Western High School Key Club July/August 2012 Newsletter

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The Official Western High School Key Club Newsletter | July/August 2012

Division 30 South | Region 3 | CNH

Volume 1, Issue 2

Miranda Phan (left) and Hao Ho (right) shovel up tough soil at the Anaheim Hi-Neighbor Gardening Project. (p. 3)

key club v. making a difference, one step at a time

what’s up, l

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[SERVICE PROJECTS] Anaheim Hi-Neighbor Gardening...........................................................2 Muzeo Event..............................................................................................3 Relay For Life..............................................................................................4 [OTHER EVENTS] International Convention..........................................................................5 Muzeo Training...........................................................................................6 Kiwanis Training Night................................................................................6 July DCM.....................................................................................................7 Western Key Club Statistics.......................................................................8 Western’s Top 5 Shinin’ Suns......................................................................8 Board Member Spotlight: President.........................................................9 Upcoming Events......................................................................................10 Board Members’ Contact Information...................................................11

? [a note about the newsletter] You may have noticed that this newsletter is published as “July/August.” This simply means that the majority of the contents of this issue are July events, but the newsletter is published in August. So, next month’s newsletter will be the “August/September” newsletter, and so on.

[key club pledge] I pledge on my honor, to uphold the objects of Key Club International, to build my home, school and community, to serve my nation and God, and to combat all forces which tend to undermine these institutions.

the

bulletin editor’s

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top STORIES

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MEMO Hello, everyone! I hope that these newsletters are looking better every month -- I try my best to put in at least ten hours into each one. July was a rather quiet month for us, but as soon as school kicks up again, we’ll have more stories to tell than we can fit in the newsletter! As always, constructive feedback and suggestions are welcome -- I am not a very artistic person, so I would love to learn from those who know more than me. Keep shining with service, and in the coming months, you may see yourself in this newsletter!

Yours in service, Mercy Tran

The Official Western High School Key Club Newsletter | July/August 2012

Page 1

C A R

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N G our way of LIFE

Anaheim Hi-Neighbor Gardening Project !

kim truong, HISTORIAN On July 21st, D30S Key Clubs got together to help build a community garden.

When I volunteered in June, the lot of land we worked on was almost empty. There were large piles of dirt waiting to be sifted and plants were unplanted. However, now, there were various plants and vegetables starting to grow—it was beginning to look livelier. Even so, there was so much more to do.

Mulch was raked out and carried away, so flat stones can be laid out. The ground was very dry and hard, like concrete! We tried to wet it so it wouldn’t be hard to dig into, but we ended up pouring sand over the dirt anyways.

Meanwhile, others continued to sift through the used-to-be-very-large pile of dirt. The pile was much smaller this time! It was an encouraging sign of progress for the community gardeners and us.

Weeding was done and the sun was quickly coming up. As it became hotter, progress started to dwindle, but it continued. We rested and lunch was prepared: hot dogs and fruit. Yum!

zayrha arambula, HISTORIAN I woke up even more ecstatic on July 21st, a Saturday, when I saw how sunny it was outside.

Finally, I had a “hands on” project and also one that would require a lot activity. I arrived at the event around eight in the morning and what immediately caught my attention was the giant lot of dirt. To my surprise, there was barely any green. I except there to be some trees planted but I could see that it was only the first stage of creating the community garden. My sister and I were assigned to shovel soil into wheelbarrows to transfer it by the holes that were already dug up to plant the trees. Surprisingly, it was fun because it wasn’t as hard yet and we were shoveling with other volunteers from Western.

When we finished with that, we were assigned to flatten out a huge mountain of dirt in the middle of the lot and throw any rocks or pebbles to form a pile on the side. A friendly leader commented that they would use those rocks to build nice stone paths.

Flattening it out was not easy and it took forever even when other volunteers offered to help too. I met several new people and a group of nice girls

When we finished with that, we were assigned to flatten out a huge mountain of dirt in the middle of the lot and throw any rocks or pebbles to form a pile on the side. A friendly leader commented that they would use those rocks to build nice stone paths.

Flattening it out was not easy and it took forever even when other volunteers offered to help too. I met several new people and a group of nice girls remarked they were part of the Mosque in Anaheim. I asked one of the girls how old she was and she replied, “Twenty-seven.” I gaped at her because I couldn’t believe it! She looked a decade younger! I also met a group of kids from “The Rock”, a Christian church located in Anaheim. I was touched by their willingness to help nearly the entire time.

