OFFICER BOARD 2014-2015
CO-PRESIDENTS
SIMON LU
Hey WHS Interact! My name is Simon Lu and I am proud to be serving as a Co-President along side Justine Sarmiento for our second year. We hope to bring Washington High Interact to a PEAK, and leave behind a LEGACY.
Just like every teenager, I enjoy things such as Instagram, Twitter, and food. Can't forget food, because food is just amazing. But, one thing that I think sets me apart is that I really love the car manufacturer Scion. Catch me driving either a 2011 Scion TC or a 2013 Scion FR-S 10 series. Basically what I'm trying to say is that I love cars more than food.
Interact is not only about the change made in other's lives, but it's also about the change in yours. Whether it be big or small, change will inevitably happen to you. The job of a Co-President is to make decisions that will positively benefit not only the board, but also the general members. Washington Interact is one of the biggest clubs across D5170, and I hope that we will be able to continue this every year; after each group of senior officers graduate.
I encourage every member to break out of their shells, and do things that they may not feel 100% comfortable with. If you are really passionate about Interact, I strongly encourage you to apply for a board member position. You get rejected from every application you don't submit. (Kinda like you miss 100% of the shots you don't take, but application style.)
Lastly, remember "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." - Mahatma Gandhi
Just like every teenager, I enjoy things such as Instagram, Twitter, and food. Can't forget food, because food is just amazing. But, one thing that I think sets me apart is that I really love the car manufacturer Scion. Catch me driving either a 2011 Scion TC or a 2013 Scion FR-S 10 series. Basically what I'm trying to say is that I love cars more than food.
Interact is not only about the change made in other's lives, but it's also about the change in yours. Whether it be big or small, change will inevitably happen to you. The job of a Co-President is to make decisions that will positively benefit not only the board, but also the general members. Washington Interact is one of the biggest clubs across D5170, and I hope that we will be able to continue this every year; after each group of senior officers graduate.
I encourage every member to break out of their shells, and do things that they may not feel 100% comfortable with. If you are really passionate about Interact, I strongly encourage you to apply for a board member position. You get rejected from every application you don't submit. (Kinda like you miss 100% of the shots you don't take, but application style.)
Lastly, remember "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." - Mahatma Gandhi
JUSTINE SARMIENTO
Hi everyone! My name is Justine Sarmiento. As a senior, I can't believe that this is my last year being a part of this wonderful organization. For the past four years, I served as a board member, Co-Publicity Coordinator, and Co-President, respectively; and now, Simon and I are serving our second terms as Co-Presidents. WOW. Washington Interact has come so far during these past four years, and for my last year, I want to leave it with a bang. We have a saying here at this school, and it's that we should leave things better than how we found it. I want to do the same with this club. What do y'all think? Our club expands and develops in every which way possible ever year, and we can only go up from here.
I encourage all of you to join this club for a reason beyond that of completing that 40-service hour requirement. Interact is more than that: it promotes positive change within the local and global community, while inspiring young people to initiate that change. People tend to forget that we are high school students. We have homework, a social life, part-time jobs, hobbies; and we make the time to take action and make an impact on our surroundings. "Service Above Self" teaches us to support and take care of each other. At the end of the day and at the end of our lives, that is what will matter most. Did we serve our world to the best of our abilities?
That is what drives me to be a part of this club, and I have realized this from four years of being a part of it. Interact has taught me so much about myself as a person, leader, and member of the community. I encourage you to attend a meeting and go to a meeting, service event, bonding, charity dinner, and more! The events and opportunities that Interact offers is endless. Find out the role that Washington Interact plays alone, find out what an area is. Get involved with the whole District! Interactors are the friendliest people I know, so say hi to them! Say hi to me! I hope to see you at our next meeting!
I encourage all of you to join this club for a reason beyond that of completing that 40-service hour requirement. Interact is more than that: it promotes positive change within the local and global community, while inspiring young people to initiate that change. People tend to forget that we are high school students. We have homework, a social life, part-time jobs, hobbies; and we make the time to take action and make an impact on our surroundings. "Service Above Self" teaches us to support and take care of each other. At the end of the day and at the end of our lives, that is what will matter most. Did we serve our world to the best of our abilities?
