Wednesday, December 30, 2015

My Fictional Hero

Optimus Prime from the Transformer Movies
"You may lose faith in us but never in yourself  from here, the fight will be you own." (Transformers: Dark of the Moon 2011) and "At the end of this day, one shall stand, one shall fall." (Transformers 2007)

Optimus Prime is a well known phenomenon for kids. He is strong leader when he fights against the Decepticons. Also he speaks with words of wisdom to everyone. What stands out of his heroism is that he never gives up on the humans despite their differences. Also he believes that the Autobots will win the war and that there will be world peace.

Thursday, December 17, 2015

With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility

"I believe there's a hero in all of us, that keeps us honest, gives us strength, makes us noble, and finally allows us to die with pride, even though sometimes we have to be steady, and give up the thing we want the most."
--Spider-Man 2

The classic and beloved web-shooter many recognize as Spider-Man has -- from his roots dating back to his first appearance in the early 60s -- always stood as a symbol of responsibility, sacrifice, and goodness. In 1962, as the comic industry was gaining more momentum, Marvel editor and head writer Stan Lee was searching for a new type of superhero, one who teens could identify with and relate to. Thus, the concept of a shy and timid teenage boy  prone to bullying and torment who later gained liberation and confidence after acquiring superpowers was born.

Peter Parker's origin story is one which expresses the development of a flawed character who learns from his mistakes and that his powers were given to him not merely for his personal gain but for a higher purpose -- that of helping those in need. Initially unconcerned with the rest of the world, Peter Parker decided to use his powers only for making money as a professional wrestler. After his first TV special, he allowed a burglar that he could have easily taken down to run past him and escape. A few days later, Peter returned home to find his beloved Uncle Ben had been shot and killed, discovering that he'd been murdered by the same burglar he let go. Consumed with guilt, he realized the truth in the words his Uncle Ben had once preached to him, that with great power comes great responsibility.

Peter Parker's character development is one that acknowledges the flaws in the average human, and how we are inclined to only think about ourselves when it's the easier thing to do. However, Spider-Man was able to rise above that and dedicate himself towards the improvement of his community and thus earns his spot as our favorite fictional hero.

Cheers to our Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, and happy holidays to everyone!

Fictional Hero

My favorite hero and character is Avatar Aang from the series Avatar: The Last Airbender. Aang's character inspires me because despite all the loss and burdens he was faced with, he never lost hope and when faced with difficult challenges, never gave up. He learned from his mistakes and did everything he could to save the world and protect the people he loved.

Quote:  "If I try, I fail. If I don't try, I'm never going to get it."

Modern Day Hero

My favorite modern day hero is Emma Watson who starred in eight Harry Potter movies, The Perks Of Being A Wallflower, and many more. Emma has a positive influence on society and has developed many charitable causes. She is a strong dedicated woman who had reached her goals in life. Her roles in numerous movie brought her an abundant amount of fame making her a successful actress. What really endures me about her is that she doesn't use her fame in a selfish way, she uses it in a positive way to support charities. She actively supports charities such as UNICEF, Blue Peter's Mission Nutrition, and Wild Trout Trust which also makes her a great role model and modern day hero.

Quote: "Don't waste your energy trying to educate or change opinions; go over, under, through, and opinions will change organically when you're The boss. Or they won't. Who cares? Do your thing, and don't care if they like it."

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Fictional Hereos

Often a draw towards leadership can be produced by observing behavior from someone close to us or a mentor. In the 21st century we receive more of our role models and moral values from characters who are fictional. This brings us the question of; who is your class' favorite hero who is fictional? As usual, I will of course go first:

Coach Taylor; "Can I tell you something?"
My favorite moral hero and character is Coach Taylor from the TV show Friday Night Lights. His moral character in the face of adversity has always been inspirational for me, especially as a coach and teacher. Taylor surrounds himself with family and loved ones and helps make others around him stronger people. When I grow up, I want to be like Coach Taylor. :)

Quote: "In every person's life they will have a battle. They will fight, and they will lose. We must carry this in our hearts. What makes that person successful is that in the middle of the battle, we do not lose ourselves."

In your response for each class remember to include a picture, description of the qualities that endear you to them, and a quote that you believe reflects leadership.

Due by: Friday December 14th, 2015.

