Western High School Key Club 2018-2019 | May Newsletter

CNH | KEY CLUB Division 30 South | Region 3 |CNH

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- Winzel Payumo

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Restore!! Plant!! Water!! Bolsa Chica Restoration is a regular event that we would have every month or so. It is an event where people would help maintain the clean and beautiful environment. It is actually an ongoing event that usually occurs the first Sunday of the month. Sunday, May 6, 2018 marks the date of the first Sunday of May as well as the Bolsa Chica Restoration event. It was a pretty nice weather. It was sort of warm. It wasn’t too hot nor too cold. Volunteers came on time and waited to get the event started. Some of us were assigned to rake the ground, others had to water the plants, and the rest had to replant. The instructions were explanatory which did the job. There were actually a lot of volunteers present at this time, so the duties were evenly distributed. We would also have break times where we can take a rest from digging. The event coordinators were nice and provided snacks and water for us. At first, one of the other volunteers and I were short to handle the duties. The shovel is like our height or even taller. The water jugs were kind of heavy as well which was a struggle to carry around. Though through the struggles we still managed to do it right. It was due to the fact that we helped each other out. It was a fun and nice event that I would go again. The volunteers also loved the event and can’t wait to go again. It may be hard at first, but you actually get used to it. Just helping out will make a big impact in the environment.

- Khrystal Contreras | Vice President

Western Key Clubbers volunteered at the Bolsa Chica Habitat Restoration on May 6th, from 9am to 12pm.

At this event we were first greeted, and they introduced to us more about nature! Specifically, the types of plants that were native to the environment, and those that were not.

We were brought to an area that needed help getting restored. Most of the volunteers were assigned to water plants that didn’t get watered yet, using the jugs provided. This wasn’t physically challenging to most people, but some of the smaller people struggled (me) :’). The jugs we used were roughly around 1-2 gallons.

After volunteers got tired, food and water were offered for us to refresh ourselves. We took a small break to drink water and ate snacks such as fruits, cookies, etc.

When we got back to work, most people who did watering switched to planting, because all the plants were watered already. They taught us the technique to plant. I personally enjoyed planting more than watering. For planting, we had to dig a hole that was around the same size as the plant. Then we placed the plant in and covered it with dirt.

Overall, this was a very fun experience and I would go again. My favorite part was digging the holes and planting because I really enjoy nature!

- Vicky Vu | Secretary

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On Sunday May 6 was one of the volunteer days Bolsa Chica Conservancy offers. This organization’s goal is to help restore and preserve the native habitats at Bolsa Chica. Volunteers can help by removing invasive plant species and installing native ones. There are also times where they can help clean up the wetlands with trash pick ups. In this volunteer event from 9:00am to 12:00pm, key clubbers were tasked to dig up holes to plant and water native plants around the area.

At the beginning, the people in charge first told us info about the place like the animal and plant life around there. Then we head out to the place where we will help plant. It wasn’t much of a long walk but the scenery was nice. There were occasions where cute rabbits pop up here and there. Once we got to the place, several volunteers were tasked to rake up a spot to be able to plant more plants there. Then, the rest of us first watered many of the plants that were already planted. After that, we started to plant more plants. We were given shovels to do this. It was funny to see the guys in our group go all out on digging. Anyways it was fun to plant with your fellow friends. It wasn’t just about doing a lot of work.

From carrying somewhat heavy water containers to water plants, to digging up holes with a shovel for planting, and being under the sun, it can get tiring. However, you can take a break anytime you need it. They also offer snacks like fruits and cookies and water for your refreshment. Other then that, there was plenty of help all around. It was actually quite nice to help do some planting knowing you are also helping out the natural habitat.

- Danica Lopez | Historian

Clink clink let’s talk about this fancy event as we sip tea, shall we?

Just kidding, but this event surely is an elegant one. On May 11th, we went to La Mirada Activity Center at 4:00 pm to help set up for the event, Mother Daughter Tea, that’s to be held on May 12 th. The event place looks really neat, and we help around by setting the tables up, arranging the decorations, putting some snacks up, which, by the way, were so tempting because they look amazing.

