by Stuart Klatz
Spin art, face-painting, and animal balloons were most popular with the young children, while students and adults seemed more interested in hot chocolate, brownies and make-your-own tacos.
The events were all part of a fundraising effort held by the high school student government on behalf of its various club, including Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD).
"SADD tries to promote positive decision-making by youths," said senior Diana Buchanan, a member of the group.
Students were able to test drive vision goggles, which allow wearers to see for themselves how hard it is to maneuver when drunk. The club also holds a "Grim-Reaper Day," when individual students are temporarily removed from class to represent the randomness of drunk-driving fatalities.
Meanwhile, Homecoming Queen Evelyn Lainez was in charge of the Wedding Booth, where a few tickets could buy a couple a wedding certificate, a picture together and a ring. Homecoming King Ryan Sauerman was also on hand.
Across the room was the ASPIRA table. ASPIRA, which means aspire in Spanish, is dedicated to helping students learn about Latino culture.
Crecensio Morales is a guidance counselor at the high school and serves as club advisor. "We... hold conferences and college fairs, while seeking to teach youngsters from different backgrounds about leadership, education, and community service," said Morales.
Six-year-old Jamie was seemingly unaffected by the events going on around her. She was too busy enjoying a chocolate cupcake to divulge her last name, but the look on her face said it all -- the carnival was a success.
