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Published on 03/01/1999 All articles from this issue

Los Altos 'Young Leaders' on way to Washington, D.C.

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By Linda Taaffe / Town Crier Staff Writer

Schools Roundup

tudents Kristin Tillim and Mariah Pospisil will be going head-to-head with members of the United States Congress this month in Washington, D.C., as part of The National Young Leaders Conference - a leadership development program for high school students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership potential. Approximately 350 students nationwide were chosen to participate in the event.

English teacher Celia Baron nominated the Los Altos High School juniors.

"They are both bright, curious and thoughtful students. They speak their opinions and are both open and friendly to others,"she said.

Both teens said their selection came as a surprise.

"I had never heard of the program, but I was very flattered to be nominated," Tillim said. "I think it will be a good experience just to get a better understanding of politics - especially in light of the whole impeachment trial."

During the six-day conference, students will have the opportunity to interact with key leaders from the three branches of government plus the media and the diplomatic corps and to visit foreign embassies.

Part of the event will include a mock international crisis that students will attempt to solve. Assuming roles of the U.S. Representatives, students will also debate, amend and vote on proposed legislation.

Pospisil, 16, said she hopes to meet Hillary Clinton. "I have a lot of respect for her," she said. "I don't know if I'm interested in pursuing politics as a career, but I think politics are interesting."

Tillim said she hopes to meet with Sen. Barbara Boxer, whom she recently studied about in her history class.

"The conference provides the opportunity for students to distinguish themselves as tomorrow's leaders," said Michael Lasday, council executive director. "Scholars not only gain knowledge and experience in the nation's capital, they leave with a sense of accomplishment and an increased ability to face the challenges of the future."

The National Young Leaders Conference is sponsored by the Congressional Youth Leadership Council, a nonprofit educational organization committed to fostering and inspiring young people to achieve their full leadership potential.

More than 400 members of the United States Congress participate in each conference as members of the council's honorary congressional board of advisors. Each year only 7,000 outstanding youth nationwide may participate in the 20 sessions of the National Young Leaders Conference.

Homestead Dance team goes to state finals

The Homestead Equestriettes are on their way to Los Angeles next month to compete against dancers statewide in the annual California dance championships. Only those teams that scored more than 85 out of 100 possible points at the national qualifying competition were eligible to compete in the event.

"This is the best we've ever done," said 17-year-old Denaya Kraines, a dance captain who has been on the team for three years.

The 19-member dance team from Homestead High School in Cupertino has placed either first, second or third in most categories at each of the four competitions it has entered this season, she said. About seven to 10 teams compete at each event, she said.

Kraines said the team has worked hard this season to add what she calls "some pizzazz" to its routines.

Using their own money, each team member is enrolled in a technique class at a private studio five days a week to work on kicks, learn some basics and improve overall performance.

This is the first time the team has taken private lessons, Kraines said.

"This year we pretty much have our routine down. We're working on our showmanship," she said.

The school dance club initially was part of the marching band's color guard team. Kraines said the team performs all styles of dance from military drills in parades to jazz performances. Kraines said the club is essentially student run.

The dance team is scheduled to perform its final show for the community May 28 at Homestead High School. Dancers will perform every dance routine from this past season.

For information about tryouts or the show, call Megan Wallace at (408) 730-9412.