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CC - Item 7B- Consideration of proposal from Ms. America to present at a high school - Internal Files Box 069;t TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS ROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL FROM: FRANK G. TRIPEPI, CITY MANAGER DATE: AUGUST 30, 2001 RE: CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSAL FROM MS. AMERICA, SUSAN JESKE FOR A HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTATION ON STUDENTS AGAINST VIOLENCE & THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION On Tuesday, July 23, 2001, Mayor Jay Imperial, Rosemead High School Principal Dr. Diane Bladen, and staff met with Ms. Susan Jeske, the current Ms. America, to hear her proposal for making a presentation at our local High School. The Program is titled "Students Against Violence & The Importance of Education" and centers around a one hour presentation at a school assembly. The fee for this service is $1,000 and is an eligible expenditure of Local Law Enforcement Block Grant (LLEBG) funds. RECOMMENDATION If the City Council is in favor of the Program it is recommended that staff be directed to co- ordinate the event with Ms. Jeske and the Rosemead High School and authorize the expenditure of LLEBG funds in an amount not to exceed $1,000. ccsta - msamericaprogram C'!UIN L �A- 5.3iCs''iF�A S E P -1121001 ITEM No. �$ Presents "STUDENTS AGAINST VIOLENCE" "THE IMPORTANCE OF AN EDUCATION" ww«w. M sAmeri caP ageant. com } Presents "STUDENTS AGAINST VIOLENCE" "THE IMPORTANCE OF AN EDUCATION" ww«w. M sAmeri caP ageant. com • ASSEMBLIES & KEYNOTES • GRADUATIONS - Commencement Speaker • BANQUETS • Ms. America opens her program with the National Anthem. • Susan holds the WORLD RECORD, published in the Guinness Book of Records; for sinking the National Anthem at the most events in a 34 -hour period. • Anywhere a speaker or professional singer is needed. 9k 1-71 Buena Park High School, Buena Park, CA Over a million people have crowded into auditoriums to hear the inspiring message of the reigning Ms. .America, Susan Jeske. Traveling 10 to 15 thousand miles per month, Ms. America speaks to high school students about her platform on "Education" and "Students Against Violence." .Always with a specific strategy, Ms. Jeske provides insight on exploring the realities of our changing and turbulent world. V'ith a special program designed for student involvement, Ms. Jeske gives students the tools to keep their school violent free. Through her own life. experience she also tells the students about how she learned about the importance of an education. Susan speaks to teenagers about their world and the choices they must make. With Ms. America's ability to relate, she motivates and inspires all who listen to hold onto their dreams, discover their potential and pursue their life with "purpose and passion." Ms. America challenges young people not to make excuses but to make dreams - and not to set limits, but to set goals. Through all her unique experiences and education, she has gathered tremendous life skills and leadership skills - and now hopes to share her message of inspiration and practical advice with students all over .America. Regents College - Bachelor of Science - Magna Cum Laude - 3.877 GPA Has sung for 6 U.S. Presidents, Queen of Thailand and Prime Minister Lady Margaret Thatcher. Persona] Letters of congratulations from Presidents Bill Clinton and Ronald Reagan. "Congressional Communin, Service Award" - U.S. Congress. "Woman of the Year Award" - Leukemia Society AAA YORAL PRO CLAM TION WHEREAS, violence occurs all to often in America's schools, and the threat of violence inhibits the abilities of students to acquire knowledge; and WHEREAS, Ms. American, Susan Jeske of Littleton, Colorado, created a program entitled. "Students Against Violence;" following the tragic events at Columbine High School last April; and WHEREAS, Ms. American, Susan Jeske is coming to The Colony High School on April 20, 2000 to present her program on "Students Against Violence," and "The Importance of Education; and WHEREAS, the City of The Colony is interested in promoting the cause of giving students the tools to keep their school violence free; and `.WHEREAS, her tour of local high schools is sponsored by the New Millennium Travel Service of Arlington, Texas; THEREFORE, I, William W. Manning. Mayor of The Colony.. do hereby proclaim April 20. 2000 as STUDENTS AGAINST VIOLENCE DAY in The Colony, Texas, and urge all students to follow the advice of holding onto their dreams, discovering their potential and pursuing their life with "purpose and passion." In witness whereof, I have set my hand and caused the seal of the City of The Colony, Texas to be affixed this 20' day of .April 2000. /-\ ATTEST: "Witham W Mannino -M Patti A. Hicks. TRMC. City Secretary V &E Lf live The Senaic ®f The Sf&�e .Of ex &l s SENATE PROCLAMATION NO. 632 - WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes great ,pleasure in recognizing Susan Jeske of Li,ttleton,. Colorado, who : . -is the reigning. MS. America 2000; and WHII2EAS, Understanding that the future of Texas and this .. nation depends on our young people, Susan Jeske is. utilizing. her - - -- poise, her charm, and her status as MS. America to promote her. platform "Students Against Violence" and "The importance of Education ", and WHEREAS, Having traveled across the United States delivering her message, she has addressed 71 high.schools and travels more than 10,000 miles per month promoting the importance of education and the urgency of keeping violence ' out of schools; . and..'