We stayed here until 8:00 pm, but those four hours were fun. I’m a person who loves seeing things turn into a wonderful product, and seeing the venue be filled with these decorations pleased my artsy self. I was also with my friends, so those four hours went by so fast, and it’s unbelievable that we accomplished these stuffs because time went by quickly!

This event was successful, and I really hope the children and their parents enjoyed the actual event because it sounds like something a mother and a daughter would enjoy.

- Winzel Payumo | Bulletin Editor

Friday, May 11, 2018, La Miranda hosted a tea party for Mother’s Day. It was a tea party for mother’s and there Daughters. We helped set up and decorate the party.Some helped set up the chairs along with the tables. Meanwhile others helped trim the flowers and decorate them. Meanwhile others helped trim the flowers and decorated them. It was a pretty manageable task. We also helped set up decorate the tables and organize flyers. While we were setting up we got an opportunity to see the children practice their performance.

Which was adorable seeing them there. After setting up the tables, they brought smaller tables for the kids and we helped bring smaller chairs from another building and started decorating them as well. We started separating sugars and placing the coffee crème into small bowl and helped decorate the room with flowers above the ceiling. While we were setting up we got a chance to see moms practice their performance as well and when we were done we got a chance to enjoy the piano.

- Vianne Vicente | Treasurer

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The Mother Daughter Tea was a preparatory event taken place on the 11th of May in the quaint little activity center in La Mirada. The event is designated for grandmothers, mothers, and daughters to enjoy a luncheon with an optional fashion show, a four-course tea, party favors and children’s craft, and special photos for those in attendance to enjoy.

Western Key Clubbers were given the opportunity to come and volunteer with the set up of the event. Since my friend and I were the first volunteers to arrive, we were a little lost about the location, but that was easily settled by asking around the area about the event. At our arrival, we were greeted by two kind ladies that guided and helped us throughout our shift. My friend and I were assigned to stack chairs of 8 and to rearrange the tables into a certain layout.

As the other volunteers came, they helped us with our task which made the job easier. Some members were asked to help cut flower stems to decorate the tables or to bring items such as chairs, tea cups, and food items for the event. Admittedly, it was a tiresome job, especially carrying the chairs since they were so heavy, but with everyone’s positive and bright attitude, it was worth the effort.

Near the middle of our shift, all the volunteers were asked to gather to set flyers, cups, and utensils on every single table. I personally enjoyed this part because some performers came to practice for the event tomorrow, and it was a bunch of little girls in their pink dresses twirling around. It felt special since we were like their first audience before the big performance tomorrow. While at the same time, we were also getting to decorate the tables making it pretty for the big day tomorrow and I as a perfectionist, made sure to check every single table had all the necessary flyers and set up.

Overall, the event was extremely fun because I could spend some time together with my friends and the staff made us feel very welcome. Near the end of our shift, the staff thanked us for our hard work and appreciated for taking our time to help them. Their gesture and thanks warmed my soul and I would be super glad to come back.

- Ivy Vi | Member Recognition

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On Friday, May 18, Western Key Club held their 2017-2018 banquet to celebrate the new term and to say goodbye to the old term. The theme of the banquet was “Adventure is Out There” and focused on the aesthetics of the classic Disney movie Up. The banquet was held at Marie’s Calendars. It was decorated fantastically thanks to the wonderful historians who put it all together. It was a beautiful scenery that you wouldn’t be able to capture with a camera. There were balloons that adorned the walls and many table displays that helped fit the mood. Each guest was also given a welcoming goody bag created by none other than our 2017-2018 Key Club President, Crystal Ly. There were many additional things that made this banquet special.

We played ice breakers, had a little photo booth that was designed to look like a scene from Up, and wrote secret letters to each other. As a tradition, the new board gave the now retired board thoughtful gifts to show appreciation. The night was filled with laughter and tears as we talked about the history we created together and the moments we shared. Many Key Clubbers were honored that night with various awards.

Nearing the end of the banquet, people voluntarily spoke about the great times they shared and what they hope to see/achieve in the new term. It was a very fun and memorable night that I’m glad I didn’t miss out on.

