Over the weekend Marisa Fernandez was interviewed on KSBW news for participating in the National Steinbeck Center's celebration of John Steinbeck's 108th birthday. Click here to watch the story.

York School student Perry Choi, 16, of Salinas, right, teaches clarinet Friday at Oasis Charter School in Salinas as part of the Keeping Music Alive program, which he started. Enoch Matsumura, 16, of Pacific Grove, another volunteer instructor, is at center. (Scott MacDonald)

By Gail Scandrett

In a difficult economy, with local schools striving to meet education standards despite decreasing budgets, 16-year-old Perry Choi is determined to keep music alive.

Choi, a junior and high honor student at York School, expressed concern that music programs at local schools had suffered due to these cuts.

"In my mind, music is on a par with math and English," he said. "I realized, though, that I could help. I'm a high-schooler, but this was something that was within my reach."

Choi is the founder and president of Keeping Music Alive, a nonprofit providing students with instruments and weekly, after-school instruction. Already an accomplished musician and honor student, he is not content to focus on his personal achievements. At an age when many young people are beginning to find their place in the community, Choi feels not only an ability but also a responsibility to impact his community in a positive way.

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On Saturday, the President and CEO of the NAACP, Ben Jealous, returned to Monterey County to deliver the keynote speech at the Monterey County NAACP Dinner. Watch his speech and the introduction by York's Head of School, Chuck Harmon. 

...and there are many ways to participate.

Please check out the Best of Live Raffle!

York holds one big fundraising event per year – the Auction Gala. The funds raised from this event benefit every student at York. Proceeds from the auction help sustain crucial school operations and programs, such as faculty support, the arts and athletics, and financial aid. A portion of this year’s proceeds will also provide new technology for the classroom. In short, the auction gala helps make possible the quality education and nurturing environment that we all love!

There are many ways to get involved – you can attend the event on March 6, donate to the event, or volunteer at or before the event. 

A really great, fun way to help is through BEST OF LIVE. Tickets are $100. The winning ticket will be drawn at the auction and the winner can choose any item from the Live Auction as a prize. You do not need to be present to win – just let us know which item you would like when you buy your ticket.  Below is a list of live auction items. For questions or to buy a ticket, please come by the Development Office or call Margaret at 373-4438, ext. 145.

Best of Live winner chooses one of these as a prize!

#1

Golfers Dream:

Experience 4 of the Central Coast’s legendary golf courses.  This package includes a rare opportunity for three golfers to play at the exclusive private Tehama Golf Club with York trustee Steve John.  Your dream continues as four golfers also play at:

• Pasatiempo Golf Club
• Quail Lodge Resort and Golf Club
• Bayonet Blackhorse

Donated by Steve John, Pasatiempo, Quail Lodge, and Bayonet Blackhorse

Value:  $2,400

#2

Big Sur Ocean Escape

Spectacular views!  Embrace the dramatic beauty of the Big Sur Coast.  Spend one week nestled in a unique retreat on the cliffs above Big Sur at the Richardson House on the Packard Ranch.  This is the ultimate ocean getaway for a relaxing vacation, anniversary, or any special occasion.  House includes two bedrooms, two baths, and a staircase to the beach.

RESTRICTIONS:  Available on mutually agreeable dates

Donated by Jason Burnett ’94 and Melissa Burnett

Value:  Priceless

#3

Concours d’Elegance, Event date: August 15, 2010

Celebrate the Concours d’Elegance’s 60^th Anniversary in elite company.  This exclusive package offers a banquet of events for automobile enthusiasts and connoisseurs of culture.  Your VIP package includes:

• Two Tickets

• Two Admission Passes to Chairman’s Hospitality

• VIP Parking

• Two Passes to the Saturday Night Gala

• Two Passes to the Entrant Post Show Beach Club Buffet

• 2010 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Program

Donated by Sandra Kasky Button and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

Value:  $3,000

#4

A Fireside Chat with Two Great Minds

Gather by the fire and exchange ideas with Nobel Prize winning economist, William F. Sharpe, Professor of Finance, Emeritus, Graduate School of Business, Stanford University and York Head of School Chuck Harmon.  Includes a gourmet dinner for 4 guests with William F. Sharpe and Chuck Harmon at the Head’s Residence.

Donated by Chuck Harmon, William F. Sharpe, and Pamela Burns, Wild Plum Catering services

Value: Priceless

#5

California Dreamin’

Grab your overnight bag and spend your long weekends discovering Californians’ favorite destinations.  Whether your favorite is a night at the opera in San Francisco, a visit to the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena or Disneyland, this package has it all.

• Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Hotel, 1 night

• Newport Beach Marriott, 2 nights

• Pasadena Courtyard, 1 night

• San Diego Marina Marriott, 2 nights

• Anaheim Marriott, 2 nights

• San Francisco Marriott Marquis, 1 night

• Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, 1 night

Donated by Marriott Hotels

#6

Cabo San Lucas Condominium

Spend 7 tropical days in a deluxe condominium at the exquisite Marina Fiesta Resort in Cabo San Lucas.  Enjoy abundant sunshine while relaxing in your private Jacuzzi.  This condo accommodates up to 6 adults and 2 children.  Your resort location includes a bedroom with a private bath and 1 king size bed, a second room with 2 queen size beds,1 double sofa bed in the living room, and a total of 3 full baths.

Cabo San Lucas, where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean, is a perfect combination of great weather and spectacular scenery.  Whether you enjoy walks on the beach, golf, snorkeling, sport fishing, family fun, parasailing, swimming, surfing, shopping, great Mexican food, or just relaxing under the warm Baja sun, Cabo has something for you!

RESTRICTIONS:  Available 7 nights - May 17-24, 2010

Donated by Doug and Gayle Smith

Value:  $3,900

#7

Vacation in the British Virgin Islands

Spend a week for two at the Bitter End Yacht Club.  This is the Caribbean’s premiere luxury water sports resort for romantic getaways and idyllic escapes. The Bitter End is located on the island of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands and can be found on a curved strand of waterfront including three white sand beaches, deep, crystal-clear water, and abundant fish and bird life.  This resort has been recognized by Travel and Leisure magazine as one of the top 25 Caribbean resorts.

This package includes a stay for two in a Beachfront Villa or North Sound Suite, three meals a day and:

• Unlimited use of the Club’s fleet of day sailers, Windsurfers and Boston Whalers

• Introduction to Sailing 101 Course

• Daily snorkeling trips

• Island excursions and champagne and sunset cruses

Package also includes travel planning assistance.

RESTRICTIONS:  Valid until March 7, 2011. Blackout dates are March 15 - April 15, 2010; Thanksgiving Week 2010; December 20, 2010 – January 3, 2011, and  Presidents Week 2011.

Value:  $4,806

#8

Pebble Beach with a Tuscan Flair

Celebrate at a private party in a charming Pebble Beach Tuscan-style home surrounded by lush gardens and ocean views.  Your Tuscan Interlude Hors d ‘Oeuvres Reception for 30 of your invited guests will be catered by Annie Hobbs of A Taste of Elegance.

York student musicians will perform while you enjoy this home’s distinctive ambiance.

Donated by Grace Nola and Annie Hobbs of A Taste of Elegance

Value: $1,800

#9

New York, New York . . . Totally York!

Experience the excitement of the Big Apple with your personal York alumni guides.  While in New York, choose any or all of the following activities:

• Meet and greet with Innocence Project Co-Director Barry C. Scheck, co-director Peter J. Neufeld, or Executive Director Madeline deLone

• Take a guided tour of the Brooklyn Navy Yard and Archives and have lunch with alumna Daniella Romano ’92, the Director of Archives for the Brooklyn Navy Yard

• Receive a personal tour of the Metropolitan Museum of Art by Nica Lalli, Art Educator with the Metropolitan Museum of Art

• Discover the Upper West Side, including Central Park, enjoy a concert at Symphony Space or Beacon Theater, shop for NY delicacies at Zabar’s, and enjoy dinner…all with alumna Tanya Khotin ’83

• Explore the Chelsea art district, Whitney Museum, the New Museum, or MOMA (choose two) and have lunch for two at the Core Club, all provided by alumnus Daniel Long ‘98

• With assistance from Daniel Long ’98 and the Core Club, secure a dinner reservation at the Ye Waverly Inn

• Attend a comedy show at Chicago City Limits (two tickets), provided by Rachel Dart ‘03

• Enjoy a cocktail party for up to 30 people (we will invite New York area York alumni if you’d like) at the Smart Design offices of alumnus Greg Littleton ’82. Smart Design is located on the west side of Manhattan with stunning views of the city. This item available on a Saturday or Sunday only.

Included in this package is a three night stay at the Roosevelt Hotel.

All activities with alumni based on availability of alumni at the time of your trip to New York City.

Donated by Marianne Gawain-Davis ’76, Greg Littleton ’82 and Nica Lalli, Tanya Khotin ’83, Daniella Romano ‘92, Daniel Long ’98, Rachel Dart ’03, Stephen Schulte and the Innocence Project, and the Roosevelt Hotel

Value:  Priceless

#10

Dunmore Castle – Scotland

A one week stay—for two couples—on the west Coast of Scotland. Situated on over 100 acres, with fields and a forest behind it, this castle has 4 bedrooms, and your very own Aga stove. The views from the castle are amazing, you can see out to the islands of Gigha, Islay and Jura.

The fishing village of Tarbert is just 7 miles away and a 9 hole golf course is nearby. Horseback riding, clay pigeon shooting, boating and more can all be arranged with local guides.