.. WHEREAS, Speaking from her 'heart and her .own personal ,.experiences, Ms.. America encourages her teenage audiences to _- -set goals, to -have a vision,. and to dream of%,a world without turbulence 'orviolence; and WHEREAS, As the reigning Ms. America "Susan Jeske offers herself and.all._that she has accomplished..as.an. example that dreams can come true if you believe in yourself and stay in WHERREAS, The dedication and tireless efforts on behalf of, . young people by this exemplary.woman is truly a remarkable.;: -- endeavor,, .and the Texas Senate.is extremely proud to recognize "Students .Against Violence- Week'" now, — therefore, Susan -Jeske and . be PROCLAIMED . -,That the Senate of. the ,Stat�e;of Texas hereby commend and applaud the many accomplishments of reigning Ms. America 2000, Susan Jeske, and extend best wishes for continued - success.with her program; and, be it. further _ - PROCLAIMED Th at a copy of. this Proclamation be prepared for her as a.token of esteem the Texas .Senate. E .. .. Monc:ief 2t;ber exas Senate 7 hereby certify that -.t e _ _ .above Proclamation was adop_ted... - Secretary of the Senate Ms. America is SPONSORED aminliWi Her PROGRAM is tailored specifically for high school students. The anticipation of Ms. America's appearance along with and her celebrity status will create excitement among your students. Ms. America's appearance can generate publicity for your high school on TV, radio and newspapers. Proclamations can be presented to your school will be given at the program from local dignitaries, such as: Mayor; Counsel Member, Congressman, Assemblyman; Superintendent, State Senator, Governor, etc. Students are given the chance to learn journalist skills by interviewing Ms. America for your school newspaper, yearbook and high school campus TV station. Susan and First Lady, Barbara Bush Susan with President and Mrs. Reagan "Having heard you sine the National Anthem.... It is a delight to know that countless many have heard your rendi- tion of this beautiful, national song!" PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN "It is so pleasing to know that there are people like you who still cam the spirit of our country with them." PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON "I feel Ms. Jeske went above and beyond our expectations. She responded to the students in a professional yet personal manner giving them a rare opportunity to work with a celebrity." A,fRS. AM" CAMBELL, Rancho 1%rde High School "Never in my years of teaching have I been so impressed with a guest as 1 was with you. Your manner with the students was friendly as well as sincere." MRS. ELAINE LERATER, Pegasus School . One girl came up to me after your speech and said, "Ms. America is truly a role model, she has given me so much ncentive. I was afraid of what would happen to me after I graduated from school, but she eased my mind a great deal." FAZE GRUA1E.AU, Association with the Scottish Rites Board "Your Students Against Violence" assembly program was so powerful and sincere that 1 will give you entree to all the schools in my district." MICHAEL ESCALANTE, Superintendent - Fullerton High School District 6 - STEPS TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE MS. AMEWCAW ARRIVAL AT YOUR HIGH SCHOOL. STEP 1 - STUDENT PLEDGE Please have a group of students create their own special PLEDGE for your school that will be used at the assembly program. Below are various pledge ideas that have been written. Your students need to read them over and pick and choose the wording that best suits vour school. FOR LNSTANCE: Some schools have a problem At th students bringing guns to school; vet other schools don-t. If vour school does have a problem with guns then make it part of your PLEDGE. If not then leave it out- Name vour PLEDGE that is appropriate for vour school. Names that have been used are: 1 Will Pledge," "Peace Pledge," "The Honor Code," "Tolerance Pledge," "The Husky Pledge," "Our Pledge Of Peace .And Respect," etc. Once vour students have written your school PLEDGE, you need to write the PLEDGE on a large poster or butcher paper. Size: 8 X 4 feet. You can get free butcher paper at the local supermarket store in the meat department. Tape them together to make it the correct size. ** Give a co v of vour schools PLEDGE to Ms. America when she arrives at vour school. Regular typing paper 8.5 x l l." PLEDGE IDEAS THE NO- TAiJNTrgG FLEDGE I \Hill pledge to be part of the solution. 1 mill eliminate taunting from my own behavior. 1 will encourage others to do the same. J ti'ill do my part to make my community a safe place by being more sensitive to others. I will set the example of a caring individual. I will eliminate profanity tovzrds others from my language. 1 will not let my words or actions hurt others. .4nd if others won't become pan of the solution; 1 will. TOLERANCE PLEDGE pledge to be pan of the solution, not the problem. will eliminate taunting from my own behavior; and encourage others to do the same. vill do my part to make my community a safe place by being more sensitive to others. 