- Marilitz DIwa | Publicist

May 18th 2018, Western Key Club held a banquet at Marie Callender’s Restaurant in honor of 20172018 Key Club’s official ending. The theme of the banquet was Adventure is out there! from the movie Up. Just like the theme, Western Key clubbers and also their guests showed up with amazing traveler attires and the room was filled with balloons and all other adventure theme stuff. There were several programs and activities ready for us, such as ice breaker games with everyone, photo booths, letter exchange, old & new board gift exchange, giving out awards, remarks, and lastly amazing dinner was served. Not only board members, but also other guests and members all had meaningful time at the banquet.

I also made unforgettable memory at the banquet as well, as a board member who will be working throughout the 2018-2019 term, and also as a friend of all the old board members. It was such an honor to attend the banquet, especially it gave me an opportunity to say farewell and wish luck to the seniors for upcoming adventures in the real world after their graduation. I really appreciate the time and the memory we had at the banquet.

Lastly, thank you so much for all the old board members to leave us such an amazing club, and we will work hard to keep that legacy, and make our club even better through our hard work.

I wish you guys the best for your new adventures! I love you!

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Key Club Banquet 2018 was truly a night to remember, from sneaking out to be able to even go, to the late adventures in Forever 21 with my friends. I had few expectations, like the cheesy and meaningful speeches for instance.

I had been to a Key Club Banquet my freshman year of high school when Van Bui was the current president and she was passing down her role to Nhi Truong. Although I didn’t know many other people besides the current juniors at the time, I enjoyed the sense of familiarity that was brought to the table. Which is why I’m bringing this up today. The part, for me that made the whole get together more inviting was the fact that I was surrounded by my friends and members of the club that I knew. I’m pretty sure that by the time Fall Rally comes around, I’ll have befriended more people and it really does help when the sign-up for an event and they aren’t familiar with some other people.

One of my favorite parts was getting to see how hard my friends worked on organizing the banquet because I know it might be stressful at times, yet they still managed to do an amazing job and we have a great amount of people that showed up. Once I entered the room in which the banquet was being held, it felt like a completely different place, Marie Callender's who?

The banquet committee did not come to PLAY, only to have a good time.

- Jazmin Martinez | Spirit Coordinator

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On Saturday, May 19th, Division 30 South Key Clubbers’ eyes widened as they listened and became aware of the global water crisis that is striking thousands of communities around the entire globe. The monthly Division Council Meeting, May DCM, was centered around Thirst Project. Thirst Project is a nonprofit organization and a partner of Key Club International that spreads awareness about the global water crisis. Thirst Project uses their platform to inspire young youth, such as key clubbers, to make a change in the lives of millions by raising funds to provide healthier and more proper water resources in less developing countries, such as Swaziland.

In the spirit of Thirst Project, Key Clubbers participated in several icebreakers that revolved around Thirst Project. For example, the representative brought a jug that was full of water; this was a representation of the jug that civilians in Africa carry every single day for over 5 miles. In addition, Key Clubbers also participated in a service project where we made bracelets out of three pieces of yard. The purpose of this thoughtful project was to deliver all of the homemade bracelets to the civilians living in those less developing countries. I personally find this project to be extremely meaningful because in the perspective of a suffering civilian in Africa, this bracelet would mean so much to them and it would fill their hearts with pure happiness.

To be honest, this DCM has inspired me to do so much for the less developing countries and raise awareness of the global water crisis. As President, I felt like this exactly how I wanted my members to think of key club; an organization that promotes a meaningful purpose and that raises awareness of global issues. At the end of May 19 th, I realized why I love this organization so much and why my heart belongs to service.

- Ali Al-Saleem | President May DCM was held on May 19th, 2018 at Katella High School from 12 to 3pm. This DCM was filled with bunch of fun, laughter, and some meaningful activities for community service. First of all, Western Key clubbers had some ice breaker games with key clubbers from other schools. And we were also able to talk about the Water Crisis with Thirst Project.

The representative from the Thirst project had a great presentation about what is going on currently on the other side of the world and how the people there are suffering due to the lack of water, which we never care or think about before. By courtesy of the Thirst Project during May DCM, we were able to be aware of global water crisis, the significance of water and started to find ways to solve this problem in different ways. For example, some of us donated money to the empty canister, and some of us did an activity that you are walking while carrying water-filled canister to actually experience and get an idea of the people’s lives in those bad conditions.