Friday, November 13, 2015

Homecoming Week 2015

Well Homecoming Week is officially over but what a success! We had an amazing group of floats show up, hundreds of students in the parade in conjuncture with Sheldon Elementary, and a fantastic rally with amazing live performances. As usual, Leadership created a nice montage of photos from the week. Thanks to all who made this possible!

Sunday, October 18, 2015

A LEADERSHIP QUOTE

"Remember the difference between a boss and a leader: a boss says "GO!" a leader says "Lets go!" - E.M. Kelly 

Kelly's quote states that a true leader doesn't give orders to people just to get the job done. They go with that person a fulfill the duty that needs to be done. Leaders are willing to work hard with others. Sometimes I understand that a person has to give orders to someone. However, they should be doing something to not just sit there and look pretty watching others struggle. 

At De Anza there's different roles in our leadership class but we all work together to get things done. Of course there's the head person of the leadership class that tells us what to do but we don't do it alone we have each other. We have about 40 students in our leadership class that make every event at the school possible and fun for everyone. There shouldn't be that grumpy person in the back that doesn't feel apart of it.  

Saturday, October 17, 2015

Spirit of Leadership


"A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent." —Douglas MacArthur

MacArthur's quote states that a leader is someone who will fight battles solo. Someone who is made into a leader, not born. To have the ability to empower others makes a great leader. Being a leader is depended on your actions, not the position you have. A leader needs to know how to make difficult choices.In my opinion, a leader has visions, achievable goals to motivate their team. Extraordinary leaders think ahead to adept their plans.Strong leaders know their own strengths and weaknesses. Leaders coach, mentor, stimulate, and develop trust with their team. They can also adapt to changes and new situations that they are dealing with.

For example, at De Anza there are many strong leaders making sure that students are attending their classes, etc. There are leaders who help improve the schools educational environment. Doing community service or joining clubs helps you to become a leader. Being elected to be the leader of your school or class means to take that position and be a good role model to your fellow students and faculty. By joining any activities held at school we can have more future leaders.

Friday, October 16, 2015

ASB'S FAVORITE LEADERSHIP QUOTE

"The supreme quality of leadership is integrity." -- Dwight Eisenhower 

Mr. Hillyer Stretching After Taking A
Heavy Dose Of  Leadership
Often, leaders engulf themselves with an excessive sense of pride and put others before themselves. By doing this, they undermine the true value of working together as a group; and this is exactly what integrity revives within a team. When a leader instills a set of high morals within their ruling, they do not only makes progress, but they establish a strong relationship among them and their teammates. By being honest, caring, and understanding, the leader is no longer notorious for excessive control, but is rather looked upon as a compassionate leader; one who puts in to perspective what the team wants and not simply what he or she desires. Nonetheless, although it is often looked over, this concept of integrity is simply one of the key component to an efficient, competent team. 

In the context of DeAnza, there is a strong sense of integrity prominent within our leadership class. The ideas and perspectives of every student are taken into account when it comes to finalizing decisions we decide to carry out as a class, and this is exactly what keeps our team grinding gears and making our best efforts to improve the school and our community. For that reason, I and many others have enjoyed the important roles we all have taken on within our leadership class and look forward to our future within leadership. 

Julian Arredondo


    

Favorite Leadership Quote

"Power isn't control at all--power is strength, and giving that strength to others. A leader isn't someone who forces others to make him stronger; a leader is someone willing to give his strength to others that they may have the strength to stand on their own." --Beth Revis


As the author of this quote states, being a leader isn't necessarily having the control to exert authority over an individual of a particular group of people. Leadership is truly about putting others above self. This means that a leaders must step back and allow others to rise to the occasion. By doing so, it allows the people around you to see the initiative you are taking to help others and will do the same thing as well. Leadership requires one's capability to set a good example for others so that they may follow through. Whether the situation is, either at school or at work, having strong leaders is essential in achievement and success. Although those leaders may hold more power above the group, they need to demonstrate that authoritative power in a way that will bring positive influence to the group.


 A strong leader in my eyes gives others the chance to show their strengths and what he/she has to contribute to the table. Not only do good leaders create a valuable impact on the group, they also use their skills and knowledge in an effort to strengthen and build others up. At De Anza particularly, strong leaders are essential in raising our school spirit and culture and by setting a good example, other students may feel inclined to join in and help build the positivity during rallies, dances, and other school events. This enhances De Anza's culture in that as a school, we have active leaders willing to recruit more and more potential leaders.