'Ail] set the example of a caring individual. will eliminate profanity toward others from my Ot'.n language. OUR PLEDGE OF PEACE AND RESPECT We the students of Pen Argy] Area High School, pledge to respect Ourselves, our peers; and our community. We will not tolerate behavior or actions degrading toward each other or our learning environment. By abiding to this commitment we will be better people and make Pen Argy] Are High School a more caring; understanding and accepting student body NAT PROMISE We will accept the diversity of others. We will be kind and considerate of everyone's ideas a s. Our actions will promote a save and positive environment. We will be an effective role mode] through word and deed. We will be part of the solution and not the problem. STUDENT PLEDGE 1 will never bring a gun to school; I )Aril) never use a gun to settle a dispute; 1 'Ail] use my influence with my friends to keep them from using guns to settle disputes. My individual choices and actions, when multiplied by those of young people throughout the country, ,A211 make a difference. Together; by honoring this pledge, we can reverse the violence and grow up in safety. OATH OF RESPECT R'e the students of Conifer High School, pledge to respect ourselves, our peers and our community. We Aril] not tolerate behavior or actions degrading toward each other or our learning emironment. By abiding to this commitment we will be better people and make Conifer High School a more caring; understanding and accepting student body. STEP 2 -1 THE YIPS * First call to iDylte YIPS to the assembly program and then send a letter of invitation on your school stationery•. Enclosed is an example letter to invite local dignitaries to the assembly program _Send invitation letter to: Mayor; Superintendent, Councilman, Congressman, Assemb)y Person; Chief of Police; Governor, School Board, etc. * .Ask for a Certificate or Proclamation to be presented to the School Principal at the assembly program. If the Dignitary cannot attend then ask them to send a Representative from their office to present the Certificate or Proclamation to the school. '"Ms America has been collecting a key from each city where she presents her program and would be delighted to receive one from your c] ». Please ask your Mayor if be can accommodate and present it to her at the Assembly Program as well as give a Certificate or Proclamation to the school HIGH SCHOOL STATIONER)' Honorable (John Doe). 123 State Street City. State. Zip Code DATE Dear (Governor, Senator, Congressman, Mayor, etc.): ] would like to incite you to a yen important special Assembly on (date) at (time) to boner (name of your High School) for participating in the "StudentsAvainsr liolence Om guest of honor will be Susan Jeske; the reigning Ms. America. Bom and raised in Littleton, Colorado Ms. America travels 10 to 15 thousand miles per month presenting her Assembly Program nationwide. Susan has been featured in more than 75 television programs, 25 magazines, over 100 radio shows and has sung for 6 U.S. Presidents. She provides a special message encouraging students to take a stand against violence at their local high school. Rte would truly appreciate your participation to joining the reigning Ms. America in saluting this program. A Certificate or Proclamation from your office presented to the school during the Assembly Program would add support icn ow endeavor. Please feel free to add a short message while presenting your Certificate or Proclamation. if you cannot attend for any reason, we would appreciate a Representative from your office to present Your Certificate or Proclamation during the Assembly Program. Enclosed are examples of what other Dignitaries have written on their Certificates or Proclamations. We are expecting press and television coverage at the Assembly Program. Thank you for your consideration: Sincerely. (Principles Name) * ** When sending a letter to the MA)'OR, please add the followin0 addendum. * ** Ms. America has collected a Key from the Mayor of each city where she bas presented her program. We would really be honored if Mayor (Jobn Doe) could present a key from our city to Ms. America during the Assembly Program. STEP 3 - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT ASSEMBLY PROGRAM Ms. America needs 12 students and a favorite teacher to volunteer to be part of her assemble program. At this part of her assembly program she is going to ask the High School students to share a horrible nightmare with her. "The nightmare is that the shooting didn't take place at Columbine High School. It took place at their High School and that these are the 12 students and teacher that were violenth murdered. Lets get to know these victims better." Ms. America will ask each student. "Arhat was your name, grade level; future aspiratiort school involvement and three adjectives that describe them such as; caring, sensitive, funm, hard worker; giving p rseverance; who is vour best friend what would you miss the most about your best friend, school; etc." Ms. America -,Ail] ask the favorite teacher what inspired them to be a teacher and what the students mean to them. 