Senior Carwash

During spring break the Seniors at Foothill had an amazing car wash to raise money for our senior dinner. We worked from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm and in that time we made almost $1,000! We were so thrilled and this money will help a lot of seniors go to the dinner. We had fun too! I was in charge of the bake sale and we had a lot of students volunteer to help was cars. It was a great day and a great way to fundraise!

Every 15 Minutes

On March 24, 2009, I completed a project that I had been working on for quite some time. The program is called "Every 15 Minutes" and it is a drinking and driving simulation for high schools across the nation. The program is titled so because every fifteen minutes someone is killed or critically injured from someone driving under the influence in a car accident.
This program was quite an undertaking. Foothill had never presented the program and some told me that I couldn't do it. But I felt driven to present this topic. Alcohol has had a huge presence in my life unfortunately as my uncle was killed in a car accident because he was driving under the influence. I wanted my peers to realize how instantaneously life can be taken away and I wanted them to realize how important it is to not drink and drive or get in the car with someone who has been drinking.
I could never have done this program without the immense support from the Foothill staff, faculty, and janitor. Also, I am so grateful for AMR, the Police Department, the Fire Department, the Coroner, and the helicopter crew. Another thank you to our make-up artist and our actors who did such a great job. We had so many helping hands that cared about this event just as much as I did.
I think the student body really responded to the event which was the main purpose. Of course, there will always be the jokers and the teasers, but I think many students lives were changed for the better. I know mine was.
The following day we had California Highway Patrol Officer, Anthony Pedeferri, come in to speak to the school. He is a paraplegic because of an underage DUI Driver and his story is one of the most inspirational that I have heard. I was so honored that he was able to attend and speak to our students- he has the power to change lives on a daily basis.

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Service Awards

The day after the Debutante Ball was my final Service Awards presentation with National Charity League. I volunteered over 100 hours this year and I was especially thrilled when I was awarded the Senior Service award for having volunteered over 900 hours of community service during my six year tenure in National Charity League.
My favorite part of the day though was giving the final speech for the Class of 2009. I gave a tribute to my mom, the girls, and National Charity League as a whole. It has done so much for my life and I'm so grateful for the experience. I even got a standing ovation when I was done- I was so surprised and excited. It was a wonderful day.

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Debutante Ball

In March I had the most amazing experience with the Las Patronas Debutante Ball. It was such a beautiful event and I felt so blessed to be apart of it. I had a great time celebrating with my friends and family and I loved being presented as a debutante by my father. It was a great experience for him, too and I know that the evening meant so much to everyone. From the beautiful flowers, ballroom, and gowns- the night was so aesthetically beautiful yet meaningful. It was the culmination of all my experiences in my life and I'm happy to say that I soaked in every moment. I think the pictures speak louder than words in this case so I suggest you look at the slide show to really see how it was!

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Jewelia

Last week (wow, I'm finally catching up) my mom and I attended her monthly NCL Patroness meeting. It was at the Topa Tower club and it was nice getting to chit and chat with all the moms. I was there to introduce our NCL Senior Presentations theme- "Together at Tiffany's". I'm so excited for the event and it will be held at the Ronald Reagan library. We will be doing a luncheon, fashion show, and senior tribute to our mothers. It should be a day to remember!
After the presentation, I got to hear the women of Jewelia speak. Their story is quite inspirational. Thirteen women went in together to buy a beautiful diamond necklace and have been sharing it with the world ever since. Over 2,000 people have worn Jewelia and I love the message of the necklace. As an only child, sharing is not one of my fortes. My mom bought us the book so I will be sure to read it as soon as I get the chance!

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Happy Valentine's Day!

Even though I was in Sacramento during Valentine's Day, Evan and I still had a great time when we got back. He gave me a beautiful bouquet which he surprised me with when I met him for lunch at CPK and he later give me a much too delicious chocolate chip heart cookie from Mrs. Fields that said "Love, Evan". It was so sweet of him and I always enjoy spending time with my favorite person. I hope you like our Valentine's Day House that we (**I) made!

It was also fun in ASB because we had a huge Valentine's Day party just like the days of elementary school. There was a TON of candy and everybody brought in valentines for each other. Mine were Disney Princesses of course!

Youth and Government

This was my second year participating in Youth and Government and I had an excellent time. Last year I was in the media program and this year I was in the Senate program. I have to admit, I enjoyed my experience much more this year than last! It was so much fun getting to speak in front of people and debate bills. I discovered a little bit more about myself as I had to choose how to vote. It was an enlightening experience. I also enjoyed making so many new friends- our delegation grew so close. We were amidst 2,000 other California delegates and I felt so privileged to be apart of such an intelligent and involved group of my peers. We had so much fun at the Bounce House night (room FULL of jolly jumps), the dance, and at our farewell hangout session. Everyone got along really well and everyone seemed to enjoy their individual experiences.
One of my favorite parts of the trip was being asked to escort California's Secretary of State, Debra Bowen, into the Convention Center. It was exciting to meet her and hear what she had to say to our generation. It was also fun to see the real senators and assemblymen in action because of crisis with the state budget. Normally, the politicians are on vacation during our trip but they were called into emergency session so I got to see it all! It was amazing to me to see how disrespectful they were; they listened to their iPods and texted people with their fellow legislators were trying to give a speech! It doesn't set a good example.
It was also exciting because my peers and advisers voted for me as Channel Islands Delegate of the Year. This is quite an honor to me. As a gift they gave me Dr. Suess' Oh the Places You'll Go with a bunch of individual messages to me inside. I will always keep that and treasure it.
I'm sad that it's my last year in Sacramento- I had such a great time!

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