-- Sophia Zhuang

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Leaders Eat Last

As a student leader in De Anza, I learned a number of many different things about leadership. But if there is one thing that sums up all these lessons, it's that leadership is sacrifice. Great leaders always put their people and the organization before themselves, and that is a fact. Why do they do this? I completely agree with Simon Sinek's answer to this question when he states that leaders are willing to sacrifice for their followers in the hopes that their followers would do the same for them.

Our leadership class can greatly exemplify this example as we are normally the first ones in and last ones out when it comes to long excruciating days and school events. We go in super early to set up and have everything prepared, then we stay way longer after hours to clean up and make sure everything was well executed. We don't necessarily do these things because we want our classmates to sacrifice the same (although it would be nice), we do this because we care more about the fun and well being of other people than we do about ourselves. Why? Because that's what leadership is! Once again, leadership is sacrifice.

An example of a time in my life when I put service before myself can be found right now actually. My parents, friends, and family ask me why I always lose sleep and mentally "degrade" myself everyday. They ask me why do I always stay late after school running to every SSC or PTSA meeting, or why do I always stay a bit after hours to help build lesson plans and hand out uniforms for JROTC. I like to tell them that I like sacrificing my time, energy, and personal well being for the happiness and success of others, or as I like to say, "If you're happy, I'm happy!" 

In my personal opinion, the best type of leadership, and the type of leadership that Sinek describes, is the concept of servant leadership. Servant leadership begins when an individual decides to serve their people first before leading. Servant leaders primarily focus on the health, well being, and success of their own followers before theirs. I believe this philosophy shows better results as opposed to "traditional leadership" which I see as the accumulation and definite exercise of power, the type of people who put themselves and their priorities before the organization. When people are followers of servant leaders, they start to build a special kind of trust with their leader, this is mainly because they see that their leader is willing to sacrifice before them, therefore, they become willing to sacrifice for their leader.

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Due Date: October 16th; Leadership Quote

Leadership is sometimes so complex that many like to boil down it's essence into a short quote, typically by someone made famous either through entertainment, politics or social justice. At all times leadership is constantly changing in the eyes of the people. As Tolstoy (author of "War and Peace") would argue, a powerful leader is made by their circumstances of where they were born and the events occurring, ie if Napoleon Bonaparte had been born in Bolivia in the 1930's he may not have risen to any form of power. Even still, many would argue that he was not a great leader as it is or that it has to do with the subject's definition of a strong leader.

This brings us to the question for the week. Working with your class, identify your favorite quote on leadership that you can find that best summarizes your belief on Leadership and share the quote along with your reasoning why. In the spirit of leadership, I will also submit my own as well.
Assata Shakur

One of my favorite quotes is, "No one is going to give you the education you need to overthrow them. Nobody is going to teach you your true history, teach you your true heroes, if they know that that knowledge will help set you free." by Assata Shakur. 

This quote relates to me as a teacher by reminding me of how powerful teaching history can be, and how blinding it can be to the populace. I want to make sure that students leave my class feeling empowered, with a strong identity of who they are and the knowledge that they can change the world. Understanding the struggles that millions of Americans have gone through and still go through, or those of people all around the world, is humbling and important to think about in the relevancy of our current society in relation to governments and power. This pushes me to be a better teacher, a better mentor and a better leader.

Mr. Hillyer

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Leadership

Good leaders put others before themselves because they know people would do that for them. They may not know that for a fact, but it's the feelings that count. For example, when I Tina Mai was in a car accident with my sister a man helped us out and stayed with us until everything was okay. Now he didn't stay with us for 2 hours because he felt sorry for us. He stayed because he knew that someone would do that for him. I have never in my life put myself before others.
Freshmen Selling at Tailgate

Why? because I care more about others than I care about myself. If I'm hurt and I see someone injured as well I will live through the pain just to help them out. No one likes a person who only cares about themselves and not others. No one should be arrogant just because they think they are better than everyone else. If someone does think that, they should keep it to themselves because bragging about yourself is just going to bring others down with your success. Everyone needs a good leader to motivate, inspire, and encourage you.

Leaders are Made. Not Born.

