Mock trial students Jane Liu (’18) and Ian Hsu (’18) smile for a quick picture with the Mock Trial station. Photo by John Le.by John Le, Aminah Khan & Elise Tran, Staff Writers and Photographers
For the first time, Fountain Valley High School (FVHS) held the Arts and Academia gala open to the public in the cafeteria. Occurring on Saturday, June 3 from 5 to 7 p.m., academic clubs and art programs had a chance to sell baskets and make money for their program.
Many competing academic teams were offered to join the gala, but the programs that participated included Model United Nations, Mock Trial, Science Olympiad and Academic Decathlon.
The creation of the gala was brought upon by Principal Morgan Smith, due to the lack of funds after the Associated Student Body decided to stop funding academic clubs. The money made at the gala will help fund their many expenses, such as buses or registering a team.
Many clubs for this gala had the opportunity to raise money by selling baskets through a silent auction. In addition, students could bid for V.I.P parking spots for the next school year starting at $100. A raffle was also included, for tickets being sold for one dollar. The winner received $90.
Due to its first year, despite advertised phone calls given out, the turnout was low and most of the people consisted of the students within the clubs.
Assistant Principal of Activities and Athletics Josh Lamar said he hopes that over time, this event will grow and become more popular so that the gala can one day be held at Mile Square Park or a venue with a sit down dinner as well.
For many students, the gala helps support less well known clubs that are in need of help with club expenses. It ensures clubs will receive enough to support themselves for next year.
“It’s going to benefit Academic Decathlon because we are a club that doesn’t get that much funding so right now. Having this kind of fundraiser really helps us consolidate all the fees we need to be able to cover, maybe like going to state,” Hoangsa Nguyen (’19), secretary of Academic Decathlon, said.
Lamar hopes to continue this Academia and Arts Gala for years to come so that academic clubs will continue to receive enough funds for the next year.