That is what drives me to be a part of this club, and I have realized this from four years of being a part of it. Interact has taught me so much about myself as a person, leader, and member of the community. I encourage you to attend a meeting and go to a meeting, service event, bonding, charity dinner, and more! The events and opportunities that Interact offers is endless. Find out the role that Washington Interact plays alone, find out what an area is. Get involved with the whole District! Interactors are the friendliest people I know, so say hi to them! Say hi to me! I hope to see you at our next meeting!
BOARD DIRECTOR: JASON EOM
- The board director approves and oversees all board members, and is the link between the WHS Officers and the Board. In administrating the board members, the board director also guides and trains board members into leading the club as possible officers.
My job as Board Director is to become a link between the board members and officers. I am here to mentor and guide each and every board member through their journey to become a better leader.
Just a little bit about me, I love fast cars, my favorite movies are the entire Fast and Furious series and The Lord of the Rings, I am an aspiring photographer, and I like to watch and play basketball.
It all started three years ago, my freshman year. I only joined interact to make more friends, but I stayed because it changed my life. Interact has impacted me by surrounding me with hard-working and dedicated individuals, teaching me important leadership skills, and most importantly, making me feel like I matter. Every year, District 5170, donates an outstanding amount of money to people out there who need it. However, this is not achieved with one big event. Throughout the year, the whole district makes small steps towards our goal and eventually, all of theses small acts add up. Every little fundraiser or service event we participate in, is significant towards our cause. Here in Interact District 5170, everyone is welcome and every single Interactor matters.
My goal this year as Board Director is to transform each board member into a dedicated, passionate, and innovative leader. Our whole district is one big family and we are overjoyed to include you all in it. Those of you who are new to Interact, come join us and see for yourself of how much Interact can impact you as an individual. I know some of you may be shy but hey! I was just like you when I first joined interact. However, Interact has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and truly find out who I really was. Now, I have thousands of other passionate leaders whom I am glad to call family.
Throughout this year, I want you guys to remember a couple things.
1). Do not be afraid to open up to others. Opening up to other people is how bonds are formed. I met some of my best friends by opening up my heart to them.
2). Do not be afraid to step outside of what you're comfortable with. If you always stay inside that comfort zone, You may never grow as a leader. I used to be terrible at meeting new people but now, Its like second nature to me. This would not have happened if I didn't swallow my fears and overcome them.
3). Always be open to suggestion. Everything can be made better if it is worked on as team. In our district we believe that we are stronger together and that team work makes the dream work.
I am looking forward to working with all of you this year and hey, if you're passionate and dedicated enough, you may very well become one my board members this year. If you see me, inside or outside of school, don't hesitate to say hello! I don't bite! Peace yo!
SECRETARY: ANH NGUYEN
- The secretary takes minutes at all club meetings, including those of the Officer and Board. It is the responsibility of the secretary to turn all meeting minutes into ASB. She also manages the club member directory (active & total) , as well as the club e-mail account, throughout the year. The secretary writes all the community service hours for any event and records them on an annual master service hour database.
P.S. Don't be afraid to reach out. You don't have to jump in all at once, just start slow--attend meetings and events and get to know people. I'll be there to help you guys along the way and it'll be a learning experience for both of us (because um...I'm not completely out of my shell yet either).
TREASURER: ADRIEL SARPOLIO
The treasurer oversees the club's financial account, deposits, withdrawals, and officer reimbursements. He also organizes club fundraisers and verifies and approves all details with the Co-Presidents & ASB. The treasurer provides all club profits (total & raised) to report and donate for the District's International Project.
Hey everyone! My name is Adriel Sarpolio and I am a senior at Washington High School. I am your 2014-2015 Treasurer for WHS Interact. My hobbies are sleeping, hanging out with friends, and Interact Since freshman year Interact has changed my life. I spend most of my time volunteering and helping out at Interact events. Interact has changed my life completely and allowed to find out who I truly am. Through Interact I was able to meet new friends and create amazing memories with them. Interact allowed me to make a change in the community, but also change myself.