     Everyone has a different opinion on what a great leader is. Some might say it is them because they show respect to people, but don't respect the people they hate. Another might say it is them because they get the greatest of grades. Some people even believe that they are the leader just because they are the oldest. But none of these are true. As quoted in the video, "leadership is a choice". You cannot be simply born into it, you must train yourself to take risks for others, to put people before you and to show others that you are in that position for a reason.
Juniors and ASB Running Blood Drive

     I, for oneself, do like this ideology of leadership, and do agree with it to the fullest. Good leaders do put their people before themselves, but why?
     In the TED talk video, they gave an example of a sergeant and his men. The sergeant let his men eat first, and when everyone was done, then he would eat. But there was no food for him left, so his men saved some food for him, and they let their sergeant eat. If you ask a great leader why would they put their people before themselves, most leaders would say the same. "They would do the same for me."

What Makes a Good Leader?

The ideology of the video we were shown in class depicts that leadership is not just a position of authority, but the ability to make sacrifices for the good of other people.
Cheerleaders hold up the Flag at our Football Game

We as leaders of the school must make several sacrifices in order to ensure that DeAnza is a safe, fun, and welcoming environment where no one is afraid to be apart of their school. Whether it be selling t-shirts on spirit weeks, setting up for rallies, figuring out where to have prom, or even coordinating how to create a class' float; our leadership team is devoted to take time out of their schedules to make sure that the students of our school are able to enjoy themselves through the stress of schoolwork, college apps, scholarships etc. The title of being in leadership isn't something that is just handed to a random group of people. The people in leadership have solemnly chosen to be a part of the school that is dedicated to making a difference for others. Those who are leaders choose to put the needs of other people over the wants of themselves because they understand the sacrifices that are necessary to make sure that others are satisfied. With all of the work that Seniors have; from classwork, to college apps, to personal statements, and so on and so forth, our leadership seniors still dedicate themselves to work on our float almost every day of the week. Anyone can be a leader but a good leader knows how to deal with sacrifice, whether it be for their benefit or downfall.


Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Pretty And Pink

Our first spirit week as the Class of 2019 was a great experience, but it was not our best. I know that the Freshmen class can do way better, and we'll hopefully prove that we can on the next spirit week. It was great seeing the freshmen class participating on our first spirit week of the year.  

Twin Day!!!
       Although we didn't get our De Anza pink shirts in time for the rally, we still participated and wore pink. Unfortunately the Freshmen class didn't place first or second, but it was a good experience to see how De Anza leadership runs spirit week. Even though we didn't win, we still had an amazing time at our first rally.

The day of the El Sobrante stroll (a burning hot day) was a great way to represent our school. Some of the clubs and academies were there. When the stroll started, seeing our community coming together with our friends and family enjoying ourselves in the heat was the best part of the day.

What makes a good leader?

With the video the leadership class saw based on leadership it honestly wasn't surprising. I  Gladis Mendoza personally agree with the concept and the moral of the video. Personally I have never put myself above other why? because what`s the benefit I get absolutely nothing.
Sophomore Class selling at Tailgate

I rather see myself fail and see other succeed. I was raise to be humble and not arrogant because you would get farther in life. How you ask? well to be totally real people would just like you better. As for myself I have succeed and done incredible things but do I show it off to the world no. Why? because it not how I am. For example, would anyone want to hang out with a friend that brags to much. Lets say for myself if I start bragging to everyone that I was the varsity goalkeeper my freshman year and lead my team to 2nd place, or class president, or always that student that gets perfect grades and attendance basically a teachers dream. No I would not be happy if I went around the school bragging. Finally to get to my point why do good leaders put others before themselves? I believe a good leaders does that because everyone deserves a chance in life just like the American Dream. It don't matter where you come from everyone has the chance in life to be someone important. They just give the person who needs it the most that vote of confidences and just another boost to success.

Friday, September 25, 2015

October 1st Due Date - What makes Leaders?

Today we watched a video on Leadership and providing safety. Please respond, as a class to the following prompt by October 1st (Thursday):

  • Do you like this video/ideology? Why?
  • Do you agree?
  • Describe a time in your life, a story, when you felt that you put yourself above others.
  • Why do good leaders put others before them? No, seriously, why? Don;t just say, "because it's right".
These are deep, intense questions. Do not mistake them for simple ideas. Discuss this amongst your classes (Frosh, Soph, Juniors, Seniors and ASB). Really dig deep on the understanding of what it means to be a leader and compose a formal essay (with thesis) to what you think. If you feel a better understanding of leadership afterwards, you're doing it right. Good luck and ask clarifying questions to me. Due  October 1st.

First Rally and Stroll Picture Montage!

Our first rally and El Sobrante Stroll wouldn't be the same without a picture montage set to music!