After a few hours of digging and shoveling and raking, the “Hi Neighbor” organization was kind enough to treat all the volunteers to a small barbeque. They gave us bananas, hot dogs, grapes, chips, granola bars and water.

We were very grateful and took advantage of the meal! Despite the very warm weather, everyone, including me, looked hyper and glad to part of this project. I promised myself that I would come help another weekend again.

The Official Western High School Key Club Newsletter | July/August 2012

Page 2

MUZEO

miranda phan, VICE PRESIDENT

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For two Thursdays, I drove my friend and me to and from the Muzeo that is about a thirty-minute drive. Dressed in black and white attire, we were always the first ones to arrive and we would wait until the others arrive by 11 AM. On both days, during our preparation hour, we would separate crayons and markers into twelve buckets each for the children to use in an activity station later, and file illuminated letters in the proper folder.

We then would be assigned a certain job. Some people worked in the Art Station, where children came in and the volunteers would pass out a letter that corresponds to the child’s first initial of his/ her first name to color and bring home. Others worked in the Music Station, passing out drums of all sizes and drumsticks for the children to play, participate, and follow along with the Music instructor. The rest of the lucky volunteers were given a partner and were assigned to be tour guides or chaperones for the children. I was one of the lucky ones. I was partnered with my friend, Ericson Tang, to be a tour guide, escorting groups of sixty to one hundred children to where they need to be, Ericson Tang, to be a tour guide, escorting groups of sixty to one hundred children to where they need to be, according to a schedule, given to us for each volunteering day.

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We were also given a colored wristband to match the group of children we had to pick up from the bus stop.

Ericson and I were given a gold wristband, and before we knew it, the clock struck 12 PM, and we had to wait for the buses to come. I was very nervous thinking about having to deal with so many children at once, but the buses arrived, and I had to do what I came to do.

Ericson jumped onto the buses (there were three or four of them on both days) to ask if the children in the bus had the same color wristband as we did, one bus said yes, another bus said no, and in some cases, the bus said half of one color and half of the other. It was very hectic to gather all the children together, while still being on time with the schedule. Somehow, we pulled through, and led them to the Art Station.

The Art Station was hectic as well. With so many children, we did not know which student belonged to which teacher, some classes were split, and we couldn’t pass out the illuminated letters fast enough. Some students barely got their paper, when Ericson called five minutes before we had to move onto the next station.

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We really were on a time crunch, since moving one hundred students into a room takes quite some time. Eventually, the papers were given to the proper teacher, and we moved to the next station.

The Music Station wasn’t very hectic because the children sat down orderly enough for the volunteers to pass out the drums and drumsticks efficiently, and the Music instructor took it from there. He made Ericson and I dance with him, or rather shake our booty’s while the children drummed. How embarrassing! Also, there was a moment when one child broke her drumstick and ran to her teacher in tears, I happily gave her a replacement and said it’s okay, and after some convincing from her teacher, she began to smile again. I got a good feeling from being a part of that moment.

All Ericson and I had to do, for the last station to the Exhibit, was to escort them to the open doors, and the museum instructors took care of the rest. As a tour guide, we just had to make sure no one got lost, after that, all the children went onto their right bus, and Ericson and I went home. The event was well worth the drive.

The Official Western High School Key Club Newsletter | July/August 2012

Page 3

RELA Y for LIFE hillary tran, SECRETARY As I walked around Servite High School, I tried finding the location of Anaheim’s Relay for Life. I followed a crowd of people to the front of the school, but it turned out that a dance recital was being held there. I finally found the exact location and walked over to the volunteer table. When I got there, I was asked for a waiver form which I was not told about beforehand. After making my grandfather drive back and sign the form, I was led to this booth to begin my shift.

My job was to hang these hand-shaped papers on the poles of the canopy. On these hand-shaped papers, people wrote the name of the cancer patient on the palm and the name of the caregivers on the fingers. They could also write down their story on another sheet of paper. When they were done, I

would punch a hole and tie these “hands” on to the poles with ribbon and put on a piece of tape. The wind was overbearing at times, and the items on the table flew around which drove me insane. Only a few people would actually stop by the table and do this so most of the time, I ended up just patiently waiting for someone to come. Overall, Relay for Life was an amazing sight to see because there was so much love and spirit. People were running and walking and doing things for a great cause, which touched my heart. Even though I didn’t do as much as I wanted, it was incredible to see how people who are deceased are still remembered and the survivors that have been able to overcome their fight against cancer.

denne tiengthong, TREASURER It was July 27th and I decided to go volunteer at Relay for Life with other Key Clubbers as well. Even though the event hadn’t started yet, there was still much to do. The objective for that day was to setup and prepare everything for the event.

