Silverado High School Student Council
They say the holidays bring out the best in people, and based on what we’ve seen from Silverado High School’s Student Council, that rumor is true. And yet their efforts to improve both the school and the community extend far beyond the season of thankfulness and giving. Between welcoming fellow students to new experiences in a new school year and ending it with a bang, they’re busy collecting and preparing food for the hungry, providing gifts to needy children and sharing their leadership expertise with our city’s youth. For all this and more, these budding young philanthropists have most certainly made the “nice” list, and elevated themselves to – A Step Above.
Activities, as explained by Cody Johnson, Student Body President:
Trick-or-Treat-athon: “Students are put into groups and assigned to specific neighborhoods in the community. They go door to door leaving a flyer asking them to leave non-perishable food items on their doorstep for us to pick up a few days later. This year we collected over a 1000 items of non-perishable goods that were donated to the Three Square Foundation.”
Shadow Day: “Eighth grade students come to high school for a day, follow some of our students through their classes and learn what it is like to be in high school. Then, when it comes to our leadership class period, the rest of the day is filled with workshops, leadership lessons and establishing of friendships!”
PB&J-athon: “At this event, we invite a few other student councils to help us make 1000 sack lunches for a charity of our choice. It’s not only a great opportunity for service, but it is a great chance that we have to mix with other councils and become more bonded as a Nevada Association of Student Councils.”
Shade Tree Party: “One of our students dresses up as Santa and asks the kids at the Shade Tree Shelter what they would like for the holidays. We are always so excited for this event because the women and children at Shade Tree really appreciate us coming in.”
Bear Project: “We sponsor two underprivileged children by giving gifts for the holiday season.”
Quotes from the Council:
What is the group’s greatest achievement so far this year? “Our group’s greatest achievement so far this year is our smooth transition with a new advisor. We’ve been able to successfully carry out all of our events together.” –Erin Rochetto, Student Body Historian
How do you select the charities you work with? “There is no special recipe to which charities we choose to donate to or work with. We try to focus on the ones that are in the most need in our community. Sometimes we do not even donate to a charity; it might even be a teacher or student that is in great need for donations. Silverado’s Student Council just tries to help out wherever we can.” –Cody Johnson, Student Body President
What are some of the obstacles you’ve faced as a group, in terms of planning and executing drives, fundraising, etc. and how did you overcome them? “Some obstacles our council has faced as a group are trying to choose events that everyone can get involved in easily without spending much money. We have chosen events such as dodgeball, assembly activities and after school competitions so everyone can come and have fun at a cheap cost, all the while raising school spirit.” –Erin Rochetto
How does working for charity affect the group’s dynamic? “Working for charitable organizations really helps our group because it brings us a lot closer and really puts into perspective the great things we have. Also, whenever we are done with the event, we feel so accomplished and it makes us want to do more for other organizations.” –Erin Rochetto
A Step Above 89113 – Durango High School Student Council
It’s striking to see what happens when like-minded individuals and leaders come together to accomplish a goal. That’s why we’re honoring the Durango High School Student Council for their efforts in the community. They’ve been busy all year, sorting and repackaging food for the food bank, helping out at special events like “Backpacks for Kids”, helping various organizations with mailing and clerical duties and so much more. For devoting countless hours to volunteer and raise funds to help those in need, each and every member is – A Step Above.
Events/Activities:
DHS Coat Drive (Nov. 8-12): Students rallied the school to donate coats for the needy and homeless during this week-long effort.
Shop with a Cop (November 15-19): The Durango Student Council continued a school history of philanthropy by raising funds for the Shop with a Cop event held on December 4. For their efforts, many needy children from the community will get to “Shop with a Cop” for toys this holiday season.
Turkey Drop (November 24th): Utilizing money raised through normal fundraising efforts, the students purchased full Thanksgiving dinners for 22 families, packaged them in boxes, decorated them like huge presents and donated them to families in need.
Three Square Canned Food Drive (November): Throughout the month of November, student council collected, delivered and helped pack canned food at the Three Square facility.