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

The Purple Monsters

Spirit Week :
Spirit week for us was a huge success! Not only was there a lot of participation in dressing up to the theme, but many were also eager to be apart of the games / events held at lunch. The whole sophomore class, for the most part, was excited for the first spirit days and rally of the year. The turn out was way better than expected and we couldn't be more proud of our class.
Purple Monster at the Rally!

Rally :
Throughout the week, we had to take part in the spirit days by dressing according to the given theme and win games to accumulate points for our class. At the end of the week, these points were totaled and gave us an edge at the rally. We were already in a good spot as a class and us doing well on Friday pushed us to second place. The whole time we were pumped up and kept it live in that gym! It was definitely a great way to start our sophomore year!

Tacos Sales :
With the help of Gladis' family, for the past two home football games we've been selling tacos. They've been a huge hit and have been doing really well! We've been able to make hundreds of dollars in profit and we plan on continuing to do this in the future.
Gladis Mendoza, Soph. Class President leading ROTC at the Stroll.

El Sobrante Stroll :
Part of our leadership class went to the El Sobrante stroll. Many of us were in different clubs and academies representing De Anza and all its diversity.Some of the academies that were there was Health, Law, Tech, and AFJROTC. When the parade started almost all of the community loved the happiness and enthusiasm of De Anza High School. Many sophomores got their first henna from the junior class booth. However, the heat was terrible but luckily we lived through it.

#1

  The "hell week" is finally over and we can all relax! As senior president I was a little worried about how our first spirit week would play out knowing that all of my senior independents are completely new to leadership. Surprisingly all of the independents did exceptionally well and showed me that they are ready to work and dedicate themselves to making De Anza's first spirit week amazing!
 
Seniors setting up for Rally.
  The Senior float is moving along at a much faster pace than last year and little by little were getting the big things out of the way. Over the summer, I had met with a couple of independents and senior officers to make a schedule from the present all the way to homecoming day. So far we've been slightly ahead of our own schedule which is great! I am extremely proud of the senior team always fully prepared and ready to work. I couldn't ask for a better team!

Strong Effort Out the Gate!

  Well the first spirit week has come and gone and as the Leadership teacher I cannot be prouder of our students. This year we have all the right personnel in the right places and it has been great work in delegation of work from the students. Starting with spirit week events and days in which we had increased participation each day, to much more interactive games (including our best to date, the Disney sing-a-long in the quad) and culminating with the Rally. While the rally still has a few kinks to work out, namely creating stronger games that more people can interact with and see, the school spirit was definitely felt throughout the building. The Leadership class even purchased ear plugs for those teachers and parents who may have felt the rally too loud.
Disney Sing-a-Long

  Mr. Gill's Video Production class as usual stole the show by having a live feed camera where students could see themselves on the big screen. Even at one point, during the National Anthem, there was a picture in a picture of the singer (Marleena Sonico) and the American Flag on the screen at the same time. The "Mean Tweets" video that Leadership did (Youtube Link here) went over well with the crowd and students. Even our alumni saw the videos from the rally and were enjoying watching them, even from the East Coast!
The Purple Monster Soph. Class!

  On Sunday we had the El Sobrante Stroll which from what I remember, was hotter than ever (almost 100 degrees that day!) but also jam-packed with people from all over. Local De Anza High School typically receives the most recognition at these community events and this was no different. ASB, Senior Class, Graffitti Club, all 4 Academies from our school and even PTSA showed up to create booths and have raffles to let our community know who we are. The King and Queen of the Stroll (Isaiah Woosley and Gabriela Welten) also represented De Anza and rode in a classic car down main street in El Sobrante. Overall an exhausting but productive first week for Leadership.
King and Queen of the Stroll

  Oh and how could I forget! Football won another home game on Friday leading their current record to 3-1 while they head in to play their upcoming rivals of Jon Swett, Kennedy and Richmond High School. Good luck and as always, Proud to be a Don!
DA Representing at the Stroll!

Sunday, September 20, 2015

Kickin' it off Strong!

This week of September 14th to September 20th has quickly proven to be the first of our major "hell weeks". It's been a stressful week filled with spirit days, rallies, tailgating, some float meetings on the side, and the annual El Sobrante Stroll to top off this wonderful anxiety packed week. Weeks like this can be degrading, but are totally necessary in keeping this leadership class aware and on their feet!

