The Shooting Stars club is run by Ms. Evina of the special needs program at Granada high school. The goal of the club is to raise money for a big dance at the end of the year for all the students in the special education program.
The club advisor, Ms. Evina has been the special education teacher at Granada for four years now and said the club has been at Granada since she went to school there.
Ms. Evina shared, “The purpose of the club is for students in the special education program to be part of the school community and have inclusion with their peers and for them to build relationships with them and it’s a blast”
The club officers consist of president Jessica Farley (11), vice president Xerxes Irani (11), treasurer Braden Witherspoon (11), publicist Tyler Smith (12), and secretary Ted Brzustowicz (11).
“On average we have a solid five members and they are very dedicated amazing members who are not only TA’s but volunteer their time to be in shooting stars. We would love to hang more members in the future,” said Ms. Evina about her club officers.
Being president of shooting stars, Farley explained what duties it takes on.
“My duties are planning things like dances and rallies and talking to teachers and people in leadership so we can have that planned. And, also recruiting other people to come in for shooting stars. Also, setting up meetings and attending meetings,” said Farley.
Farley also shared why she joined the club.
“I was able to TA for the special education class and I really liked working with them so I wanted to join and help them as much as I can,” said Farley.
Irani shared how meetings work being the vice president and what other tasks he has.
“My duties for that role is to make sure that the meetings are working out okay. I help with setting up the meetings every wednesday. I look over everything and make sure that everything is okay and everyone is doing their job. And [we] work on the Aloha Dance,” said Irani.
Both Farley and Irani both shared what they want to bring to the table for the club.
Farley stated, “[My goal is] to create more funding so we can help kids, not just in this school but sometimes in other schools too. Especially since we host dances where other kids from special education programs can come to this school’s [dance]. And, I want to make sure we have enough funding for that so the kids can get everything they need”
Irani said, “I would like more awareness from the school and other schools also for students in the special education program. This should be a club that most people get into at least once in their four years of high school and maybe they can continue it out into college and into a profession. But it’s definitely something people should touch up. I’m trying to get that under my belt where it’s a cool experience to see what everyone goes through”
Finally, Ms. Evina shared a message to all the students of Granada.
“Please join shooting stars. Have an open mindset, have patience…it is a wonderful club,” said Ms. Evina.