Quotes from the Council:
“Our greatest achievement this year has been to create our school’s first food bank. It is a place where students in need can pick up a weekly care package for themselves and their families. Although the food bank will not be fully functional until the end of December, the recognition of its need and the movement we have made toward making it a reality is our greatest accomplishment.” – Todd C. Marshall, Advisor
“Working with our student council to organize and follow through with charitable endeavors is both challenging and satisfying. Everyone has their personal idea of which charities we should help and what exactly we should do to help them. However, as we come together to make those decisions, we keep in mind that we all have the same goal in the end: to serve others and make our community a better place to live.” –Mary Jean Freeman, Student Body President
“In the past we have worked with and for every charity that asked us for help. Last year we decided as a group to focus on five to six charities and give them our full attention and enthusiasm. By going with quality over quantity, we have seen ourselves making a bigger difference in the lives of those people we touch.” –Hunter Williams, Student Council Treasurer
“When we work for a charitable cause, it means many things to each and every member of student council. However, we all share one particular belief: that we are here to serve others. By doing so, we in turn benefit because our friends, family, and loved ones get to live in a happier, safer, and overall better community.” –Cindy Klinholm, Senior Class President
“Our toughest obstacle has been realizing how much more proactive we must be in today’s economic climate. But we have found that if we go further than a phone call or email, and meet with local businesses face to face to show them the work we are doing, they almost always choose to be involved in one form or another.” –Kathleen Snyder, Vice-Principal in charge of activities for DHS
Green Valley High School Student Council
Amidst hectic student schedules of a particularly hectic season, it’s nothing short of remarkable to see what Green Valley High School Student Council is up to. Not content with just maintaining grades and planning school events, these students are taking that extra stride to better the community and help those in need. Whether they are making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for charity or creating care packages for troops overseas, these kids are staying busy this season and all year round. For making their extra-curricular time into something extra helpful and brightening up the most illuminated of seasons, each and every member is – A Step Above.
Activities:
Trick or Treat for Canned Goods: During this event, the students were able to donate five large boxes of canned goods and non-perishable items to Safe Nest.
PB&J-athon (November 22nd): Students gathered at Silverado High School in order to make and give away peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to those in need.
Gator”s Give (December 15th): Students will organize and execute a toy drive and clothing drive to benefit students in need at CT Sewell Elementary School.
Stocking Drive: Students will collect stocking stuffers for Green Valley students in need that are to be delivered between December 13th and the 17th.
Boxes for the Troops (November-December): Students buy and collect items with donated money to be sent to troops overseas. Additionally, council members are identifying alumni in active duty, as well as family members of students in order to send packages throughout the coming year.
Tree Decorating Contest (December 13th): The council will go holiday happy as they take part in the annual tree-decorating contest at the Valley Auto Mall. If they are victorious, their prize money will support charitable events throughout 2011.
Student Council Advisor Valerie Rutz comments on the group’s success:
What is the group’s greatest achievement so far this year? “The students pulled off an amazing 20th anniversary homecoming this year, complete with an outdoor assembly, parade and coronation, wherein alumni and members of the community were encouraged to take part. This was a huge celebration that the students seamlessly pulled off.”
What’s it like working with student council to organize and follow through with charitable endeavors? “Student council kids are very motivated to be active members of their community and are always ready, willing and able to take on the challenge of charitable endeavors regardless of the form they may come in. They are already very organized, so it takes very little effort to get things set in motion.”
How do you select the charities you work with? “We get many requests for charitable work, and students are able to participate as individuals to complete required community service hours; however, for big tasks we discuss them in class and decide which events or charities we can best help with our time and talent.”
How does working with charitable organizations or for charity affect the group’s dynamic? “For the most part, the student council kids are very fortunate. They come back from events and report how grateful they are for the experience, that it has given them a positive perspective. Additionally, they usually say that they really feel good about being able to help others, and that they want to continue this kind of volunteerism after graduation.”
Coronado High School Band and Color Guard
With a history of award-winning performances from San Diego to London, Coronado High School’s Band and Color Guard have a pretty amazing legacy to uphold. The 149 member ensemble is rockin’ round the globe and making a difference wherever they roam. When they aren’t brightening up festive events with spirited tunes, they’re collecting canned food, shopping for children in need and looking for more ways to give back. Directed by Danielle McCracken and Benjamin Franke, this disciplined, enthusiastic and animated bunch of budding musicians is – A Step Above.
