Aragon High School - El Tesoro Yearbook (San Mateo, CA)

Page 107 text:

THE J OY GF ART Humanities In Action Provides Insightful Information Have you ever noticed the same group of people leaving school and wondered how they did it? Contrary to outside appearances, this lucky group was not breaking any school rules. They were a part of a new class called Humanities In Action. The Humanities class enabled its participants to experience the aesthetics of our culture, such as art and architecture. The class of 24 students met once a week in various locations. Among these had been the Asian Art Museum, antique stores, and the Palace of Fine Arts. During these meetings, the class was usually led on a de- cent tour, and later had discussed what they had seen. In addition to the meetings, each student was required to com- plete one F.E.P. QField Experience Projectl a week. In order to do this, the students visited an as- signed location and answered a list of questions concerning such things as color, form, and balance. Perhaps the best asset of the class taught by Mr. Pardini, Mr. Pednicci, and Mr. Holmes, was the variety of the places visited. Brad Klapper stated that his favorite as- signment was going to the Nation- al Theater of The Deranged. An- other memorable trip was to the S.F. Opera Guild, as several stu- dents got parts in Saust . As evi- denced, Humanities was not just another boring art class but one that increased the knowledge and interest of our culture in each stu- dent. Humanities in Action gathers for a field trip at Fort Point in San Francisco. Aragon students gather in front of a his- toric cannon to learn about the surround' ing community. Mr. Holms, Humanities in Action teacher, is happily looking at the camera. Humanities 103

Page 106 text:

They Brave The Wilderness COUNSELORS AT OUTDOOR ED Banana slugs, nature hikes, and cabin life. Aragon students cheer- fully offered their time and volun- teered to be counselors at Science Camp in La Honda. To be elligible for this experience, one had to be a junior or senior, responsible, and come across as a positive role mo- del. Run in La Honda, Science Camp offered a chance for fifth and sixth graders to learn about the environment, and for many, Outdoor Education Counselors for Borel. Top Row: Angie Scott, Michelle Van Stij- geren, Jim, Michelle Rounds, Marty, Hol- ly Waid, Courtney Carr, Tom Brown, Lisa Parlee, Steve Groves, Tim Hilliard. Bottom Row: Chris Hasel, Amy Freeman, Adine Aviani, Crystal Ewing, Wendy Smoot, Karen Roady. Senior Wendy Smoot shares special times with her cabin. 102 X LA HONDA their first experience away from urban life. Trained naturalists pro- vided information to these groups of students, enlightening them of the many wonders of nature. Mrs. Silverman, organizer of Aragon students wishing to be counselors, stated, I think being a counselor for Outdoor Ed is a valuable experience because it teaches leadership skills. In addi- tion to that, the counselors had to learn to get along with one an- other, a skill that can be used ev- erywhere. 'ilt was an extremely positive experience, and different from academic learning, noted Mrs. Silverman. Although the counselors had to deal with things like homesickness, rivalries, and illness, the response was enthusiastic. In fact, the ju- niors who participated this year wanted to do it again!

Page 108 text:

104 The 9 To 5 Pace Of Aragon Workers BRINGI G HOME THE BACON When most students are trudg- ing through fifth and sixth period waiting for the bell, participants of the Work Experience program are hard at work at their jobs. These career-minded students usually gave up time outside of school in order to enjoy the benefits of em- ployment. The benefits were many indeed. Most importantly ifor many stu- dents, was the weekly paycheck brought home fand usually spent within the next few daysl! This was not always the case though, as some participants learned to man- age their money and saved for fu- ture use. The Work Experience program enabled students to get a taste of the job world as well as its expec- tations. Valuable vocational skills and techniques that were acquired ranged anywhere from how to flip a hamburger to organizing inven- tory. In addition to these skills, stu- dents also recognized the impor- tance of responsibility. What was the most valuable aspect of Work Experience? As put by Debbie Perkins, Learning how to deal with people and obtaining a better outlook on the jobs of today. Phil Palen, the organizer of the program, gave instruction and guidance to the group to help Who could resist buying shoes from Sen- ior, Chyrel Ehara, when she flashes a smile like that? Senior Chris Kooyman unsuccessfully tries to cut a croissant and smile for the camera at the same time.