaperones, security, ticket sales at snack on Fridays, publicity and more. apadian@aol.com

• Taste of the Hills Chair, Committee Members

& Volunteers—a fun event for all. Contact Diane at dmwilliamss@swlaw.com for more information.