Column: Thoughts from Dr. Joe: Gin and jazz at the BoosterFest
The Spartan Boosters — thank God we have them. They are selfless parents who donate time and resources to “boost” the passions of the students of La Cañada High School. They provide the funding that supports the endeavors of our students in grades seven through 12. Their tentacles reach throughout the spectrum of extracurricular activities such as academic decathlons, speech/debate, sports and math club. In the realm of academics, the Boosters support programs, including band and orchestra, performing arts and the choral music program. Within athletics, the Boosters help fund most of the sports teams and expenses associated with awards, athletic trainers and repairs of facilities.
As a parent of two recent La Cañada High School alumni who were active in cheer, choir and a myriad of other activities, I readily understand the importance of the Spartan Booster Club. Frankly, the members are the impetus of activity and, through their support, masters such as Dr. Jeff Brookey, choral; Ms. Susan Moore, speech and debate; and basketball coach Tom Hofman can work their miracles. When I see the accolades attributed to La Cañada High School’s activities, I understand the Boosters are of primary importance at the grassroots level.
I am an academic and see a direct correlation between intellectual prowess and success. But my education was founded in the classics, and the philosophers have told us that human development is a composite of physicality, sociability, spirituality and intellectuality. I did well as a student yet I can’t recall any image of being a scholar. But I recall every moment of my quest, when in 1964 I fought for the bantamweight title in the Golden Gloves.
I contend that thriving depends upon putting yourself in situations that reveal your character. Devotions bond us to others, to experiences and to the activities at hand. Activities provide the alchemy that afford youth opportunities to partake in a difficult challenge, or when an actor or a musician becomes conjoined with the moment. Thriving happens when you are playing sports or lost in a story, or to some people when they feel enveloped in spirituality. This metamorphosis occurs more often when we connect with other people. Joy isn’t really produced by accomplishment. Joy is a gauge of our involvement with others in the pursuit of an activity. It is passion that compels youth to be involved, and passion is the driving force of endeavor.
Last week, we attended the BoosterFest at the La Cañada Country Club. Chris Clarkson, the current president and his committee organized an evening of “Gin and Jazz.” Gin is the most dangerous drink — just watch the movie “Casablanca.” I enjoyed the evening and connected with Ken Muller, Charlie Kamar and the new assistant principal Dr. Kip Glazer. We were there for the community, for the school, for the students. We were there to boost not only the students, but the teachers and staff who maintain La Cañada’s stature.
I tend to delve a bit deeper in analysis, especially at Starbucks on a rainy Monday morning attempting to beat my Valley Sun deadline. But I have to tell you, the volunteers of this town make the beat. The spontaneity where one hopes to make an impact on people on the deepest level they are capable of at the time is noted. One of the great champions of thought, Ralph Waldo Emerson, said, “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”
La Cañada’s Spartan Boosters are indeed the unsung heroes because they are silently boosting and enabling the students of LCHS to thrive.
JOE PUGLIA is a practicing counselor, a retired professor of education and a former officer in the Marines. Reach him at doctorjoe@ymail.com. Visit his website at doctorjoe.us.
