By Robin Goldsworthy

I know that lately we have been spotlighting the drug issues that are facing our community. I firmly believe that this type of reporting is not only a necessity, but the responsibility of a community newspaper. Unfortunately the seriousness of the story can eclipse the positive things that are happening in the foothills, especially those involving our youth.
This week’s cover story by Mary O’Keefe is an example of some of those positive things.
She showcases the work of school resource officer and sheriffs deputy Scott Shinagawa and his Bridges program. This exciting program helps kids on the road to deciding what career options are out there.
Another positive organization that not only benefits our youth but has our young people involved is Prom Plus.
The organization was started after a CV senior was murdered at a post prom hotel party in 1991. Her murder galvanized the community to create a fun, but safe, local after prom event for CV seniors and their guests. Since 1992, Prom Plus has held an after prom party for our kids at the Crescenta-Cañada YMCA. The event is from midnight to 5 a.m. and is open to both prom attendees and seniors who don’t attend prom.
There’s plenty for them to do – climb a rock wall, ride a mechanical bull, play in a casino, have a caricature drawn by a Universal Studios artist, burn a CD, and on and on.
The cost of the event is around $20,000 and about 350 kids attend.
On Tuesday I was able to be on the high school campus to promote Prom Plus. We had a money booth set up where seniors could collect as much play money as possible in 30 seconds to win prizes. We also gave away a pair of tickets to the prom.
Prom Plus Club students were wearing their blue T-shirts, helping to count the money and collecting information from students. A highlight of the day was the on campus presence of radio station KIIS-FM. They sent out their van and two very enthusiastic personalities that kept the kids entertained.
I was so glad to have been a part of Tuesday’s event. Until you’re on a school campus, you forget the energy that can be found there. Whereas a lot of attention is given to the negative things involving our young people, there are a lot of great things that they do and I’m glad that we can report those, too.
This year our Prom Plus Club are part of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life being held May 15-16 at Clark Magnet High School. They are working hard to reach their goal of $1,000 and I’m very proud of them. With school and other activities, they are willing to give up a weekend to walk to fight cancer. To learn more or to donate, visit www.relayforlife.org and click on donate. The name of their team is CVHS Prom Plus. Checks can also be made out to American Cancer Society with Team CVHS Prom Plus written in the memo part and mailed to the high school: CVHS Prom Plus; 2900 Community Ave.; La Crescenta CA 91214.
All support is appreciated.
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I mentioned the cost of putting on Prom Plus – in the neighborhood of $20,000. This money is raised through fundraisers with one of the tastiest taking place this Sunday.
The annual Taste of Montrose is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and for $20 tasters are given a wristband that is their ticket to tasting some of the best food in the foothills. The event takes place on Honolulu as part of the Wags n’ Whiskers/Kids n’ Kritters/Harvest Market activities. Tickets are on sale around town and also at the east end of Honolulu Avenue on Sunday.
Hope to see you there!