Lastly, we made the bracelets for the kids in Swaziland, that will also be sending out later as part of the Thirst project. It was not only just a fun event, but also was really meaningful and worthwhile. Western Key clubbers were more than happy to spend their times and work together to make the world a better place.

Oh! Also, Western Key Club got introduced as the most spirited Key club from Division 30 South at this DCM, and was able to get the “Spirit Stick”, which is another motivation for us to work harder and strive to get the “service stick” spirit.

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- Joy Seo | Spirit Coordinator

Hello fellow key clubbers! The May DCM was an event that advocated the global water crisis. Volunteers learned about the current water crisis and its impacts on the part of the world that they may or may not have known before.

May 19 marked the day of the May DCM. It was filled with the spirits of many schools as well as Western’s as they had won the spirit stick. The event was really lively. The event began with an activity that involved everyone which I really loved; it was a lot of fun to participate in something at the beginning rather than a boring speech.

The focus on the speech was on the global water crisis recently and the hardships that third world countries must face to have access to clean and safe water every day. In the end, we learned to make bracelets for the children in those countries.

Overall, the May DCM was an enjoyable experience. I loved the friendly and spirited atmosphere that brought all of the schools together on this very day and hope that future DCMs will bring forth the same memorable experiences.

- Vannie Tran | Publicist

This was my very first DCM! I’ve never understood why DCM was such a big event among all Key Club bets until now. Members from the entire division were able to meet up at Anaheim High School to bond and perform a service project. May DCM kicked off with the usual roll calls and awards presented. Western Key Club took home most spirited club in the entire division! We had a large increase in attendees at past DCM’s not to mention that we were super spirited as well, from our booming chants to our memorable dances from the last DCM. Later on, a nonprofit organization called “Thirst Project” educated us about the global water crisis that has taken the world by storm. The speaker was able to truly capture their mission, which was to provide clean and safe water for people in countries who lack that. We then did a learning exercise to really understand how devastating the global crisis is. Members carried a large gallon of water across the gym floor from 3 point line to 3 point line. Many struggled despite the gallon being half empty. In reality, most people in those lesser counties walk for miles and miles to bring back contaminated water to their villages. It was a great learning experience. After this, we did a quick and speedy donation to Thirst Project and raised over $150! To conclude DCM, we did a service project in which we made bracelets for kids who were able to have safe water thanks to Thirst Project.

- Kathy Tu | Historian

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On May 19, 2018 was the third annual of SoCal Wienerfest. This event brought together a huge community of dachshunds and their owners. There were other kinds of dogs too. The event hosted several competitions like dog races, hot dog eating competition, best trick contest, and best outfit contest. This event was taken place at Huntington Beach, so a lot of dogs were able to enjoy and have a fun time at the beach. Several booths were set up for people to buy all kinds of merch and other things for yourself or your dog. There was also a booth to adopt wiener dogs.

Volunteers were tasked to help out with the hot dog eating competition. The people in charge were really nice and even provided us free shirts. Not much help was needed, so we had a lot of time to do whatever we want at the beach. For the hot dog eating competition, we helped put several of small pieces of hot dog on a plate. We then gave each competitor a plate. It was weird and entertaining to see wiener dogs eat up the hot dogs. The first dog that finishes up the hot dog wins. That was pretty much the work volunteers had to do.

The staff were able to cover the rest.

- Danica Lopez | Historian

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On Sunday, May 20th, Western Key Clubbers volunteered at the Renee & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.

The event we attended was the Pacific Symphony Youth Ensembles. Unfortunately, there was a miscommunication, because that event wasn’t happening this day. Thankfully the people working there still found us something we were able to, because there was a concert performing that day.

The first task we were assigned was to lead the people entering to a specific section, so they could either check in their ticket or get it. This was fairly easy, because each of the sections were labeled. They didn’t need help with that anymore, so they made us pass out the programs. We stood by the door and passed it to every person who entered in to see the concert.

Overall, although things didn’t go according to plan, the event was okay and could’ve been organized better. Originally, we were supposed to monitor and manage the auditions that were taking place. Thankfully we were able to do something else instead of just going home right away. The actual building itself was very beautiful and eye-catching!

- Vicky Vu | Secretary

Hello fellow key clubbers! The Pacific Symphony Youth Ensemble event was an event where volunteers would lead auditioners to the right location.