Before I was treasurer, I was a board member for both freshman and sophomore year. Being a board member allowed me to learn more about Interact and was really a great opportunity. Before I joined Interact I was a very shy person, I did not have much confidence in myself. My freshman year, I joined Interact originally to just get community service hours, but that quickly changed after Fall Leadership Conference. FLC taught me so many things about Interact and about how to become a great leader. That is the moment I really developed my passion for Interact. Every event I went to after that added more to that passion I developed at FLC. I became a board member to become more involved in the club that I dedicated most of my time too. Again in sophomore year I became a board member, which allowed me to grow as a person and develop more as a leader. That year I was able to attend PWR (Presidents Winter Retreat), which was an amazing experience. I saw myself getting out of my comfort zone and really starting to become a more confident person. That confidence I developed from being in Interact for two years inspired me to apply for secretary. Unlike before I was confident now and knew that I had the skills to be successful at it. Secretary allowed me to grow as an officer and taught me how to work hard and stay on task. After secretary I applied for another officer position and I hope to be able to help take the clubs to new heights. I hope to be able to create as many fundraisers as I can, and raise as much money I can for the club.
All through Interact I was able to change drastically as a person and a leader. Through my passion and dedication I was able to succeed at many things and I think you guys can too. I hope that this year, you will be able to develop the passion I did for Interact and really love it. I think you should join Interact because you are helping out other people, developing yourself as a person and leader, and having fun all at the same time. Who wouldn’t want to do that? As long as you think you can do it, you can reach any goal you set.
Hey everyone! My name is Adriel Sarpolio and I am a senior at Washington High School. I am your 2014-2015 Treasurer for WHS Interact. My hobbies are sleeping, hanging out with friends, and Interact Since freshman year Interact has changed my life. I spend most of my time volunteering and helping out at Interact events. Interact has changed my life completely and allowed to find out who I truly am. Through Interact I was able to meet new friends and create amazing memories with them. Interact allowed me to make a change in the community, but also change myself.
Before I was treasurer, I was a board member for both freshman and sophomore year. Being a board member allowed me to learn more about Interact and was really a great opportunity. Before I joined Interact I was a very shy person, I did not have much confidence in myself. My freshman year, I joined Interact originally to just get community service hours, but that quickly changed after Fall Leadership Conference. FLC taught me so many things about Interact and about how to become a great leader. That is the moment I really developed my passion for Interact. Every event I went to after that added more to that passion I developed at FLC. I became a board member to become more involved in the club that I dedicated most of my time too. Again in sophomore year I became a board member, which allowed me to grow as a person and develop more as a leader. That year I was able to attend PWR (Presidents Winter Retreat), which was an amazing experience. I saw myself getting out of my comfort zone and really starting to become a more confident person. That confidence I developed from being in Interact for two years inspired me to apply for secretary. Unlike before I was confident now and knew that I had the skills to be successful at it. Secretary allowed me to grow as an officer and taught me how to work hard and stay on task. After secretary I applied for another officer position and I hope to be able to help take the clubs to new heights. I hope to be able to create as many fundraisers as I can, and raise as much money I can for the club.
All through Interact I was able to change drastically as a person and a leader. Through my passion and dedication I was able to succeed at many things and I think you guys can too. I hope that this year, you will be able to develop the passion I did for Interact and really love it. I think you should join Interact because you are helping out other people, developing yourself as a person and leader, and having fun all at the same time. Who wouldn’t want to do that? As long as you think you can do it, you can reach any goal you set.
CO-EVENTS COORDINATORS
- The events coordinators create events for the club. This includes service activities, service events, club bondings, and social activities. The events coordinators work together with the Co-Presidents to execute all club gatherings.
