Postre and Posadas: The Joys of Fundraising at KIPP King

On Friday December 9, KIPP King Collegiate decided to host a small event to help raise money for senior graduation night at Disneyland. Since it is the last year for the seniors to be together, they want to celebrate and cherish all their memories; so they decided to go to Disneyland. Through small bake sales and other food sales, they have been working and saving up for their end-of-the-year trip.  Because there was only one more week until winter break, having a posada was an excellent way to enjoy the upcoming holiday and fundraise for the trip.

A posada, in dictionary terms, is a Christmas festival originating in Latin America that dramatizes the search of Joseph and Mary for lodging. This posada, in terms of KIPP King, was basically like a bake sale where food was priced around a dollar and anyone was invited to come. Friends and family came to enjoy the event and the evening. Aside from the food, King students were screening two movies in the classrooms, which were the classic Christmas movie “Home Alone” and a Christmas comedy “Four Christmas”. In addition, Santa Claus, whose identity shall remain unknown for the sake of the siblings who were there, came to take pictures with students, teachers, children, and parents.

Since it was a Friday, King students were dismissed around 3 pm, giving the student council time to prepare the rooms for the two movies and help set up the posada. Although it was a lot of work, everyone pitched in and did their part in creating a festive atmosphere. It was a night that let people appreciate the holiday season. If anyone stayed until the end, there was a piñata brought out. It was dark outside and some lights were set up so I couldn’t see everything too clearly. But I knew that everyone took turns hitting the piñata because different names were chanted every few minutes. One person I could clearly see hit the piñata was Mr. Singer. When it was his turn, the poor thing met its match. As soon as candy came falling down a swarm of students and little kids came running with smiles on their faces.

After the piñata, the posada still continued,  but unfortunately I couldn’t stay any longer. I can say that I witnessed an event that accomplished its goal in a fun and creative way. There was food, movies, and a free photo shoot with Santa. What more can a student ask for on a Friday?

How I Spent My Summer

by Monica, KIPP King c/o 2012

Going into my last summer before senior year of high school, I really wanted to make sure I took advantage of my time and was proactive with my summer.  It was important for me to take charge of my summer because I wanted to gain valuable working experience by taking part in an internship. With my priorities set, I decided to apply to different summer programs. I applied to different programs, including a Bank of America Internship, Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project, and the Oakland Children’s Hospital Summer intern program. However, out of all the programs I applied to, the one that stood out the most to me was the KIPP Bay Area Schools Internship for KIPP Alumni. 

I have been apart of the growing KIPP community since I was a sixth grader at KIPP Summit Academy; now I'm starting my senior year at KIPP King Collegiate High school. Not only has KIPP helped me grow academically as a student, but has also helped me find my own personal identity.  Before I went to KIPP I was not as well spoken as I am today. I now identify myself as a student leader. With the amount of support I have received from my teachers, I have become more confident in myself, which has helped me over come my fear of public speaking and pushed me to involve myself in different school activities. I now participate in the National Forensic Debate team, the Mock Trial team, and I’m current Student Body Secretary.  In addition, I have found my hidden passion for art along the way. With all that said, I wanted to give back to my KIPP community for everything that they have offered me. This summer internship seemed like the perfect opportunity not only to learn more about what KIPP is all about, but also a way for me to give back and learn how to help my community even further.  I applied to work in the KIPP Through College (KTC) department, which supports all of the alumni who graduate from any KIPP school, and was ecstatic to hear I had been chosen to be a part of the program.

Over the summer, I worked alongside the KTC staff and four other interns. Throughout my internship, I had several different projects that challenged me to step out of my comfort zone. I not only had to learn to manage my time, but also hold myself accountable for meeting my deadlines. My projects ranged from creating the Pennant Ceremony invitations for the KIPP middle schools and the College Scholars Program, creating a Facebook page for KTC, and the DREAM Act Intern Project. Even though I enjoyed working on all my summer projects, my favorite one would have to be the DREAM Act Intern Project. The DREAM Act project helped me clear up many myths and misconceptions that the media has portrayed the DREAM Act to be. This topic hit me close to home because I did not realize how many students in my community would benefit so much if the act were passed. Not only did my DREAM Act project inspire me to continue to work hard through my final year in high school, but also it helped me narrow down my future career options. I would have never though about being a teacher or being a part of the education system in any way, but after my summer working in KTC, I'm considering it.

My summer working alongside the KTC staff was definitely an amazing experience and I am happy I got the chance to work with them.  Working in the office you really see the dedication and passion everyone has for education. From the first day in the office I felt integrated into the team and family.  They all have a great sense of humor and keep the office lively and energetic; it was fun to be around them. I have so much admiration and respect for the work they do in order to help every single KIPP alumnus. This internship has given me insight into how KIPP works to ensure its students are receiving the best education they can. Although my internship was only four weeks long, I miss the office atmosphere.

With my last year of high school officially started, I feel accomplished and proud of the goals I met this past summer.  I highly recommend that KIPP Alumni apply for the program; it was genuinely the highlight of my entire summer. 

KIPP Summer Interns!

- Monica is an alumna of KIPP Summit Academy and a current 12th grader at KIPP King Collegiate High School in San Lorenzo.  Monica served as the intern for the KIPP Through College Department this past summer as part of the Alumni Internship Program.  For more information, visit KIPP Bay Area Schools online.