February 5, 2009

Platinum Projects at Presentation spur students into service

Advertisements for a movie night, a bake sale and even a pet boutique dot the hallways at Presentation High School, with students launching fundraisers for causes close to their hearts.

For these “Platinum Projects,” a service program within the school’s Community Involve-ment Department – students choose a cause, organize an educational event or fundraiser and complete at least 80 hours of related community service.

“During the first few years, we would only have two, maybe three projects,” said CI Coordinator Liz Russo. “This year, we had a record 15 different project proposals. Students long to be able to make a difference; the Platinum Project is a way for them to do just that.”

Among this semester’s projects:

Pink and White Mixer March 7: Working for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, seniors Erin Day and Katherine Douthit will host a dance, with speakers from the organization and a breast cancer survivor.

Animal awareness event March 10: Benefiting the Nike Animal Rescue Foundation, juniors Kelly Nastasi and Ann Marie Tran organized an ongoing pet-supply drive and several bake sales, plus a pet boutique that will feature animal accessories and treats.

Powder Puff Football March 15: Seniors Taylor Tumah and Tara Dugan are hosting a powder puff football game to benefit the Ronald McDonald House at Stanford.

Movie night March 20: Seniors Pamela Jimenez-Cardenas and Catherine Dominion will show the movie “Patch Adams” to benefit the Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital. They will collect toys, games or small donations at the event, and guests will make cards for the young patients.

Charity run and shoe drive March 22: Inspired by Souls for Soles, an organization that collects used running shoes to send to developing countries across the world, seniors Shannon McCarthy and Vanessa Royle will host a charity run and an ongoing shoe drive.

“I have to say, it’s a great deal of work,” McCarthy said. “You’re basically in charge of everything – contacting people, making sure you have everything you need, letting people know about it – it definitely gives me a sense of reality.

“We’re just hoping people have fun and enjoy the event. And we really want to bring awareness to how important such a little gift can be.”

For more information on these projects, contact Liz Russo at (408) 264-1664 or erusso@pres-net.com.