It was my first time volunteering at the event so I was pretty excited to see how everything would be planned. When I arrived I ran into a little problem because all of Division 30 South didn’t receive any waivers, so the leader of the event wouldn’t let us volunteer. That didn’t stop me from volunteering though, I went home to go get my parents signature and then went right back. The chairman of the event informed us about the event and told us it was a walk for cancer and how every year many people attend the event

to show their support.

There were many booths that had to be setup for the event, and all of us Key Clubbers set them up together.

After, she assigned us tasks to do and my job was to hang up the signs. Hanging up signs sounds easy but they were huge signs and it was a very long and tedious process. The signs had quotes on them, and one of the quotes said “Finding a cure until we get to the finish line.” The event was to honor the people who have been diagnosed with cancer and to show respect to those who got their lives taken away by the disease. The event was very inspirational and shows that we will fight until we find a cure for cancer.

The Official Western High School Key Club Newsletter | July/August 2012

Page 4

ICON 2012 KEY CLUB’S ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION

by jennifer tarm, PRESIDENT

Going to International Convention 2012 is one of those experiences that a Key Clubber has to experiences in their Key Club career to tie everything together.

I remember going to ICON with the most nervous and anxious feeling. When I got to the hotel, I ended up realizing that practically all of the attendees consisted of Lieutenant Governors, District Governors, or Immediate Past Officers.

It really felt that I was on the International level of Key Club.

There was this one moment when a couple of friends and me were down in the lobby and there was a piano. One of my friends knew how to play the piano and it ended up getting people’s attention. For some reason, we ended up thinking that the piano was the connection to making new friends. We ended up meeting Key Clubbers from the Canada District, Florida District, and more Interstate districts. It was even more surprising that some of the people that we met at the piano were people who were running for an International Office!

Meeting new people was a continuous adventure. Seeing the International groups didn’t occur until the meet and greet and the general sessions. The meet and greet was in a giant ballroom where all Key Clubbers played games, ice breakers, and just socialized. That was when everyone was connected. There were no racial barriers and no separation.

Everyone was there to have fun, to show their love for service, and even engage in the serious art of pin trading.

The House of Delegates and voting on the amendments was a different experience from District Convention. It was a much longer experience. I never realized how CNH took caucusing seriously. We, however, were voting for the best people for International Office. When we were voting for amendments, it got really intense. The pros and cons microphone got people talking.

For the more controversial topics, there would be lines for the microphones and discussion would range from half an hour to possibly an hour. There were so many opinions on an issue that it was difficult deciding on a side on a issue. Voting on amendments and bylaws was such a great experience because it helped me understand the process of passing laws and the idea of a government.

International Convention was one of my many firsts that I’ll never forget. I met so many great people and experienced so many fun things. It’s really hard to write an article on ICON when so much went on during week and it’s one of those events where you have to go to experience it yourself.

The Official Western High School Key Club Newsletter | July/August 2012

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TRAININGS ericson tang, PUBLICIST

This training proved to be important and necessary to those who volunteered at the Muzeo. When we arrived at nine, we assisted in separating each station for the children that would later arrive that noon. First we were directed as to which stations were to be set up and we had the necessities required to organize them. Such as every color crayon had its own tray. It was separated with the markers in which took place in another tray. This way the children would distinctly reach for the color they needed for their craft that they were issued by the staff of Muzeo. It was rather neat. The work they had the chance to color held meaning to their names. After that was explained, the main figure for the Muzeo exhibitions assigned two to three people to that section of the trip for the children.

KIWANIS After having our first successful Kiwanis Training Night, it had come time for our second. Despite the fact that most of our board members were busy and could not attend, four of us managed to pull through. The funny part about it was that I came to the meeting straight from tennis practice, which resulted in me sitting in front of everyone else in my tennis skirt, visor and all.

This month’s agenda was similar to last month’s, but more in depth. This time we learned how to run successful meetings. Mr. Barry mentioned that it is important for us board members to stayed organized and consistent to reach a bettered amount of dedicated members. Our LTG, Erick Pineda, also mentioned guidelines and goals he aspired for this month and the future year.

MUZEO The next section revolved around music for the kids. This was interesting because they didn’t just have simple tools that made music; rather, there was a set up of stereos as well toy drums for every single kid. This part of the exhibition was probably the most fun and most difficult to set up. A single man led the entire section with the help of two other Key Clubbers.

