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                              THE NEXT STEP  Year 2

The Next Step Toiletries Drive in January 

 

The students that participate in the Next Step are "giving back to the community" by heading a Toiletries Drive during the month of January at their schools. The items collected are to support of the Dysart Family Resource Center that recently opened in El Mirage.  At their senior high schools the mentees plan to advertise the toiletries drive by drawing posters and making announcements and flyers.  They are seeking the help of their school's staff and students to make the drive a big success. 

Thank you for your help!

Ann Mitchell and Jan Sodos

Co-chairs, The Next Step

 

The Next Step Meeting January 29, 2010

 

The Next Step

The focus of the January 29th meeting of the Next Step was Careers in the Fine Arts. The perfect meeting location for this theme was the Valley Vista Performing Arts Center. 

Valley Vista Performing Arts Center – Outside and Inside, looking at the seating area from the stage

This new complex has classroom space for theater, stagecraft, choir, band and keyboard classes.  Combine those facilities with a Lecture Hall and a state of the art theater that seats over 1,000 people and the center is one to be proud of. Valley Vista Principal, Dr. Tammy Hall, displayed that pride as she lead tours for the mentors and mentees.

                                                     Dr. Tammy Hall

AAUW member Marie Farmer and Theater West member Jenny Kaupa helped the students explore the many careers related to theater work including on stage, backstage and in “the house.”

    

                  Marie Farmer                                   Jenny Kaupa

Joan Koemptgen, AAUW branch member, displayed her Japanese Ink Painting. At the end of her demonstration students were encouraged to "give it a try." All of them agreed that it was not as easy as Joan makes it look.

    

                Joan Koemptgen                     Joan and student Alyssa

The keynote speaker was Gail Dubinbaum,  co-owner, producer and singer for the Phoenix Opera. Gail shared her personal story of preparation for a singing career.  A tape of one of her performances demonstrated the high level of excitement she feels when she is on stage.

Gail Dubinbaum

The day ended with the conclusion of the Toiletries Drive that was conducted during the month of January. The toiletries were collected by AAUW branch members, as well as the Next Step mentees from Dysart, Valley Vista and Willow Canyon High Schools and Sundown Mountain Alternative Education Program.  Seventh grade students at two local elementary schools joined in the effort.  Mr. Chris Raso from Canyon Ridge School and Mrs. Brandi Tshivhase from Sunset Hills Elementary School helped gather products. All the toiletries were turned over to the Dysart Family Resource Center in El Mirage.

Teachers and Students - Sunset Hills and Canyon Ridge Elementary Schools

      

Students loading the toiletries to take to the Dysart Family Resource Center

Thank you to AAUW branch members that contributed to this worthy cause!

 

Ann Mitchell and Jan Sodos

Co-chairs, The Next Step

 

For the story and pictures of the October 25, 2009 Next Step meeting, please click here.