Upcoming Performances/Activities:
Trick or Canned Food (October 29): Going door to door through neighborhoods, students dressed up in their Halloween best and gathered 400 pounds of canned food donations for the nonprofit Three Square Food Bank.
Music at Honeybaked Ham (November 22-24): Students provided background music to patrons waiting in line to pick up their Thanksgiving orders.
ACTE Jazz Performance (December 3): Regulars at nursing homes, small businesses and other organizations, this season the jazz band provides tunes for the ACTE convention at the Las Vegas Hilton.
Cougars Care (December 9): This year, the band has chosen to “adopt” three students through this program. Students collect donations up through December 9th and then use the following weekend to shop for the students in need.
Henderson Holiday Parade (December 11 at 10 a.m.): Marching band members will welcome Santa Clause to town in this parade down Water Street.
Danielle McCracken comments on the band’s success:
What is this group most proud of? “The band continues to be one of the top band programs in the Clark County School District, representing Coronado High School both locally and throughout the Southwest part of the country. Our Concert Bands, Jazz Bands and Marching Band are consistently among the best in the State of Nevada.”
How do/did you select the charities you work with? “The band officers select some of the charities, and the directors select performance opportunities and venues. They receive guidance/suggestions from parents, in addition to paying attention to current events.”
How does working with charitable organizations or for charity affect the group’s dynamic? “It creates a much more positive environment where the students are able to see that their efforts have helped or enhanced the lives of others.”
Brendan Flynn
Class of 2011
Whether Bishop Gorman High School Student Body President Brendan Flynn is a high-achieving student and individual is not up for debate. His grades and accolades more than speak to that truth. Well-spoken, inquisitive and fiercely competitive, his strengths are evident in all that he does. But it is in his willingness to accept a challenge, to take on daunting tasks or compete against the best, that Brendan Flynn achieves star pupil status as – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.0
Sports/Activities/Clubs:
- Football, 2007
- Worship Choir, 2008-11
- Member International Thespian Society, 2007-Present
- BGHS Productions–Seussical the Musical, Arms and the Man, Anything Goes, Peter Pan, Charley’s Aunt, 2008-Present
- Student Body President, 2010-Present
- Vice President of Activities, 2009/10
- Sophomore Class President, 2008/09
- Forensics Team President, 2008/09
- Forensics, 2007-Present
- Mock Trial, 2010-Present; Team Captain, 2009
- Regional and State Championship Team–Mock Trial, 2008-10
- Outstanding Attorney–Mock Trial Regional and State Finals, 2010
- Outstanding Witness/Attorney–Mock Trial National Finals, 2009
- Margaret Recupido Award–Mock Trial Excellence as Best Attorney, 2010
- Varsity Quiz, 2007/08
Scholarships/Awards/Community Service:
- Debate Scholarship, 2009
- Speech/Debate State Champion, 2010
- District Champion/National Qualifier, 2008/09
- National Debate Semi-Finalist, 2009
- AP Scholar, 2010
- United States Senate Page, 2010
- National and Spanish Honor Societies, 2009/10
- Bishop Gorman Academic Society, 2007/08
- AP Scholar
- Family Promise, 2003-Present
- National Honor Society Tutor, 2009/10
Goals & Aspirations: “Career-wise I see myself in the field of politics or law. I want to be somewhere that I can find new opportunities. Ferris Bueller famously said, ‘Life moves pretty fast. If you don”t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.’ My biggest goal is to make sure I don”t miss life and the things it has to offer.”
Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of being Student Body President. Bishop Gorman is one of our community”s older high schools, rich in tradition and comprised of so many smart and talented students, that to be elected Student Body President is a great honor.”
Part of the Solution: “In my opinion, a key issue facing young people today is that we are taught not to ask questions, and that has led to problems in our country. I think if more people asked questions we would know more about our world and about each other. I am always asking questions, seeking answers and encouraging dialogue about the issues that face us today. A career in law or politics will enable me to continue to ask the questions.”