'W hat would you say to the students if this was the last time that you saw them? The volunteers need to be seated in their chairs before the assembly program starts. The assembly program will be more effective if you tell the volunteers to not tell anyone that they are going to be part of the assembly program or what it is about. if a parent of the student volunteers could attend the assembly program, then I would ask the student what they would like to say to their parent if it was the last time they would see them. After Ms. America interviews each volunteer they should stand behind their chair with their back to the audience. All the volunteers will walk off the stage slowly after Ms. America interviews the teacher. They will return to the stage when Ms. America calls them back carrving the PLEDGE with them. STEP 4 - ASSEAML E PROGRAM SET -UP PLEASE HOLD THE ASSEMBLY PROGRAM IN THE GYM. PLEASE PROVIDE A MICROPHONE WITH A LONG CORD. L DENT AUDIENCE xx):xaxxxxxxx T PODIUM M C S P vvvvvvv Seat the 12 Studenl Volunteers on the X_ The Teacher Volunteer sits where the T is. 'Ms. America is M. Student President is C. Sponsor of the Assembly program is S. Principal is P. VI?S and Dignitaries is V's. STEP 5 MS. ,4-A IC4 suaaested INTRODUCTION Presented by the student body President at Assembly. The reigning Nis. America has traveled to 26 countries and 50 states. She has been featured in more than 75 television programs, 25 magazines and over 100 radio shows. She has performed at over 1500 events including performances for 7 U.S. Presidents, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, The Queen of Thailand and .several Prime Ministers and Ambassadors the world over. Ms. America has raised over 1 million dollars for charity organizations and is a spokesperson for Fortune 500 companies. A professional actress she has appeared on daytime Soap Operas, "Dar's of Our Lives," "Young and the Restless," "Bold and the Beautiful," and can be seen in Movies and Television Commercials. Ms. America travels over 10,000 miles each month speaking to students, volunteer organizations and politicians about the prevention of School Violence. She is directly responsible for implementing PLEDGES around the country to prevent violence in schools. Her efforts have been recognized not just in the United States but also worldwide. Last June of 2001 Ms. America was Knighted as "Dame Commander" in Scotland by His Royal Highness Prince Michael for her efforts to stop school violence and received the official title "LADY" Susan Jeske. A professional vocalist, NIs America holds the Worlds Record, published in the Guinness Book of Records, for singing the National Anthem at the most events in a 24 -hour period. And we would like very much for her to please start off our Assembly Program with her rendition of the National Anthem tha-t achieved her a World Record. Please give a round of applause to the reigning Ms America and knighted (PAUSE) "LADY" (PAUSE) Susan Jeske. STEP 6 - PRESS RELEASE indicated. Instructions: Ms .America, Susan Jeske will be coming to your school soon. A7tile Susan's combination of vibrancy and beaurJ is new,"worthv on its own, what makes Susan Jeske's appearance at your school o MUST for i,our local media is her message! Below is a press release shell that you can distribute to your local media. Nte ve provided it as a courtesy and encourage you to use it to generate interest in this impressive presentation Mail Press Release so media will receive it 5 days or Fax 3 days before Ads. Americas' appearance at your school to newspapers, TV networks and radio stations. Then you need to follow up the day before Ms. Americas' arrival with phone calls to ask if they received the Press Release and if they will be sending out a reporter to cover the event. FORMATLNG SUGGEST)ONS • Use 8 '/_ x l l paper. • Pave readv for press: Directions to your school and a map to fax them if requested. • Use a minimum of one -inch margins on each side of the paper. • Use a BOLD typeface for the headlines to draw attention. • Capitalize the first letter of all the words in the headline (vAith the exception of "a ", "an ", "the ", or prepositions such as "of, "to" or "from") The combination of upper and lower case makes it easier to read. • Complete the paragraph on one page instead of carrying it over onto the next page. • Use only one side of each paper.. • Use the word "- more -" between two dashes and center it at the bottom of the page to let reporters know that another page fol10H's. — more - • Use three number svnbols immediately following the last paragraph to indicate the end of the press release: # # # FOR LNOIEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: John Doe Heritage High School 32' :,4 S. Park Hill Drive On,_ State zip Phone: (714) 123-1234 Fax: (714) 3211+321 E -mail: HeriiageHS@aol.Gom N'IS AMERICA CONIES to (HIGH SCHOOL NAME HERE): ,rrT_,%,I0I .F,NC'E :MESSAGE ORIGLNATES CLOSE to DON' (four City, State — Date you send out release) — Susan Jeske, the reigning Ms America, is scheduled to visit (your hi.