RESTRICTIONS:  Available mid-July through mid-September, 2010, no small children

Donated by Meryl and Stewart Robertson, Parents of York alumni Keren ’91 and  Niel ‘92

Value: Priceless

#11

Golf, the ultimate experience

There's only one U.S. Open and there's only one Pebble Beach. This is the ultimate VIP golfing experience. First Play Pebble Beach’s most exclusive members only golf course and then immerse yourself in golf’s prestigious event, the 2010 US Open.

Package includes golf for three with York Trustee Dan Fenton and two weekly passes to the U.S. Open Championship, June 14 – 20, 2010. Rumor has it that someone special is playing in the Open this year!

Donated by Dan Fenton ’76, Monterey Peninsula Foundation, and Big Z Sales Club/First Tee Monterey County

Value: Priceless

#12

Silicon Valley Superstar Tour

How will the battle between Silicon Valley superstars shape the future of mobile computing . . . you choose! 

• A personal tour of Google and lunch for five at the Google campus in Mountain View with York alumna Bonnie Ritchey ‘95

OR

• A personal tour of Apple and lunch for three at the Apple campus in Cupertino with York Alumna Melissa Smith ‘90

(Includes an Apple iPad when released)

Top bidder gets first pick, second highest bidder takes home the second tour!

Donated by Melissa Smith ’90 and Bonnie Ritchey ’95

Value:  Priceless

#13

Palm Desert California – Marriott’s Shadow Ridge Resort

Need to escape the peninsula fog?  This is your perfect opportunity for 7 days of sunshine.  Southern California’s magnificent mountain ranges serve as the breathtaking backdrop for Marriott’s Shadow Ridge Resort.  The spacious two-bedroom villa overlooks rolling fairways and sparkling lakes.

This villa, which accommodates up to six people, features two bedrooms, two baths, dining room, kitchen, and living room with a sleeper sofa.  Access to Marriott Resort and Spa’s amenities, including golf, pools, fitness center and spa is available from this villa.

RESTRICTIONS:  Available for 7 nights - October 16-23, 2010

Donated by Morgan and Corinne Gilman

Value:  Priceless

#14

Magical Equine Experience

A truly magical experience, nuzzle up close and personal with Icelandic horses at a private farm in Moss Landing.  These unique horses are known for their friendly disposition, inviting size, and incredibly outgoing nature. 

Your day includes an expert-led ride, a box lunch, and a memorable afternoon for four guests, hosted by Doug and Gayle Smith. In addition to his role as a York trustee, Doug is President of Kraftur (the Northern California Icelandic Horse Club), the Leader of the US World Championships Team, past Director of the US  Icelandic Horse Congress, and delegate to FEIF, the international association for the Icelandic Horse.

Donated by Doug and Gayle Smith and Karen Anne Murray of Eddison & Melrose

Value: Priceless

#15

York Commencement  ’10 – VIP Package

Don’t miss a single second of your senior’s special moment.  The successful bidder for this item will receive six reserved front row seats and two reserved parking spaces at the 2010 York School Commencement Ceremony.

Value:  Priceless

Thanks to all of the filmmakers who submitted entries to the York Student Video Contest. Judging these entries was difficult. See more entries after the break.

Click to read more ...

Come watch the York School Theatre Department's production of The Cripple of Inishmaan by the Academy Award Winning screenwriter, Martin McDonagh. This dark comedy is an irreverent, yet moving story of a disabled boy who tries to escape the isolation and ridicule he experiences on a small Irish island in 1934. The play for mature audiences is free and open to the public. 

Click here to watch a preview and reserve your seats.

A couple weeks ago, we announced a naming contest for a Cooper's Hawk that has been frequenting the York hills. Ms. Kiest. and Ms. White poured over the submissions and the winner is Noah Reeves '13 with his suggestion, Mini.  

At York, classes aren't confined to the classroom. Watch one example here.

Mikayla Bactad '11 performs in a Mandarin skit.

In preparation for the new year, the Chinese clean house to sweep away bad luck and offer a sacrifice to the Kitchen God.

York School students may not have cleaned the school's chapel Thursday, but that was where they ushered in Geng Yin, the year of the Tiger, with poetry, songs and skits performed in Mandarin by the Chinese-language class.

Ann Marie Carrothers, donning a pink silk tunic, described traditions followed on the important holiday, which will officially be celebrated Sunday, and introduced performers who demonstrated the proficiency they have acquired in the most common language of East Asia.

Read more here ...

Joy, David, Minju, Perry, Gabby, Johnny, and Gabby

Perry Choi was the winner of this year’s Youth Music Monterey Concerto Competition. He will play the first movement of Mozart’s Concert in A for solo clarinet and orchestra with the YMM Honors Orchestra on Saturday, February 20nd at 2:00 pm, at Sunset Center in Carmel. Other York students in the orchestra are Joy Yamaguchi, Minju Lim, Johnny Lim, David Brookshier, and Gabrielle Micheletti. Tickets are $5 for students, $15 for adults and can be purchased at the door, at The Bookmark in Pacific Grove, or by calling YMM at 831.375.1992.