Elizabeth (Liz) Groesbeck
Green Valley High School
Class of 2011
Green Valley High School senior Liz Groesbeck has her head in the game and her focus fixed on the most positive outcome possible, along with what she needs to do to get there. And if achieving the high goals she sets for herself means stepping outside of the box, well, she’s more than up for the challenge. Not afraid to say “no”, take risks and stand up for what she believes in, Liz takes advantage of every opportunity available to step up her game, excel academically, and aggressively pursue her dreams, and for that, she is – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.54
Sports/Clubs:
- GVHS Volleyball, 2007-10
- Club Volleyball, 2007-2010
- So. California Volleyball Assoc. (SCVA) Regional Women’s Junior Int’l Volleyball Team, 2010
- U.S.A. Volleyball High Performance Championships, 2010
- U.S.A. Volleyball High Performance Camps, 2007-10
- GVHS Forensics Team, 2007-09
- Mock Trial Team Vice President, 2009-10; President, 2010-Present
- Spanish Honors Club, 2009-Present; Vice President
- National Honor Society, 2009-Present
- International Baccalaureate Honor Society, 2009-Present
- Best Buddies, 2009-10; Treasurer
Awards/Community Service:
- Scholar Athlete, 2008-10
- Nevada Academic All-State Volleyball Team, 2008-09
- International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate
- Millennium Scholarship Candidate
- Sun Youth Forum Delegate, 2009-10
- Cornell University Summer College, 2009
- Advanced Diploma with Honors Candidate
- AIDS Walk, 2010
- Desert Clean-Up, 2009
- Rory Reid Campaign Volunteer, 2010
- High School Math and Spanish Tutor, 2010-Present
Goals & Aspirations: “My immediate goal is to graduate with an IB diploma and get into a top college, hopefully where I can play volleyball. Longer term, I’d like to be a physician and work at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.”
Liz is Successful Because: “I can probably credit most of my success to my parents. Although they drive me crazy, they have consistently pushed me to work hard to attain my goals and they support me unconditionally.”
Part of the Solution: “A key issue facing many young adults now is not taking the initiative in their education and essentially allowing themselves to be left behind academically. The solution is to challenge yourself and take the hardest classes possible, which is why I am so lucky to have been able to go to GVHS. Its high academic standards and difficult classes have helped mold me into the person I am today.”
Catherine Chao
Coronado High School
Class of 2011
To live in service of others is a life well spent, indeed. Still, it’s rare to find a young adult as committed to bettering her school and community as Coronado High School senior Catherine Chao. Compassionate and open-minded, grounded, yet optimistic, Catherine capitalizes on her strengths to make a positive impact on the world around her. She does so by taking part in and organizing altruistic initiatives while simultaneously taking responsibility for her own education and future achievements. With strong moral character steeped in her appreciation of individuality and diversity, Catherine Chao is – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.078
Activities/Clubs:
- Theatre, 2007-09
- Played Madame Morris in The Monkey’s Paw One-Act Play, 2008
- Key Club Division 28 South Lieutenant Governor, 2010-Present
- Student Body Treasurer, 2010-Present
- American Cancer Society Relay for Life Committee Event Chair, 2010-Present
- Key Club President, 2009-10
- Key Club Division 28 South Divisional Secretary, 2009/10
- Multicultural Club President, 2008/09
- Leo Club, 2009-Present; Secretary, 2009/10
- Student Council Junior Class Representative, 2009/10
- Relay for Life Committee Team Development Chair, 2009/10
- Multicultural Club, 2008-Present
- Future Business Leaders of America, 2009/10
- Best Buddies Vice President, 2008/09
- Hip Hop Club Secretary, 2008/09
- Students Against Destructive Decisions, 2008/09
- Key Club Freshman Class Representative, 2007/08
Scholarships/Awards/Community Service:
- Key Leader Scholarship
- Distinguished Level & Outstanding Level Key Club President–California-Nevada-Hawaii District, 2010
- Key Club International Convention Delegate, 2010
- American Cancer Society Relay for Life Participant, 2007-Present
- Every 15 Minutes Program Participant, 2010
- Southern Nevada Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, 2009
- National Association of Student Councils State Conference, 2010
- Ronald McDonald House Charity Volunteer
- Step Out! To Fight Diabetes Walk Volunteer
- Cougars Care Volunteer/Participant
- Trick or Treat for UNICEF Participant
- Kiwanis Fireworks, One Day & Int’l Convention Volunteer
- Salvation Army Food Drive Volunteer
- American Red Cross Blood Drive Volunteer
- Make a Wish Foundation Volunteer
Goals & Aspirations: “My goals are to graduate high school with an advanced honors diploma, attend a university and pursue a career that makes me extremely happy!”
Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud that I have achieved my dream of becoming Coronado’s first Key Club Lieutenant Governor of Division 28 South. It took a lot of hard work and dedication, but has definitely been worth it. I’ve dreamed of becoming Lieutenant Governor since my freshman year of high school.”
Catherine Looks Up To: “I look up to my parents, Rachel and Richard, and my sister, Jennifer. My family always helps me overcome any obstacles that come my way. They have taught me so much, especially the true meanings of strength and love.”
Tommy “Tad” Darland
Coronado High School
Class of 2011
To be good at many things is one thing, but to be great at one thing takes true passion and commitment, qualities that Coronado High School senior Tad Darland possesses in spades. His goal is clear and simple: to become the very best student, individual and team player he can be while taking his golf skills to greater heights with every stroke. And yet, despite his determination to be a champion in his chosen sport, he’s more than just an ace on the greens. Transferring virtues of patience, leadership and consistency from the game into academia and every other endeavor on his course to succeed, Tad Darland is – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.725
Sports/Scholarships/Awards/Community Service:
- Golf, 2008-Present; Captain, 2008-Present
- Golf Scholarship to San Diego State University
- Individual Champion–Nevada State High School Golf Tournament, 2008
- 4th Place–Nevada State High School Golf Tournament, 2009
- 3rd Place–Nevada State High School Golf Tournament, 2010
- Team Champion–Nevada State High School Golf Tournament, 2010
- Top 75–Junior Golf Rankings, 2011
- Jr. World Golf Championship Qualifier
- American Legion Award
- All State Golf Team, 2008-10
- All City Golf Team, 2008-10
- All State Academic Team, 2008-10
- Nevada Boys State Candidate
- Harvard Book Club Candidate
- Student of the Month, 2008
- Anthem Country Club Junior Golf Program
Goals & Aspirations: “I would like to win back-to-back state championships as a golf team; win state individually; become successful in the career I choose; stay dedicated to my goals that I set for myself; and become the best leader possible.”
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? “I measure success by the difference I have made in other’s lives; therefore, ten years from now I see myself leading by example and trying to impact other people’s lives for the better.”
Tad is Successful Because: “First, I am thankful for God’s blessings, guidance and the gifts he has entrusted me with. In sports, in order to be successful, you have to work hard and be dedicated. I enjoy practicing/studying and taking on new challenges, and I believe that due to dedication I have been able to achieve many unbelievable things.”
Tad Looks Up To: “There are many people I look up to, but the most influential person in my life is my grandfather. He has always been there for me, encouraging me to achieve greatness. When I fall short of accomplishing my goals and get down on myself he is the one that gives me constructive criticism to become better. He is more than just a grandfather to me; he is my best friend.”