-h school) on (date) at (time). This vibrant and internationally recognized beaut` not only brings a message of encouragement and hope to high school students around the country, she also brings a serious anti - violence message that comes from her heart. A native of Littleton, Colorado, Jeske is all too familiar with the unsettling trend toward school violence and has vowed to do something about it. In her widely heralded one -hour educational presentation titled "Students Against Violence, " Ms. America challenges students to face the hard truths and uncomfortable realities that result from violence in today's high schools. "Mv famih, lives in Littleton and my nieces and nephews go to school there. I've met students who were there during the shooting and it breaks my heart," the highly motivated Jeske points out. "The fact that this is my hometown motivates me to tell others about the perils of school violence. If I can just reach one student at each assembly, I'll feel like it's more than worth my time to travel to these schools." To dramatically make her point during each assembly, the school randomly selects a dozen students and one teacher. She encourages the crowd to get to know the "volunteers" and then tells everyone that they are dead — the victims of random school violence. It's an extremely effective visual lesson. -MORE- ms .kwerica to Visit Page Z will At the conclusion of the Presentation. edge thatuthe studenuecomPosed. At the pledge conclusion of school he assembly at Each school has its own unique p (your high school) students mill take a non- -,6olence pledge that was Hritten by the hdenv�sited over 75 high I&. America, who has spent the last six months traveling across the country; schools. She has been featured on more than 75 television proams; 2 gr5 magazines; and over 100 radio shows. A professional vocalist, she is currently listed in the Guinness Book of Records for singing the National Anthem at the most events in a 24 -hr period (] 7 events): Susan has performed at over 1500 events and in front of seven U.S. Presidents, numerous foreign Heads of State in the Un United States but worldwide. Tune of 2001 she Ms Jeske's efforts have been recognized not just Rova] H was - KTiigbted" as Dame Commander in Scotland at Sterling Castle by ighn m ess Prince Michael for her efforts to stop school violence and received the official title of Lade Susan Jeske. Ms. Americas, presentation, which is being underwritt en by (name of Sponsor), is designed to encourage and motivate high school students. Because her message is so important. Jeske strongly encourages the public to attend this motivational presentation. For more details; contact Lvour school information here) and visit the Ms. America website at ,,-A, mcamericanageant.com. 0 ;T ;T STUDENTS AGAINST VIOLENCE ASSEMBLY PROGR4M 60 MINUTE FORIVLAT All students and teachers are asked to wear their school colors in a ribbon symbolizing the Students Against Violence Campaign. Student Counsel Members can make the ribbons. 12 Students and one teacher will be seated up on stage facing the students. Welcome and introductions of Dignitaries. • Have the Dignitaries off stage and when they are introduced have them walk on. Or they can just be seated and then introduce them from where tbey are seated. Introduction of Ms. America given by the Student President National Anthem sung by Ms America. Ms America will be off stage and after a short introduction, she will walk on stage and then sing the National Anthem. Keynote Speaker — Susan Jeske, Nis America. • Talk about growing up in Littleton, Colorado. • Ask students to share a nightmare with her. The nightmare is that the sbooting didn't take place in Littleton, Colorado but it took place in their hometown. • The 12 students and teacher were not killed at Columbine High School but the 12 student and teacher that are seated on stage here were the victims. d teacher. After she inter • Ms America interviews each of the students HD views them they will turn their backs to the audience. Symbolizing Death. • Ms America asks the students how they would feel if this was to happen at their bigb scbooL How do they feel about losing these students and teacher? • The victims onstage will then slowly walk off stage. Symbolizing death. • Ms. America tells the students about her experience of going back to Littleton for the memorials. Her family is a friend of the - victim Lassie ncrual who w'6J 811 Vt after she told the killers that she believed in God. . • Ms America talks to the students about another student she met who told her that the killer let him go because he did one thing. Reads a letter that a student sent her. Ms America talks to the students and says that ibis does not have to happen in their school • Asks the students to take a PLEDGE. This pledge will be given to the students a head of time. They can add to it or delete from it what they like so that the pledge fits each schools needs and desires. • The 12 students will bring back the Pledge that is made on big poster board. Symbolizing life and that this is another way to make their school violent free. • Ms America asks the students to join her in her "Campaign Against Violence" by taking the Pledge with her. • If time Permits: Question and answer period. Sponsor of this event will be introduced by Ms. America. The sponsor will saY wby they sponsored the event and bow tbey care about the students and the community etc... Proclamations will be presented to the Principle of the School and to Ms