The final part of the exhibition for the children was probably the most fascinating. We were guided, as well as shown, through the display as to where we would direct the line of children. Each section of the museum had experts who explained each of the gallery art pieces. Even though it was in a dark room, the objects could clearly be seen and held an importance in history that only fascinated the children and kept their attention on the speaker.

grishma patel, VICE PRESIDENT

As always, the Kiwanis Advisors had refreshments for us, and just like last time they were delicious! The meeting had ended later than usual, as this time around there was much more to discuss, and our advisors mentioned important aspects of having a successful year.

Mr. Barry was also sure to make each of us a handout on planning a meeting or event for us to refer to throughout the year. He used his own examples and creativity to create a simple acronym for us to remember. After a long and informational night, we had all learned new things that we were excited to bring back to our home club for a much more successful year than before!

The Official Western High School Key Club Newsletter | July/August 2012

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JULY JULY JULY JULY JULY JULY JULY JULY JULY JULY JULY JULY JULY JULY JULY JULY JULY

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denne tiengthong, TREASURER Our whole division gathered at Veteran’s Park for our July DCM, and I was excited to see all the Key Clubbers once again. The divisional leadership team planned to have not only a dodge ball tournament, but also to sell food to fundraise for PTP. I thought that the dodge ball tournament was a great way to get Key Clubbers involved to help fundraise to PTP. A couple days prior to the DCM, the LTG told each club to bring a food item to sell during the DCM. Western decided to sell some delicious spam musubi! As treasurer it was my duty to find a good place to get the spam musubi. We ended up using our own club money to pay for the food, but I knew that the money was going to a good cause so I did not fret.

Once the DCM started, our LTG started to discuss upcoming projects and events, he informed everyone about Project Jump Start. I was very interested and was thinking of ways to help fundraise for the projects. Our LTG also mentioned that each club would have a club buddy. If we plan socials or do any fundraisers with Magnolia, Western gets more sunshine stats points! I was looking forward to that and also was excited for Beach Boomba. When the DCM was coming to an end, our LTG announced the top five sunshine stats results. When Western ended up not being fifth or fourth, I figured that Western didn’t make the top five and was pretty sad.

Then our LTG announced the top two and Western ended up being second on the Sunshine stats! All of the Western Key Clubbers were surprised and ecstatic. Western finally made the top two! After, some of us decided to buy some Jamba Juice to cool ourselves down, and others went straight to playing dodge ball. Overall it was a successful DCM, and Western was really proud!

ana chavez, TECH EDITOR On July 20th, the annual dodgeball tournament was held at our July DCM! Key Clubbers from around Division 30 South came to Veteran’s Park in the city of Cypress for some fun and food. The event began with the regular division meeting where each school showed their club’s pride and where our Lieutenant Governor informed the division of upcoming events.

For even more fun, there was a Jamba Juice fundraiser. They were a variety of delicious flavors selling for $4 each to support the division.

It was a great fundraiser for the summer time that everybody enjoyed!

Aside from the Jamba Juice being sold, many clubs were selling their own treats such as cookies and cupcakes. Western Key Club had made some incredible spam musubi.

The dodgeball tournament began shortly after the meeting after the bracket was set up. Different schools participated in the game to become champions.

As the tournament proceeded, other Key Clubbers were socializing and continued eating until eventually the food began to ran out and the tournament came to an end.

Overall it was a fun event for all attendees. Many of the Key Clubbers were left with great anticipation for the next DCM.

The Official Western High School Key Club Newsletter | July/August 2012

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N R E T S E KEY CLUB W

[shinin’ STATS]

• RANK (division) #2 of 14 Hours: General Meetings: Board Meetings: DCM Attendance: Board Member Articles: Inter-club/Kiwanis Events: Monthly Report Form: Officer Report Form:

197 2 1 Yes Yes 6 Completed; early submission Completed

(1970 pts) (20 pts) (10 pts) (75 pts) (375 pts) (60 pts) (75 pts) (50pts)

TOTAL

2635 POINTS

shinin’ suns TOP FIVE JULY’S 1 Ericson Tang, 13.7 hours 2 Miranda Phan, 9 hours Thank you all for making a Zayrha Arambula, 7 hours 3 difference!