The Ensemble took place on the 20th of May. The location was urban-like and was very pleasing to the eyes—the landscape as well as the structure of the buildings was something to be amazed at—something that I did not expect to see when I volunteered.

Despite the beauty of the Ensemble, the event was a depressing letdown. The event was not what I had expected; I had expected it to have the organized atmosphere that any orchestra audition would have; one that is both lively and organized. It was disappointing how poorly the event was run. The lady in charge of running the audition was not present at the audition herself which showed just how unorganized and chaotic the event itself was. Instead of the audition, it ended up being the concert itself; something which was clearly not planned for the event. So instead of guiding only the auditioners, we ended up having to lead the guests in and organize there and then as well. Overall, it was an unpleasant experience that was a result of disorganization that lead to confusion.

- Vannie Tran | Publicist

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The Children’s Art Festival is a great experience for many families and friends in the Anaheim community. The Festival was held on Saturday, May 19. It was filled with fun festivities, games, and a stage where many young children got to show off their talent. Along with those stated, there were also mini booths, face painting, and food trucks. Amazingly, the Children’s Art Festival was sponsored by many surrounding companies such as Disney and other new stores that have recently opened. Although it was the same day and time as the May DCM, I was able to go along with a few other volunteers. Our dedicated job was to work one of the booths, specifically the Kiwanis booth. It was great making kids smile and help them craft til their hearts can imagine.

A few volunteers and I had the honor of working at a booth where kids were able to make designs using colorful pipe cleaners. It sure was a struggle trying to stay organized and tend to each child but it was definitely manageable. Many kids had to make the designs on their own although quite a few asked for our assistance. After they finished, we would stamp their card as they go to the next booth to do another project. Once the festival finally ended, we packed up and said our goodbyes. I hope as a volunteer at the Children’s Art Festival, I have made a kids day even brighter. This event was not only fun for the children, but for the volunteers too.

- Marilitz Diwa | Publicist

Saturday, May 19, 2018 After the May DCM, Pearson Park hosted an event for children. Families came out to enjoy there times with their children. The festival was for children to explore their creativities. There were multiple of activities that children were able to do like making you own bracelets and decorating your own Maleficent crown. We worked on the Kiwanis’s booth. The booth’s activity allowed children to explore there imagination with pipe cleaners. I enjoyed watching the children creating things. They made things like glasses, flowers, and bees. Seeing each children using there creativity and working with there family was nice. We enjoyed also working with the children.

There were performances during the festival. We saw cheerleaders, tap dancers, and a boy band. We saw people dancing and enjoying themselves. As the event was ending we helped put away the chairs and tables and also putting away the pipe cleaners. We took down the tent and the banner and also helped around to clean out.

- Vianne Vicente

It was a cool, breezy, sunny Saturday afternoon on the 19th of May. The perfect weather for a festival with many kids jumping and running around while creating Art that will be preserved in their memories.

The Children’s Art Festival was held at Pearson Park near a few tennis courts. The festival opened at 11 am and ends around 4 pm. The place was packed with as much as 20 booths that were set up accompanied by lots of food vendors. There was a stage where performances were taken place so the people were able to enjoy the festival and hear music, watch dancers and so much more.

There were two shifts: 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Our volunteers left a little early from May DCM to attend the earlier shift for this event. There was a Kiwanis booth stationed in the middle of the event where Western Key Clubbers were assigned at. At the booth, there were pipe cleaners laid out on the table for children to create characters out of it. Our volunteers gladly helped the kids with examples of what kind of visuals they could make out of it. It was a cute sight seeing the kids let their imaginations run wild and free to create whatever their mind was set on.

The second shift was mainly cleaning up. Our volunteers helped take down posters, carry boxes, stack chairs and load items into cars. Many of the booths were already cleaning up as I arrived and we

asked around for any jobs that were available. Luckily, a sweet woman was in need of help packing up her tent and we gladly lent a hand.

The event went very smoothly and the clean up ended before our shift ended since the event did end around 4 already. After we finished packing up, we were released early.