America. y program then ask for a representative from their If the Dignitary cannot come to the assembl office to appear on their behalf. Proclamations can be given by: • Governor • Senator • Mayor • Congressman /Congresswoman • Superintendent • Chief of Police • kssemblyman/Assemb)) woman • Counsel Man/Counsel woman • School Board Member • And others. Final remarks and thank you for being here. Ms America is available to meet with the Journalism Students of the school so that they can have the experience of working With and interviewing a professional. The interview can be written up and printed in the school newspaper. If the school has the facilities for school television then she will be available for that interview also. tt 'ELU M JMO-' 4� ,w r* s FEW F, . New Millennium Travel Services, LLC and the Texas Rangers Are Proud to Sponsor: I'f'f 1 l'1 r.' �'1I Ms. America has sung the National Anthem for six US Presidents, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and a host of Governors, Senators, Ambassadors as well as sports heroes like Michael Jordan and John Elway. Susan holds the World Record for singing the National Anthem of the most events in a 24 -hour period, as published in the Guinness Book of Records. "Having heard you sing the National Anthem... It is a delight to know that countless many have heard your rendition of this beautiful, national song!" - President Ronald Reagan "it is so pleasing to know that there are people like you who still carry . the spirit of our country with them." - President Bill Clinton New Millennium Travel Services and the Texas Rangers are proud to sponsor Ms. Americais visit to several Metroplex High Schools this week. Hailing from Littleton, Colorado, Ms. America crusades passionately for peace in.our schools. Over a million people have crowded into auditoriums to hear her inspiring message as she speaks to high school students about the importance of education and challenges them to be "Students Against Violence ". www.MsAmericaPageont.com STATE OF TEXAS OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR GEORGE W. BUSH GOVERNOR April », 2000 Greetings: congratulations as you observe Students Against Violence Week. This April 15 - -2> e vent provides a great opportunity foryoung people /n the Metroplex area to pledge your commitment to keeping your h /gh schoo /safe. Excellence in education depends on a secure and peaceful school sett ing for students and teachers. Thls includes keeping campuses .free of crime and weapons, improving disc /pline, eliminating vandalism and /ncreas/ng attendance. l encourage each ofyou to treatyour classmates, teachers and school administrators with respect and to a void activ /ties that may harm you or someone else. By working hard academically and making right choices, you can build a meaningful life and real /ze your dreams. / commend Ms. America, Susan ✓eske, foryour of arts to stop schoo/ violence. Your work contributes to the safety ofouryoung people and helps make Texas a better place. Mrs. Bush joins me In sending best w /sties fora successful and memorable assembly. mall 'W BUSH OFFICE Box 1:.4.8 AUSTIN, TEXAS 78711 (5;z) 463 -z000 CA L I F O R N I A LE G I S L A T U R E 7�tr"P.i.�°° kn 4 r2 i i a -'� RESOLUTION -- - _ - By the Honorable Anthony Peseetti Tenth Isssemblt District; Relative to commending LiLIIS, Susan Jeske, the reirgnine W. America, has utilized her status to draw public attentior. to the needs of young people and to promote education, and it is appropriate at this nine to highlight he achi.vemrnts; and Pllg s, Since being crowned Ms. America on December 4, 1999, Susan Je,I has raveled ten to fifteen thousand miles pu month spealting to high school students about her platform on education and students against violence and .providing insight on exploring the realities of our changing and turbulent world; and _ W42=6, Nith z special program designed for student involvement, she gives students the tools to keep their schoc! violent free, and through ner own life experiences she share with students on how she � plearned about the importance of education; and 3En r=S, She speaks to teenagers about their world and the choice they must make and encourage them to discover their potential and pursue their life with purpose and passion; and nnht'=s, Ms. Aimerim challenge: young people no: to make mcuses but to make dream: and . no: to sett iimits, but to set goals; and l ffijrIYAS, Her IpOr of local high schools is sponsored be me United SNOent I id Association, ar. Oregon -based nonprofit organized.. thiu bhelps provide financial aic to students: nou', therefore, be it 0�1�1k ,�y uilt�lEr �l]1ip ��25LL'1fi, That he take immense persona( piosure in applauding Susan GI , Ms. America, or. her tireless commitment [o provide y.une. people with the tools they will need m succeed in life and become responsible citizens, znd conveto to her the sincere appreciation and gratitude of the public. Members Resolution No. 964 Dated this 23rd day of March, _220000 HScincrabl,lthon) Pescerd 10th Asscmblr District IRVING HIGH SCHOOL 900 O'Connor Irving, TX. 75061 Phone: 972. 