By Shelby Adair
Staff Writer
“Why Costa Night” was an event that took place Monday night Nov. 1 in the Manhattan Beach Middle School auditorium and gym to show what academics and extracurricular activities Mira Costa High School has to offer the incoming freshmen class.
There were numerous tables lined up and down the auditorium representing a different activity offered at Costa. At the tables were teachers or students who are currently involved with the activity, including various sports.
“When I went to ‘Why Costa Night’ night as an eighth grader, it helped me feel more comfortable to joining the soccer program. I have now been on the Mira Costa soccer team all 4 years of high school, and I want to inspire the middle school students to participate,” Senior Dana Eisenhauer said.
Various groups from Costa were present, such as Cheer team, Dance Team, Foreign Language Department, girls/boys golf, basketball, Model United Nations, baseball, softball, ASB, and Friendship Circle. One club in particular was the Robotics Team, who had several electronics and real robots made by hand on display.
“We won the World Championship first robotics competition. Since we lost several of our strong members last year when they graduated, we decided to attend ‘Why Costa Night’ to try to get back members and defend our championship,” Technical Team Captain senior Alex Davis said.
Several teachers were also there to answer questions about academics that parents or students might have.
“I think it is important to put Mira Costa’s best foot forward for future attendees. We advertise the strengths of our core curriculums and extra curricular activities. With the displays we have, we can afford students a greater selection of activities than could ever be possibly offered at a private high school. And it’s free” Dan Debevec said.
Members of the English department also attended.
“With an API score of 898, the only people here tonight who really matter are the sports, clubs, and electives, because the academics are proven,” Deborah Hofreiter said.
Principal Ben Dale feels that the ‘Why Costa Night’ is an opportunity for students and parents to see what Mira Costa offers, but is not an attempt to convince anyone to attend the school.
“At Mira Costa, we shouldn’t feel like we’re in a position to sell our school. Our school sells itself,” Dale said.
A large group of students and parents filled the auditorium, asking questions and learning about the different groups and classes they might have the next years.
The night was a success with a very full crowd along with a large amount of information.
“We’re always happy to provide this service for the incoming ninth graders, and it was another standing room only crowd. It’s always nice to see former students come back to an event like ‘Why Costa Night’ and be such wonderful ambassadors of these programs in high school,” MBMS Principal Mr. John Jackson said.
Leave a Reply