SRI GODAVARTI
Hello Interactors! I’m Sri, eater of all things chocolate, watcher of all teenage wolf shows, lover of Chipotle, and this year your Co-Events Coordinator! Starting Washington as a freshman last year was a bit confusing and totally brand new because it was nothing like what was portrayed on Disney Channel’s High School Musical, but luckily I had my best friend who told me what electives to choose and what clubs to join. Even though I signed up for several clubs, Interact always stood out for me because I could never wrap my head around the fact that a group of teenagers could make a difference in the world by just working towards a common goal.
After attending Fall Leadership Conference (FLC) and Presidents’ Winter Retreat (PWR), I saw with my own eyes the change we make in this world and was inspired to be your first and second semester board member last year. Being a part of this club has truly impacted my life, because I formed many timeless friendships not only within our school, but around the bay area, and learned many life changing leadership skills. I am very much looking forward to making long lasting memories with you guys this year, all while helping the ones around us!
After attending Fall Leadership Conference (FLC) and Presidents’ Winter Retreat (PWR), I saw with my own eyes the change we make in this world and was inspired to be your first and second semester board member last year. Being a part of this club has truly impacted my life, because I formed many timeless friendships not only within our school, but around the bay area, and learned many life changing leadership skills. I am very much looking forward to making long lasting memories with you guys this year, all while helping the ones around us!
TOBY LEE
What’s up guys my name is Toby and I will be your co-events coordinator this year alongside with Sri! I can’t wait for this year because I know we’ll have some great events this year.
Couple hobbies of mine are working out, video games, and volunteering on my free time.
I was introduced to interact by a couple friends of mine but I joined mostly because they joined. But going through the year attending service events, FLC, Dances, and I was inspired by the passion the officers and the members showed during my freshmen year. Then came my sophomore year and I became a board member for both first and second semester, I was lucky enough to be specifically chosen to go to several events where I learned many skills and life lessons which all led me to apply for president. Even though I did not get the position it let me think for a while after I was rejected made me realize that I was glad that I wasn’t chosen because I thought I wasn’t prepared to take on such big responsibilities. But I knew there were still officer positions so I wasn’t bummed out.
So this year I am hoping that events coordinator and many other experiences with build me up to be a worthy candidate for president.
I highly encourage you guys to join this club because it’s not those stereotype Asian club or for just hype beast, it’s a club that will change your life and will give you opportunities to help just not people in your community but internationally too. With that being said I can wait for this year to start and making memories and planning wonderful events for you guys!
Couple hobbies of mine are working out, video games, and volunteering on my free time.
I was introduced to interact by a couple friends of mine but I joined mostly because they joined. But going through the year attending service events, FLC, Dances, and I was inspired by the passion the officers and the members showed during my freshmen year. Then came my sophomore year and I became a board member for both first and second semester, I was lucky enough to be specifically chosen to go to several events where I learned many skills and life lessons which all led me to apply for president. Even though I did not get the position it let me think for a while after I was rejected made me realize that I was glad that I wasn’t chosen because I thought I wasn’t prepared to take on such big responsibilities. But I knew there were still officer positions so I wasn’t bummed out.
So this year I am hoping that events coordinator and many other experiences with build me up to be a worthy candidate for president.
I highly encourage you guys to join this club because it’s not those stereotype Asian club or for just hype beast, it’s a club that will change your life and will give you opportunities to help just not people in your community but internationally too. With that being said I can wait for this year to start and making memories and planning wonderful events for you guys!
CO-PUBLICITY COORDINATORS
- The publicity coordinators take pictures at all club events and fundraisers. They manage the club website, as well as all other areas of social networking. The publicity coordinators also create flyers as needed to publicize important club updates and events. It is the responsibility of the publicity coordinators to ensure that all club members are aware of these events, through bulletin announcements and meeting slideshows.
KHOI TOMMY TRUONG
Hey Interactors I'm Tommy and I also go by Khoi. I am currently a junior and your this years co-publicity coordinator alongside with Janis. As a publicist, our main goal is to give others awareness on upcoming events.
A couple things about me, I appreciate the littlest things in life, I'm a calm person, I am huge fanatic towards street-wear, and an amateur trying to aspire in photography.