4 Hao Ho, 6 hours 5 Lylybeth Arambula, Dave Enriquez, 4 hours The Official Western High School Key Club Newsletter | July/August 2012

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board member SPOTLIGHT: PRESIDENT

JENNIFER

TARM

1. What has been your favorite service project to this date, and what impact has it made on your life?

I think my favorite service project is “We Give Thanks”, which is a project dedicated to helping out families who don’t have food during the Thanksgiving season. I’ve been more tentative about the issues around me. During the holiday season, people generally associate those times of the year as “fun” and always “happy,” but not everyone can have the chance to experience those fun times. It’s really fortunate to know that Key Club is able to give opportunities like these to people who aren’t fortunate.

2. Favorite food: It’s really hard to choose one favorite food. I’m usually never picky and eating is just a hobby of mine. If I’m feeling a snack, I’d usually get popcorn chicken and boba. If I want a meal, I usually go for either a Caesar salad or a burrito bowl from Chipotle.

3. Mac or PC: I’m a PC person, but it would be cool if I could own a Mac though just for it’s virus free software.

4. Colleges applying to: UCLA, USC, UCSD, UCI, UCSB, Pepperdine, and I’m still on the lookout!

5. Proposed college major: I’m currently looking at any major that deals with pharmacy and business, but I’m keeping my options open.

Jennifer Tarm (left), with Western Key Club’s IP President, Jessica Pham 9. Favorite Music Artist: I don’t really have a favorite music artist.

10.Hobbies: I absolutely love baking! Whenever I have free time or a special day comes up I usually end up baking cupcakes and I have recently upgraded to macaroons.

11. Interesting Talent: Does being left-handed count as being talented?

6. Favorite Subject in School: I think math (anything algebra related) is my favorite subject, but if yearbook counted as a subject, it would be that.

12.Favorite Color: I can’t just stick to one color. My favorite colors tend to range on the neutral side such as navy blue, black, or maroon.

7. Favorite Western Teacher: That’s really hard; I can’t choose ahahha.

13.Favorite Restaurant: I think Chipotle would be my favorite restaurant.

8. Favorite Movie: My current favorite movie now would be “21 Jump Street.” I don’t really have a favorite movie of all-time because they always change from time to time.

14.Favorite Clothing Brand/Store: Most of my clothes come from Forever 21, but I love anything that comes from either American Apparel or Urban Outfitters.

15.Favorite Book: My favorite book would be Alice in Wonderland.

The Official Western High School Key Club Newsletter | July/August 2012

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G N I M O C UP events AUGUST 2012 SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

THURSDAY

WEDNESDAY

1

2

FRIDAY 3

SATURDAY [4] Anaheim Hi-Neighbor Garden Clean Up

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6

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8

[9]

[10]

[11]

Freshman Registration

Relay For Life @ Stanton Park

Relay For Life @ Stanton Park

Sophomore Registration 12

[13]

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Junior Registration

[16]

[17]

[18]

Senior Registration

Senior Registration

Beach Boomba/ DCM 25

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20

21

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26

[27]

28

29

30

31

First Day of School @ 8:35 AM

The Official Western High School Key Club Newsletter | July/August 2012

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CONTACT US! The Western High School Key Club Board

PRESIDENT, Jennifer Tarm [714] 213-9335 jtarm9@gmail.com

PUBLICIST, LanVi Nguyen [714] 878-8059 omg_its_lanvi@yahoo.com

VICE PRESIDENT, Grishma Patel [714] 270-4346 grishmapatel26@gmail.com

HISTORIAN, Kim Truong [714] 471-8732 piggy654321@yahoo.com

VICE PRESIDENT, Miranda Phan [714] 548-5143 mirandaphan@yahoo.com

HISTORIAN, Zayrha Arambula [714] 315-3611 fam_bam12@yahoo.com

SECRETARY, Hillary Tran [714] 797-4843 Hillaryt44@yahoo.com

TECH EDITOR, Ana Chavez [714] 515–2584 gaby3141@sbcglobal.net

TREASURER, Denne Tiengthong [714] 331-9124 dennetiengthong@gmail.com

BULLETIN EDITOR, Mercy Tran [562] 852-8541 mercyxtran@hotmail.com

PUBLICIST, Ericson Tang [714] 422-9375 tang_ericson@yahoo.com

WE ARE ALWAYS SHININ’ WITH SERVICE! The Official Western High School Key Club Newsletter | July/August 2012

Page 11

G N I D A E R R O F U O Y THANK The Official Western High School Key Club Newsletter

a special thanks to Mr. Carter, Ms. Rittel and Mr. Barry for supporting Western Key Club...

We <3 You!

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