- Ivy Vi | Member Recognition

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I can not believe that I have completed Sophomore year and that I am half way through High School. This year will be one of the most memorable year for sure. I faced many challenges and did so much that I never thought I would have done in my Freshman year. I got involved in school by joining Key Club and DYP. I also became Historian for both of those clubs which I am very proud of because my dedication to those clubs paid off. I also ran for ASB but unfortunately, I was not able to make it. Through this denial, I learned that there’s always a next time and that I shouldn’t be sad because this was not meant to be. I also got the chance to attend graduation in which I witnessed my cousin and friends graduating. I was in awe seeing all of them graduate because they experienced all the struggles that I went through and will be going through, I wish them the best In whatever that is they want to achieve and accomplish. Besides all the school stuff, I received my Sacrament of Confirmation in May. The journey to receiving this Sacrament was long but extremely life changing. The part that was the most life-changing was at AIS Retreat. At this retreat, I was able to meet amazing leaders who helped me connect with not only my true self but also God. I was able to meet my loving family, the people I was in a group with, whom I shared my struggles with which I am very thankful for. I hope that this next year will also be a memorable year filled with happiness - Anh Cao | Historian The end of the 2017–2018 school year was no doubt the most bittersweet year I’ve ever had. I formed friendships that I will cherish for forever and I did all the things that I never thought I was capable of doing so.

Let’s just take a quick recap of the school year first. As I was roaming the halls on my first day of sophomore year, I still felt the anxiety that freshmen felt as I had trouble finding some of my new classes as they were in parts of the campus I had never been to. The transition from freshman year to sophomore year was shaky in the beginning as I finally begun to understand that I was really growing up. I was in my second year of high school. I took my very first AP course and became a captain for the basketball team. Throughout the entire year, I felt stressed and worried about everything from my grades, to extracurricular, and lastly, my extreme lack of sleep sometimes. I never got more than a few nights of 8 hours of sleep. As I reminisce back on the school year, I would not have changed a thing. I truly broke out of my shell. I became more outgoing, more driven, and most importantly, more happy. I began to truly cherish my time that I had with my friends, teammates, and family. I started to take school much more seriously than I ever had before. At the end of the year, I am proud to say that I did as much as I could possible and I did so with a smile on my face.

- Kathy Tu | Historian

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The end of the school year was bitter sweet. Saying farewell to some friends of the class that is 2018. Saying "see you soon" to others, it all happened way too fast. My choir teacher was also retiring and he had taught at Western for decades, maybe about 2 decades. Where was I going with this? Oh right, long story short, time is flying by and I feel like the only just now realizing it. Like I’m gonna be an official high school senior this August and I’m saying this as the person next to me sleeps on my shoulder and I’m on a flight to Paris. Not to mention that he's cute, but that's not the point. The point is all good things come to an end and time is flying. I remember counting down the days until I started high school, sophomore year, France, junior year, and well here I am. I’m not saying that it’s a bad thing, not one bit, but it would be delightful if time could kind of slow down.

Next thing you know the term is gonna be over and that is upsetting because so far in my position I’ve been having fun and I wouldn’t want that to end anytime soon. Key Club really does bring out another side of me that I didn’t even think I would have been able to achieve before joining and trying out for the current position I have, spirit coordinator.

- Jazmin Martinez | Spirit Coordinator

After those months of going through a lot of obstacles, we made it!

On May 24th, all I can feel is joy, and maybe sadness too. This year definitely was tough. Balancing time was challenging, and there was a time that I felt like giving up. I can even feel that until the second to the last day of school, which sounds ridiculous! It doesn’t matter, because here I am, completely done with school, and trying my best to relax. The feeling of just laying down and catching up on my favorite TV shows without worrying about deadlines was a feeling I forgot about, and I’m really enjoying I, well at least until I have to deal with my summer projects and newsletters.

I also felt sad over the fact that my sophomore year is over. Sure, it was a stressful year, but I also made a lot of memories out of it. I had friends to get me through the challenges I had to face, and to know that I’m not going to be able to see some of them until next school year is surely an upsetting thought.

Overall, I learned that although life can be tough, I can be tougher. There were rough parts, but I got through it, and that is an achievement. I hope that all of you crossed the finish line with all your best, and that you continue to be amazing because I truly BEElieve in you!

- Winzel Payumo | Bulletin Editor

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- Ali Al-Saleem | President

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DUE DATE: JUNE 30TH

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