Mary Jean Freeman
Durango High School
Class of 2011
Life’s valuable lessons are not lost on Durango High School Student Body President Mary Jean Freeman, for whom each day presents an opportunity to learn. Taking her daily instruction to heart, she focuses her intention on building personal strength and individuality, and making sound decisions while being mindful of the future. With cheerfulness and positivity at the forefront of her character, it is her dedication to self improvement, as well as a desire to be a positive role model that makes Mary Jean Freeman a standout in any crowd, and naturally – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.5
Sports/Activities:
- Varsity Cheerleading, 2007-11; Team Captain, 2009/10
- Swimming, 2007/08
- Varsity Track & Field, 2009/10
- Advanced Orchestra, 2007-09
- Clark Country Solo and Ensemble Festival, 2007-09
- Sophomore Class Historian, 2008/09
- Student Body Historian, 2009/10
- Student Body President, 2010-Present
- National Honor Society, 2009-Present; Secretary, 2010-Present
- Las Vegas Sun Youth Forum, 2010
- Broadcast Journalism, 2007/08
- Junior Counselor–Mid Level Conference
- Invisible Children United, 2009/10
- Southern Zone Student Council Conference, 2008-10
- Nevada State Student Council Conference, 2008-10
- NASC National Conference, 2010
Scholarships/Awards/Community Service:
- Student of the Month, 2009
- Most Inspirational & Most Motivated–Cheerleading, 2009
- Most Spirited–Cheerleading, 2010
- Community Graffiti Clean-up, 2009-10
- Three Square Foundation Canned Food Volunteer, 2008-10
- School Beautification, 2008-10
- Grant Sawyer Middle School Carnival Volunteer, 2008-10
- Frank Kim Elementary School Carnival Volunteer, 2008-10
- The Great Santa Run Marathon, 2007-10
- Grapplers Quest Volunteer, 2007-09
- Christ the King Feeding Families Volunteer, 2010
Goals & Aspirations: “My goal is to graduate with high honors in the top 10 of my class. I plan to study pre-med in college and hope to attend UCLA for medical school to become a pediatrician. I also plan to continue volunteer work and give back to the community. It would be my dream to help kids in other countries of the world.”
Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of being involved in various activities throughout high school, especially student council. It taught me how to be a leader, not only in school but in life. I am proud to be the Student Body President and inspire my council to become leaders as well.”
Mary Jean is Successful Because: “I am successful because I always want to exceed people’s expectations by giving 110% in everything that I do. I’m constantly striving to push myself to become better not only in school but as a person as well. Most importantly, I’ve been surrounded by my family and friends with tremendous amounts of love and support.”
Chandler Yamane
Palo Verde High School
Class of 2011
To sum up Palo Verde High School Student Body President Chandler Yamane in a word or two would be a great challenge. He’s athletic and intelligent, adaptable and an enthusiastic leader, all of which play into his desire to succeed not simply for the glory of the win, but to shape himself into a disciplined and well-rounded individual. Outside the classroom and the athletic field, he is duty bound to church and family, with an inherent sense of responsibility to make a positive impact on the lives of others, and for that, Chandler Yamane is – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.2
Sports/Activities/Clubs:
- Freshman Football, 2007/08; Team Captain
- Junior Varsity Football, 2008/09; Team Captain
- Varsity Football, 2009-10
- Junior Varsity Wrestling, 2007-08
- Varsity Track & Field, 2007-Present; Team Captain
- Freshman Class President, 2007/08
- Sophomore Class President, 2008/09
- Student Body Secretary, 2009/10
- Student Body President, 2010-Present
- Chess Club, 2009-10
- Science Club, 2009-Present
- Best Buddies, 2009-Present
- Robotics, 2009-Present
- Boy Scouts of America, 2007-Present
Awards/Community Service:
- Scholar Athlete, 2007-Present
- Student of the Month, 2009
- Nevada All-State Academic Team–Student Leadership, 2007/08
- Nevada All-State Academic Team–Track & Field, 2007/08
- Track & Field Most Valuable Player, 2008-10
- Eagle Scout, 2007
- Best Buddies Volunteer, 2009-Present
- Atria Senior Living, 2008-Present
- Deseret Industries, 2008-Present
- Salvation Army, 2008-Present
- Mormon Helping Hands, 2009
- Relay for Life, 2010
- Lupus Walk for the Cure, 2009
Goals & Aspirations: “After serving a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints I plan to attend Brigham Young University as an undergraduate then earn a joint Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration degree from an Ivy League school.’
Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “Mine is simple. I am most proud of putting on my Black #3 Palo Verde Panthers Jersey on game nights. Each week it symbolizes hours and hours of hard work during that week that my team and I have put in to WIN. And the glory of winning is most satisfying.”
Chandler is Successful Because: “You have to want it deep in your heart. If you truly want something, that desire becomes your priority. Hard work and sacrifice soon becomes routine.”
Part of the Solution: “I think that everyone naturally has a good heart and wants to do good. Yet, it is idleness that brings people to drugs, alcohol and immorality. A solution for this is providing more activities throughout the community aimed toward this age group that are wholesome and fun.”
