Indian Hills Class of 2013 Has Its Eyes on Fundraising

In most high school around the country, the graduating seniors have their future squarely in mind — from getting ready for college to relationships to simply trying to pass that trig course and graduate.

Let’s face it, some just want to let loose and slide on into adulthood while having a good time.

The 2013 graduating class of Indian Hills High School — with some 301 students — is not looking too far into the crystal ball, though. They have their work cut out for them day by day, and have planned some big initiatives and bigger projects before they don their mortar boards and get handed their diplomas.

The traditional senior events the class has planned include a fashion show, a class picture and, of course, “Mr. Indian Hills,” which is a male talent and fashion show. And, of course, it wouldn’t be complete without the senior prom. 

They also have just completed what may be their largest fundraiser of the year— the annual car show, which was held this past Sunday at Copper Tree Mall in Oakland.

“We had all types of cars and trucks ranging from classics to mustangs to customs and exotics,” said Doug Grasser, event coordinator and senior go-getter at Indian Hills High School. “Last year, we chose to do it in the middle of town at the shopping center and also incorporate a street fair atmosphere which was successful.”

The class of 2013 also continues to sell IHHS Braves nylon cinch book bags and stainless-steel water bottles and the ambitious class is still planning other fundraisers for the rest of the year.

“A couple of other ideas that have been discussed were a car wash, an outdoor movie on the football field, or some other fundraisers,” said Grasser.  “As a whole, we all run the events and we have student volunteers assigned to different tasks like ticketing or arts and crafts.”

Each year, their class raised about $7,000 and currently have a grand tally of  $19,000 for all four years they were in high school. When all is said and done, it’s one of the highest totals in the school’s history.

According to Grasser, they have donated the hard-earned savings to charities such as the American Heart Association and Relay for Life.

“The majority of our profits from fundraisers go towards our senior prom with also a percentage going to different charities, said Grasser. “I would have to say our class has been very successful each year and we wish to continue on that path this year.”

The class of 2013 is not without its challenges, though. Their student body cabinet was revamped from president to treasurer this year, so they were dealing with all new officers in government positions. It makes for a steep learning curve with little time to get into the swing of things.

Their current class officers are President Joe Perry, Vice President Jack Maguire, Secretary Francesca Flink, Treasurer Ariana Sedaghat, and Doug Grasser as event coordinator. Their advisers are IHHS math teachers Hanna Cantwell and Jennifer Dinan.

“We worked with the same officers for two years and then this year we have all new ones,” said Grasser. “It's almost not a challenge but a change that can be adapted to, and I am confident that these officers this year can do just as well a job as the past officers.” 

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