Interact has made a huge impact on me ever since before high school. I began my path in Interact in 8th grade when I was introduced by Chris Vasques to volunteer at a charity dinner named "Catching Fire". After that event my Interact journey began. The upcoming of my freshmen I applied for a position called Board Member. A quick insight on board members: they are what we call "officers in-training" or "mini-officers" who take on responsibilities just as an officer would (learn more from Jason Eom our Board Director). After living out my first full year of interact I decided to run for a higher position, publicity coordinator. Sadly, I didn't make it. But failure didn't stop me. The following sophomore year I decided to run again as a board member but failed to achieve. With the littlest doubts I became conflicted on whether or not I should continue Interact or not. Glad to say that I did continue. During the end of the year I ran for the same position again. This time prepared. Never let failure overcome your goals and what you want to achieve. Interact has shaped me into the person I am today and I'm thankful for that. I hope that Interact will changed you guys as much as it has on me.
With that being said, remember if you love what you're doing, do it with strength, passion, and dedication. Im excited and intrigued on what 2014-2015 has in store not just for me but for you guys as well. Watch out D5170, area 5 has something new for you. Let's be stronger, together.
A couple things about me, I appreciate the littlest things in life, I'm a calm person, I am huge fanatic towards street-wear, and an amateur trying to aspire in photography.
Interact has made a huge impact on me ever since before high school. I began my path in Interact in 8th grade when I was introduced by Chris Vasques to volunteer at a charity dinner named "Catching Fire". After that event my Interact journey began. The upcoming of my freshmen I applied for a position called Board Member. A quick insight on board members: they are what we call "officers in-training" or "mini-officers" who take on responsibilities just as an officer would (learn more from Jason Eom our Board Director). After living out my first full year of interact I decided to run for a higher position, publicity coordinator. Sadly, I didn't make it. But failure didn't stop me. The following sophomore year I decided to run again as a board member but failed to achieve. With the littlest doubts I became conflicted on whether or not I should continue Interact or not. Glad to say that I did continue. During the end of the year I ran for the same position again. This time prepared. Never let failure overcome your goals and what you want to achieve. Interact has shaped me into the person I am today and I'm thankful for that. I hope that Interact will changed you guys as much as it has on me.
With that being said, remember if you love what you're doing, do it with strength, passion, and dedication. Im excited and intrigued on what 2014-2015 has in store not just for me but for you guys as well. Watch out D5170, area 5 has something new for you. Let's be stronger, together.
JANIS SARMIENTO
Hi Interactors! I'm Janis. Nope, not Janice. Nope, not Janis Ian. And nope, not Janis Joplin. I enjoy challenging books, good movies (Superhero movies are my forte) and foreign food! Like any other normal teenage girl (actually, maybe not a normal teenage girl. I am 90% sure I go overboard) I also like to immerse myself into teenage boybands and frequently make sure I have the newest hip tunes to jam out to. I also spend way too much time on the internet that it's unhealthy, and am usually always on my laptop or phone - which is fitting considering I am your Co-Publicity for this 2014 - 2015 year! Apart from that, I also involve myself in Interact!
Last year, I served as a board member for both first and second semester. Throughout the year, I had involved myself in many team building activities, many leadership activities, and have sat through many unique and inspiring speeches from inspiring leaders. Each and every single thing I have done throughout the year has led me here, and I can definitely say Interact has shaped me in a positive way.
Interact raises money to help people in need whilst also meeting great new people throughout the Bay Area. I am proud to say I work not only alongside my best friends, but also you guys! I hope you guys pour your heart and mind into Interact as I do, and together we can work to accomplish great things together!
Last year, I served as a board member for both first and second semester. Throughout the year, I had involved myself in many team building activities, many leadership activities, and have sat through many unique and inspiring speeches from inspiring leaders. Each and every single thing I have done throughout the year has led me here, and I can definitely say Interact has shaped me in a positive way.