254.1525 Fax: 972 - 259 -1568 972 - 259.1579 May 1, 2000 "B a Excellent" Carolvn Dowler Principal Ronnie Allen Assistant Principal Larry Rushing Vice- Principal Lddie Vernon Vice- Principal Larl Washington Vice-Principal Dear Susan Jeske, It was such a thrill for our school to have you as our special guest. Your "Students Against Violence" program was meaningful and important for our. students. We . appreciate 1v'ew Millennium Travel Services for sponsoring such a unique opportunity for on. r students and faculty. The students talked about the program for days. The pledge was displayed in our cafeteria for students to remember and appreciate. The local newspaper article was fun for our students as they recalled your visit. Your generosity of time with the students was amazing. It was apparent that they connected with you as a result of vour kindness, warmth, and concern. The format of the program was truly inspiring and thought provoking. Am school would be fortunate to have you bring your insights to the student body. The personalization touched the audience and the participating students. We muss continue to share with our students the impact of violence on families, friends, and communities. Irving High will always consider your visit an important event and privilege. You are always welcomed as our guest whenever you are in the Dallas area. Sincerely, arolyn owler Principal 1.05 ANGazs UNInm SCHool DISMCr 1o1117wood High SChoo1���.��wn� , 1521 NORTH BIG-UA AN'INUE, HOLLYWOOD, CAIFORN1A 9(W2S TE1XpHONE (33) 461 -3891 FAX: (33) 95 i -02U July 31, 2000 1&. Susan Jeske AKA Ms..America 2973 Harbor Blvd., X235 Costa Mesa, CA 92526 ROY ROMER Superimendent of SchI is DR. LIUNM L. &EnLLO District E 5uperin1enden1 Da RIPPEY Assstant Primpal Dear Susan: Sllow me to thank You for your visit and presentation at Hollywood High School last Wednesday. it was a wonderful performance and kept the attention of 800 teenagers for an hour assembly. This is no easy job, just ask any of our teachers, they are all telling me what a wonderful program You presented and what a great job you did at the assembly. When you started the sin i.n of the Star S an led Banner, You gained the audience' attention and respect. As you concluded t e on vii ttin t e ou of a eat res on se om e audience ,A-ith a standing ovation, what a great way to start tonne prop Fought ome to 0o b wo v hen ti our resents on about e ale y a o um me g g rnnr usion of the ro am Sc ;l iAJm the Nnsual-011 of 12 students and one teams b e. I — ..,r -:.,o r P n P oP w e was create v t err peers and allowing a Eons and The Assembly on 1Nednesdav was one of the greatest programs we have had presented to our students. They were truly appreciative of your outstanding presentation and promised to abide by the School Pledge. for halfof the buudents nd stove have presentged a drool. wish to congratulate you and thank Sincerely, /47 Dick Rippey Assistant Principal DR /mja z m. c - a R. C n d. 0 m m m C '7 9 . O 9 n a a rn' m m u R o c m y !-a- y_ LLB .. CD CL- . .. ...... {� G y • The.Expre S S i es ERVING PENNSYLVANIA AND NEW JERSEY SINCE 1855 Ms. America offers a message of toler°arice I Bv)IMMY P. MILLER Tiie Express-Times . . PALMER TWP. — Twelve stu- dents and a teacher died Thursday at Easton Area High School wben Ms. America came to visit Or at least they pretended to die. The entire senior class — minus about 150 who were flu - stricken — fell silent when Ms. America Susan Jeske pulled 12 students and history teacher Mark Bonanni out of the crowd and told them to stand in the comer. Jeske, a native of Littleton, Colo., knew several victims of last year's Columbine High School massacre. MESSAGE Continued from A -1 Senior Lynn Rich — one of the "victims" — said she was a com- passionate, thoughtful and outgo- ing student who wants to major in marine science in college. Mary Uhler wants to be a pilot in the U.S. Air Force.. John Pinto wants to go to the University of Pennsylvania and major in busi- ness Jeske called. on the assembled seniors to imagine what it would be like to miss Uhler, Rich and 10 others, and she warned that Columbine could happen any- where. "I grew up in a town where we didn't lock our doors, where vio- lent acts like Columbine couldn't happen," the 37 -vent -old said. The Ms. America pageant is open to single women age 26 and older. Jeske's Will of local high schools is sponsored by the United Student Aid Association, an Ore- gon -based nonprofit organization that helps provide financial aid to students. Jeske said she went home for Christmas, and 13 crosses stood on the grounds of the high school in remembrance of the 13 victims. Each cross had wrapped Christ- mas presents at their bases, she said. In all, 15 people died at Columbine High, including the two student shooters who killed themselves. Jeske urged the Easton students to take a "Tolerance Pledge" writ- ten by the student government. The pledge was a promise to help keep Easton from becoming the next Columbine. I w ll not judge others based on She used that experience to show the students the effects of violence in school. She will be taking her program to Bethlehem Catholic High School on Tuesday, and she's trying to set up a date for Phillipsburg High School "I would like you to share a night- repeated after Jeske. Four other statements were included in the pledge. Student government President Pat Gmcela said the student gov -� eminent might ask the school's art