Warrior News: It's beginning to look a lot like... WINTER.

Warrior Weekly News

December 6, 2013

This week has been a good one for the Warriors, filled with events and celebrations, as well as hot cocoa and woolies. We welcomed everyone back from Thanksgiving break with freezing temperatures and smiles.
Students took a moment of silence and the flag was at half mast for the passing of a great world leader, Nelson Mandela.
May his teachings and example remain alive in all of us.

Kaiser Secrets Assembly

This year marked the first time in a long time that we have had Kaiser Permanente's Education program come in and present their outstanding production of 'Secrets', a straight shooting play that approaches sexuality and its realities and risks. Reintroducing HIV to everyone's minds, as well as the other STI's (Sexually Transmitted Infections) that are so common and so well hidden. Students were divided into two groups, the senior and junior class attending first, then the sophomores and freshman. The students were silent and engaged as the cast approached these topics on their level, and questions were allowed at the end. Kaiser stuck around during lunch and had information, games and prizes, and it was an outstanding educational day for the Warriors. Thanks to Corissa Stobing for arranging the production, and YV Alum Jared Randolph (Class of 95) who is in charge of the education program for Kaiser.


Cast of Kaiser's 'Secrets'

Spring Musical Reveal

Mr. Carter and Ms. Cooper held an interest meeting on Tuesday about this year's spring musical production, and had the best turnout to date of actors, singers and dancers interested in participating. The musical title was announced- 'Legally Blonde'- a hilarious adaptation of the movie following Elle Woods as she sets out to pursue her true love all the way to Harvard Law School..."What, like it's hard?" Dates for auditions have been set, and a Master class for students interested in audition getting tips from a professional in the industry has been set up as well. Gia Solari-Welch has toured with the National Company of 'Evita', and is the former creative director for the Diablo Theatre Company. She won a Shellie Award for her production of Legally Blonde with DTC in 2011 for best direction and best production, a show Ms. Cooper had the pleasure of working with her on as a featured dancer and Delta Nu.

Look for more information to come! Auditions and master class will be held in January.

Diablo Theatre Company's Legally Blonde (photo courtesy of Ben Krantz)

Gatorade kicks off 'G' Week

Winter Sports Athletes were treated to a week's worth of Gatorade product as a 'G' Week promotion, with Gatorade Rep Christy Samson talking to the athletes about priming, hydration and recovery techniques. Athletes have been trying the energy chews, protein shakes and of course Gatorade powder as part of the practice regimen. Thank you Gatorade for your support and generosity!

Warriors join with the Marines for 'Toys for Tots' program

Sargeant Yang of the Local Marines Recruiting office came to talk to several groups on campus about the 'Toys for Tots' program, and we are off and running in collecting new or very lightly used toys for children. Renaissance Leadership, ASB Leadership, Sports Medicine, and Winter Sports are all collecting toys, competing to collect the most for bragging rights, all in good fun of course and for the greater cause. Students were excited to do their part for kids in need, and toys have already been coming in. Contact Ms. Cooper if you would like to donate, collection boxes are in the Leadership and SportsMedicine classrooms. (cooperk@mdusd.org)

Warrior Jam celebrates "Afternoon Madness"

Because Midnight Madness is past our bedtimes... The 8th Annual Warrior Jam introduced the Boys and Girls Varsity Basketball teams, and featured free throw contests, basketball trivia, and the Staff vs Students Basketball game. After a three-year run as champions, the staff fell to the students 41-40. Staff players included coaches from Football, basketball, baseball, softball and soccer, as well as teachers Mr. Pattison (instrumental music), Ms. Cooper (dance and sports medicine) and Mr. Galvan (Health I and II). Mr. Macaluso (Biology) served as a referree.

Warriors Lead Off the Walnut Creek Christmas Parade

Our Golden Warrior Marching Band and Cheerleading Teams led off the Annual Walnut Creek Christmas Parade, which culminates in the Broadway Plaza tree lighting and Santa visit. Chilled to a wintery 23 degrees, the Warriors decorated their instruments with LED's and wore Santa Hats, making YV proud as they marched the streets of Walnut Creek.

Rock Band, 'Neo-Geo' visits YV

The Warriors were entertained on Friday at lunch by the band, Neo-Geo, presented by Skool Live, a promotion company that brings up and coming bands into the schools. The band was well received, even in chilling conditions, and we were excited to have them!

Dance Program Takes in the Ballet

YV's Dance program had a wonderful opportunity to preview Ballet Joyeaux's presentation of, 'Once Upon a Christmas' at the Lesher Theater, thanks to the generosity and outreach of program director Jennifer Perry. Ms. Cooper brought 125 students to the Lesher to see the production rich in classical ballet, many seeing the genre for the first time. The students loved it, and were excited for the opportunity. Thank you to Laureen Fender's Ballet School!

The Week in Sports

It was a great week for Winter Sports, with the Girls Soccer team handedly beating Hercules High 14-0 on Tuesday, Boys VA Basketball edging over Albany 42-40 that evening, and Boys Soccer winning over Las Lomas 3-0 on Thursday. Congratulations Warriors, and keep it up!

Improv Team hosts First Show of the Year

YV's Improv Team hosted their first show Friday night to a great audience of staff, parents and alums. The team entertained the audience with games, splitting into two teams led by seniors Nic Hutchins and Devin Rader. Games at the end invited audience participation, with star alums like Dante Comstock and Jamaal Smith jumping up to participate. It was a great night showcasing our dedicated and talented actors. Don't miss the next one!