"One of Us!"
Special Guest Visit
with Rafael Collazo

March 29, 2004
3:00 - 5:00 PM

Theme
Working with Clemente's Aspira Club, we completed a poster to honor the work and dedication of Rafael Collazo, Jr., an Aspirante and the Democratic Candidate for State Representative of the 179th Legislative District.

Who
Aspirantes organized the agenda, Creative Writers helped write the speeches, both after-school clubs worked on the poster presented to Mr. Collazo, and we enjoyed the presence of several other guests. Ms. Mazzuca, our principal, stopped in to say a few words. Mr. Collazo's campaign manager couldn't stay long, but he had dropped in for a few minutes. Mr. Collazo's father and a friend helping the campaign were there. Mr. Alfredo Calderon and Mr. Miguel Concepción from ASPIRA were there to offer a few words in the program. Mr. Martin's brother Brian and sister Linda paid us a visit, and we found out that Linda had baked and helped decorate the three cakes we would later enjoy.

What
We just wanted to join ASPIRA Club at Clemnete in saying "job well done" to Mr. Collazo for his dedication to Aspirantes and all students involved in after-school programs. One of the things he hopes to do if elected is to help fund more after-school activities for youths. We celebrated his accomplishments and four Aspirantes' March birthdays (all within one week!) while we were at it. We had snacks, soda, juice and lots of cake.

When
We only organized for less than a week before our Monday, March 29th event. We started working on the poster on Wednesday. The Aspirantes provided some of the snacks and beverages after deciding what they were going to buy on Friday. So from 3 to 5 PM on Monday, everything was ready for Mr. Collazo's visit.

Where
We held the event in our school's library. Some people got mixed up about where we were going to do the event, and Mr. Calderon told us that they went to the ASPIRA building on 5th Street instead.

Why
Mr. Martin and his mentor Mrs. Sara Ortiz thought it was time for the ASPIRA Club to do something to show that it is now active after some delays. We joined them as a part of our "marriage" to their club since Mr. Martin and Mrs. Ortiz had us working together last year. Mr. Calderon looks forward to more collaborations like this because it shows that students can learn skills and share strengths, making their education more complete. We invited Mr. Collazo to speak with us because he is an excellent role model and an example of what kind of students our clubs can produce by working together.