Interact raises money to help people in need whilst also meeting great new people throughout the Bay Area. I am proud to say I work not only alongside my best friends, but also you guys! I hope you guys pour your heart and mind into Interact as I do, and together we can work to accomplish great things together!
OUTREACH COORDINATOR: DANIEL CHAN
- The outreach coordinator responds to all inquiries made by outside relations. He is also the liaison between WHS Officers and our sponsoring Rotary club, Niles Rotary through our Rotarian Advisor. The outreach coordinator attends Rotary meetings once a quarter to inform our Rotarian and Rotary club of all club and area events and communicates with Rotarians on a frequent basis.
Hey everyone! My name is Daniel Chan, and I am the Outreach Coordinator for Washington High School this year! This will be my fourth year in Interact, and unfortunately, my last. But nonetheless, that only gives more of an incentive to make this year an exhibit of greatness for our future Interactors.
To get you more accustomed with my quirky nature, a few quick facts about myself: I am an avid eater, I average at four meals a day with snacks in between (they are small portions but still)- so the statement to remember is that if you are going to go eat, make sure to hit me up! I love finding unexpected good vibes & company on adventurous days and nights. I am unfortunately a very nocturnal person, so school does not fare well for me, but when the sun begins to set, the world to me is a place to be and explore. Another fun fact that piggybacks with this: I love to have adventures! Whether it is climbing up Mission Peak at three am, going into San Francisco with no maps and barely any battery, or even exploring the city at night- that is my kind of past time and the memories that are made then will be retained throughout my short but diverse life.
Anyways, I hope that you are excited for the year to come, because you’ve found a gem in the ruff! Interact is unlike many other clubs on campus, we truly are a family and the love we have for each other is immense and uncontrolled. I found this family in my freshman year, and I was never able to let go of it. They have given me opportunities to find myself in service that I never thought could’ve been possible. I have met fellow Interactors all the way from Alameda to Santa Cruz that I am best friends with to this day- the opportunities are endless and the only person that can make those opportunities arise is you.
So take that leap of faith, come join Interact and you will see what makes this club such a great place not only to fulfill your service hours- but to discover yourself in a sense of fulfillment and passion. To discover the leadership qualities that were inherent within you, the friendship and belongingness that surrounds you from the very second you step in, to the lasting memories that you will take with you years from now when you graduate high school and move onto better and bigger things in life. Take a leap of faith, and we will be there to catch you with open arms.
“Dreams are meant to be dreamt further than the eyes can perceive”.
To get you more accustomed with my quirky nature, a few quick facts about myself: I am an avid eater, I average at four meals a day with snacks in between (they are small portions but still)- so the statement to remember is that if you are going to go eat, make sure to hit me up! I love finding unexpected good vibes & company on adventurous days and nights. I am unfortunately a very nocturnal person, so school does not fare well for me, but when the sun begins to set, the world to me is a place to be and explore. Another fun fact that piggybacks with this: I love to have adventures! Whether it is climbing up Mission Peak at three am, going into San Francisco with no maps and barely any battery, or even exploring the city at night- that is my kind of past time and the memories that are made then will be retained throughout my short but diverse life.
Anyways, I hope that you are excited for the year to come, because you’ve found a gem in the ruff! Interact is unlike many other clubs on campus, we truly are a family and the love we have for each other is immense and uncontrolled. I found this family in my freshman year, and I was never able to let go of it. They have given me opportunities to find myself in service that I never thought could’ve been possible. I have met fellow Interactors all the way from Alameda to Santa Cruz that I am best friends with to this day- the opportunities are endless and the only person that can make those opportunities arise is you.
So take that leap of faith, come join Interact and you will see what makes this club such a great place not only to fulfill your service hours- but to discover yourself in a sense of fulfillment and passion. To discover the leadership qualities that were inherent within you, the friendship and belongingness that surrounds you from the very second you step in, to the lasting memories that you will take with you years from now when you graduate high school and move onto better and bigger things in life. Take a leap of faith, and we will be there to catch you with open arms.
“Dreams are meant to be dreamt further than the eyes can perceive”.