department to make a bigger, more aesthetic pledge that could hang somewhere in the school "I think it's a good idea. It spreads the idea that violence isn2 the answer," Rich said. "People need to know it can happen any- Rich said the senior class should' work on passing the nonviolence! message along to the younger' grades. - Senior Lauren Cunningham said that even though Easton doesnit have a gun problem in school, the tolerance message still needs to be passed along. Also, Easton Mayor Thomas Goldsmith proclaimed Thursday, "Students Against Violence Day" in the city. Jeske, who said she was pleased'. with the reaction from the Easton' seniors, also delivered a "go to col- lege" message to the students. She -used herself as an example.. After winning several beauty' pageants, she sent resumes Co- more than 100 companies looking fora job in sales or public relations. All said their minimum require- ment was a bachelor's degree. So she went back and got her de- gree, and was offered jobs of at least $50,000 a vent — with the same resume, she said. The only update was her degree, she said "There are companies telling me they'll hire me for $120,000 a year if I get my master's," she said. The United Student Aid Association is providing her with $10,000 to $30,000 a year to do that, she said mare with me," she said, "that the shootings didn't happen in Little- ton, but they happened here. "These are the 12 students and the teacher who were murdered at your high school," Jeske said. "They have futures — but not any- more." Please see MESSAGE ]A -2 ..' "OTUS BY PAUL O'NtiLVTRIBUNE - N Strong message: Susan )eske the reigning Ms America; slogs the Star Spangled Banner :during an assembly Tuesday .at Fountain Hills .High School Jeske m , fro �L4ttleton .Colo '.gave a .presentation on school violence that brought some students to Years ci Ms. America urges endo school violence BY lusT1H SCHMIU demonstration Teske ,has been traveling up U) - TRIBUNE "If it happened ar.Columbme tt;,. 15,000,;miles each month, using can happen ere, she wld the ; the'same method to show. high Ilfe. rn llennium -s .first :Ms.. stu ents. school students what such a disas- 4mer ca visited :Fountain EMS gtudents unveiled :a' five ste ` ter would :do .to thern. At the 'start High School on Tuesday to push pledge they wt to :e to make .their. ,.,of her tour; she mentioned the kill- .. . for an end to school violence. -,qEHooj a safer, more accepting ers; Eric Harris and Dylan 'Me . Susan Jeske, 35, urged the stu- place. bold; by, name. But students with dents to stamp out violence by act- Jeske also stressed the need fore. the 'same first names asked her to ng with more responsibili • and :,educanon. to er owm .story.' stopusing the. names, not wishing r with compassion. School violence is all -too- about how a co eee eeree more;. to be' associated u�th their infa . families for Jeske - her niece and than ou e er value .tn e to ; mous acts. Se. she has changed the 'pro- market. , nephew attend Columbine I-gh 'But students heard the ann'? gramsuice.high school students' .School in Littleton, Colo., . where violence message loudest teamed tip with her to create -it two teenage gunmen killed 12 stu-, "It's so hard to visuahze that`: Jeske had asked them to help her .dents and a teacher before killing people: could die, that 12 people. ',,make the most of each .hour she themselves last vear. "It's changed their personali- could disappeaz said. KC Ros°' sp And the schools.' - ties.` Jeske said of her niece and burg, 1.7. said. Stu- nephew. He noticed the demonstration 'dents more willing to intervene. or . Jeske picked 12 students and a 'did not include the two teenage treat others better, now that they teacher to symbolize those killed gunmen. The message of accep- ..,understand the consequences of in the Columbine massacre. She tance and compassion would have had been their actions. During her assembly, Rosburg asked them about their dreams, their best friends, their personali- been stronger they, included. Rosburg said. and Bethaina Aranki, ,17, each ties. After they spoke. they turned But it would also be tough for a received:a $1.000 scholarship from away from their friends. Some stu- student to play then part in Jeske's the United Student Aid dents cried during the ,demonstration, he said. Association. •V C) �1J _m 1 CD CD CV! �f I CD O C _ _D Gn.-.G G ` nV -_fn yL�C^Cn CT.0 G _n. j'CeGLLI. y. i`M1 - C- 9 - `G i R rt^ It G � __ I! v y =� •eRK D D C =K u C C L C D' _ D G L ` c '3 n C � c � C - _. _ _ G " D C C_. Q• w "� G- „ C - n C v _ _ __ - _- w c „ c ° -_ n n m G G e' - � n F C• C s C C - -9ec ,(hJ nG na y�it e� LL G C. - c •ye na5_^ ,grey ee`<P _ .e D O_ T J �GV.yG 'M4.r�FJ m 4 v� G G M1 C y s t is Em - - - R ^GC�GG'M1Yn.w t n G_ -✓. - . .GAD:, L u b S n. m Dvcr �= •V C) �1J _m 1 CD CD CV! �f I CD O C _ _D Gn.-.G G ` nV -_fn yL�C^Cn CT.0 G _n. j'CeGLLI. y. i`M1 - C- 9 - `G i R rt^ It G � __ I! v y =� •eRK D D C =K u C C L C D' _ D G L ` c '3 n C � c � C - _. _ _ G " D C C_. Q• w "� G- „ C - n C v _ _ __ - _- w c „ c ° -_ n n m G G e' SUSAN R. JESKE Ms. America 1 National Anthan SingQ � 2973 Harbor Boulevard °•235 Costa Mesa, California 92626 Phone.(714)754 -7777 — Fax: (714) 545 -0584 Email: JAs- kmericaPaeeantimaol com Web Site: m'W ,.MsAmeri aP,ge=I-com