October 30th, 2008--As VHS students prepare for the season’s festivities, be it Halloween or the election or Thanksgiving, one group on campus decided to put differences aside and provide another group of students with a celebration. Beginning at noon, Valley’s National Honor Society provided hosted a Halloween Party for the ISP students, which according to Lana Burge, the NHS vice president, “went very well and turned out far better than [she] thought it would.” She said, “It [feels] really great knowing that a group that is known for its community service is now [directing that] service toward Valley. Getting involved is a really good way to appreciate the diversity, and seeing these kids smile brightened up my day. I really feel people should get involved like this.”

Approximately thirty NHS members volunteered and approximately twenty ISP students attended. The party was held in the J building special education gym, but with all the Halloween decorations and students masquerading in costumes, the gym was almost unrecognizable. Three tables on one half of the room were piled high with candy, cookies, cupcakes, and treats, all donated by the NHS members, and one corner of the room was dominated by the pumpkin-painting station. McCall’s pumpkin patch discounted a purchase of twenty pumpkins to contribute to the NHS cause. Tatjana Shirley (11th) commented that it was great “how most of the stuff was donated.”

Initially a community service project, led by Kendra Poole (12th) and NHS’s community service committee, the event established connections between some of Valley’s top students and the special needs young adults, rapidly turning into what NHS member Killeen Drake (12th) referred to as an example of “students able to cooperate together as a community.” MaryAnna Palmer, special education teacher, stated that it’s “a tremendous opportunity for our students and National Honor Society to get together in a fun atmosphere. We have a lot of students like Jonathan who aren’t able to go to general ed, not even during passing period. It’s really nice that [NHS came] to us. This party represents some very good planning. The games are things that all our kids can do.” The National Honor Society set up a bean-bag toss, a ring toss, fishing rod game, and pumpkin-painting and face-painting stations.

The party had it all: games, music, food, dancing, and mingling. Mario Vega, a senior ISP student, said he enjoyed the party and “got some new friends.” Randy Martinez (11th) ISP student said, when asked if he enjoyed the party, “[It was] good. I got some new friends now. I haven’t tried [the games yet]. Too big for it. I feel happy, because it’s fun. I dance with girl maybe.” The NHS members also had a good time. Veda Lucero (11th) said, “It’s an excellent way to give back to the community and it gives us a chance to meet new people. It’s a good experience, helping the under-privileged and giving them something to enjoy.” Tatjana Shirley relayed her positive perspective on the experience saying “I put a smile on their face that makes a difference.”

Principal Anthony Griego and Gloria Garza stopped by to join the fun. Mr. Griego said, “This is really neat that any little thing you do really makes a difference. I look at these kids now and see a lot of smiles. As I entered the room, I just got a good feeling seeing all these kids enjoying themselves together. We have had different groups like Ms. Foose’s math class do hands-on projects with the ISP kids, and simply seeing them interact is heartwarming. Doing something like this gives these kids something to look forward to.”

Smiles spanned the faces of the students as well as the teachers. The special education teachers expressed their appreciation. Susan Boretsky said, “I think it’s a really nice thing to do. I am amazed at how organized this is and how much preparation you guys did. It’s a really nice thing for you students to do for other students at this school. Oh and one more thing: when is the next one?” Teacher Gigi Valles also thanked NHS: “I think it’s awesome. I think you guys outdid yourselves. An outstanding job that you kids are recognizing our kids as students. You have all been Valley Vikings and now are truly friends. We want to thank you for doing this and recognizing our kids. I thank you on behalf of our kids too.”

The J building gym was loud with chatter as students mastered the carnival games, munched on treats, chatted with friends, and sang along with the Halloween tunes. Students started a dance circle during spooky hits like Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” The face-painters had their hands full, as the requests for ghosts, hearts, and clown make-up piled up. Both the ISP students and National Honor Society members left with their hands full: pumpkins, candy, cupcakes, prizes, and smiles. Linda Rael, educational assistant, said as the party was wrapping up, “I think this is great. It makes me feel very happy seeing [NHS] here. We are the assistants, who are these kids’ voices, and it’s very nice to see the principal and all of you guys come to our building. It’s heartwarming seeing the students’ smiling faces and socializing. And you got the best out of them. Thank you so much.”