The week kicked off with our first spirit week of the year:

-Monday: Sports Day
-Tuesday: Twin Day
-Wednesday: Walt Disney Day
-Thursday: Black Out Day
-Friday: Class Colors

Monday had shown that it was obvious that class rivalry was stronger than ever this year. The junior class came out swinging  on the first day and clutching onto an early first place. As the week progressed, however, DA's senior class made a fantastic comeback by snatching away first place from the juniors. The juniors had dragged down to third place with an unlikely class proceeding them-- the sophomores! 

#Rallyready
Rally Day decided the final victors through various games and yell competitions. First place went to an extremely hyped up senior class with the Class of 2018 following right behind by only three points. The junior class struggled to get back up to the mountain top and instead sat stagnant in third place. Although only freshmen, the freshmen class surprised everyone with their energy and rising school spirit.

AFJROTC making us all proud in their dress blues
After a day of some much needed rest, De Anza Leadership got together one more time for the annual El Sobrante Stroll. Whether at information booths or parading, every leadership student was busy  and played an instrumental role in representing De Anza High.

It was a tough and tiring week for all of us, but like always, we pulled through and we'd be more than happy to do it all over again.

The football team strolling through after a well deserved victory on Friday night

The Green Machine

This week, as the Class of 2017 prepared for the first Spirit Week of the year, we made sure to continue our goal to keep our class involved and aware of what's happening. Using our @dahsco2017 Instagram page and Remind101 service, we provided updates regarding float, spirit days, and more.

The Juniors took the first Spirit Day at 1st place, with us coming out on top because of how many people dressed up with their sports gear. Unfortunately we couldn't keep our rightful spot for the rest of the week. We won't let that get in the way of getting first place next Spirit Week, though!

Even if we didn't win first place, the Junior class was still able to have a blast at the rally. Leadership decorated our class' corner at the rally and had lots of fun doing so. Meanwhile, the rest of the class was also able to be a part of the fun once the rally started. Featuring games, a hilarious "Mean Tweets" video, and more, everyone had a good time this Friday.
Go Dons!
This Sunday, the Junior Class made an appearance at the annual El Sobrante Stroll, where we marched alongside our school and represented the Class of 2017. The Leadership team met up in front of Walgreens at about 10am to prepare for the stroll. Our Juniors walked in the parade for about 40 minutes with our poster (designed by the Graffiti master Josue Mendizabal) and took lots of pictures. It was a fun experience to be representing our wonderful class.

At the El Sobrante Stroll!

Friday, September 11, 2015

Instructions for Sept 21st Due Date

      Each class will be responsible for a blog entry by the morning of September 21st. This will include a few major events but feel free to put in what you want. They must at least include:

  • Spirit Week
  • Rally
  • Tailgate
  • El Sobrante Stroll
     I am looking for a few pictures and a well written response to the prompt, "What our classes did this week". It is simply a documentation of events that occurred. Please make sure to proof read your responses as we do not want to have typos. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions!

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Welcome to Leadership!

Welcome De Anza Leadership to another great year of serving our community. This is my 3rd year of working with leadership and helping to improve our school and I am excited to bring in one of our strongest classes to date. We are looking to get out more into the area as well as improving the safety and interaction of students on campus.

The philosophy of leadership stems from the idea of becoming part of something bigger than yourself. This means working with others, even those who may be difficult, and completing tasks that once seemed impossible, yet now are attainable. A good leader puts others before themselves and know that true maturity and strength is not demanded, but given. Officers in leadership work to do the "behind the scenes" items that most never see but feel when they are not there. We run the rallies, team up with administration, promote dances, organize clubs and most other events that surround De Anza student life and culture.

This blog will be a documentation that will show the hard work that our students have put in. They will have pictures and include class updates that will be put up on a weekly basis. Feel free to contact the Leadership Teacher at (jhillyer@wccusd.net).

Instructions are:
1. Each class is responsible for a post each week. Sometimes if weeks are busy, classes will be required to post what they did that week. If it is not a busy week, Mr. Hillyer will post questions, ideas or musings that students will have to respond to in Blog Format.
2. Classes must have their posts in by 8am each Monday. Questions and prompts will be posted at least one week in advance.
3. We highly encourage classes to read each others blogs and comment on them.
4. All students are to be included in the blog over the year, whether as the author or as a contributor.
5. We do not tolerate anything that could be construed as harmful, disrespectful behavior on this forum.
6. Have fun and reflect on an unforgettable year!

Mr. Hillyer