Congratulations Class of 2012!

You did it! You graduated! All your hard work has finally paid off! You all should be so proud of your achievements, you've worked hard for them.

As  you get ready to make the next step in your journey, be it college or work, remember that you have a whole community behind you supporting you. Life is now yours to make it what you want it to be! Don't let anyone or anything get in your way.

You are strong, powerful young men and women, and you will go far in life. Use the lessons you learned here at EHS, good and bad, to help guide you in your future. Learn what you want and more importantly, what you don't want, and make a plan to achieve those things. You know how to make a four year plan, now, get ready to make a rest-of-your-life plan!

And be prepared to try many things. Be flexible in your choices and don't be afraid to change paths if you find yourself on the wrong one. Find what makes you happy, what inspires you, what makes you strive to do your best and do it!

Most of all, don't let anyone stop you from trying. Don't let anyone put barriers in your way. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't, because that's a lie. Don't allow anyone to steal your dreams and don't be willing to give your dreams away. Hang on to them, keep them in the front of your mind, and at the center of your heart. They are  yours and yours alone and only you can know what they are.

It's a cliche but the world IS your oyster. Possibilities ARE endless. And the CHOICES are yours...

Remember, no one said it was going to be easy, they said it would be worth it...

Congratulations again, Eureka High Class of 2012. Go forth and grab your dreams...

Justin Keele Make a Difference Award

Justin Keele Make A Difference Award: April 1, 2012 deadline.

Attention EAST, Community Service Volunteers, and Senior Project Students: Are you looking for funds to get your project off the ground and running? The Justin Keele Make A Difference Award is available for students of ALL ages, and is meant to fund projects that “pay it forward” and make a difference in your community. The award is worth $200 to $2000 dollars, and can be yours if you apply by April 1^st! Pick up an application in the Counseling Office or online at: hafoundation.org. Contact Audra for more information! (441-2591)

This grant is meant to fund deserving individual or group achieve their goals, aspirations, dreams or relief of hardship. It can be used to for tools, equipment, supplies, tuition, fees, fines and other necessities to achieve the goals of the individual or group.

The applicant should have an individual, group or cause along with a clear plan to assist a particular need and should articulate why they deserve a helping hand and how the grant will help.

You will need to have the application, a one-to-two page essay addressing the topics listed on the application and a letter of recommendation from a professional person.

This is an awesome opportunity for anyone interested in "paying it forward" which means helping someone or group that needs a little help to achieve their goals and dreams. You can make a difference and you can change the world! Here is an opportunity to help you get started or to continue your plan to help others in need.

Examples of projects that can be funded, but not limited to these:

• Fundraising Events- Programs like Betty's Blue Angels and the Homeless Education Project are always in need of funds. Students who coordinate fundraising events to benefit such programs would be eligible to receive money
• Helping Others- Often times we encounter folks we would love the help get through a rough time but may not have the means to do so. An example of a project like this would be using the money to purchase school clothing for kids who are in need.
• Seed Money- Do you have an idea and lots of energy to make it happen but need some funds to coordinate an event or program that would benefit those in need? This award could be for you to get you started on that project/goal.

Remember, the idea is to "Pay it forward", which means the recipient of a favor does a favor for another person rather than "paying it back" to the person who did them a favor.

Projects that help homeless youth are given preference.

It feels great to volunteer and be a part of that kind of change in someones life. Have some great ideas? Come in and pick up an application today!

Deadline for this grant is April 1, 2012