With demonstrations by:
Aikido Kenkyukai Santa Barbara and others
March 3rd, 2007
The Santa Barbara School District currently funds zero physical education, music, or other arts instruction at the city’s two neediest schools, Franklin and McKinley elementary schools. At the invitation of McKinley School and Century 21 A-Hart Realty, Aikido Kenkyukai Santa Barbara volunteered to give an aikido demonstration at a fundraiser and donate 2 1-month gift certificates for kids aikido classes. The fundraiser succeeded in raising $5,000 to keep much beloved PE instructor Matt Johnston hanging on through the end of the school year.
Century 21
A Hart Realty, Inc.March 8, 2007
Lia Suzuki
Aikido Kenkyukai Santa BarbaraDear Lia Suzuki & AKSB Students,
CENTURY 21 A Hart Realty, Inc. and McKinley Elementary School would like to thank you for your generous donation to our fundraiser to keep the Physical Education instructor, Matt Johnston through June, 2007.
We had 59 items for our raffle and with the sale of tickets and cash donations, we were successful in reaching our goal.
Sincerely,
Jeff Comstock, Broker/Owner
Interviews
What was your favorite part of The McKinley School Demo?
“That we got to help the McKinley School.”
What did you get out of the experience?
“That it’s good to help other people.”
Brendan Bevier
AKSB Kids’ Class, Junior 7th Kyu
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What was your favorite part of The McKinley School Demo?
“The bokto (wooden sword) demonstration.”
What did you get out of the experience?
“I learned that I like being in front of an audience.”
Luca Vallino
AKSB Kids’ Class, Junior 10th Kyu
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What was your favorite part of The McKinley School Demo?
“The fact that we came out in support of another cause. The fact that we are building community.”
What did you get out of the experience?
“The sense of us (the dojo) as a part of the community.”
Elizabeth Vallino
AKSB Kids’ Class Mom
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What was your favorite part of The McKinley School Demo?
“Doing bokto (wooden sword).”
Francesca Diamond
AKSB Kids’ Class, Junior 4th Kyu
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What was your favorite part of The McKinley School Demo?
“I liked seeing how the kids handled themselves. How they present themselves as a group is impressive. Our dojo has a distinctive style and feel to it, which comes across in our public engagements. That’s why I love the dojo and love sharing that with the community.”
What did you get out of the experience?
“I got confirmation about Aikido and its peaceful aspect in context. …confirmation on how special it is.”
Carrie Diamond
AKSB Kids’ Class Mom
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What was your favorite part of The McKinley School Demo?
“Doing the bokto demonstration.”
What did you get out of the experience?
“Now it’s easier to perform in front of people.”
Raymond Ramos
AKSB Kids’ Class, Junior 5th Kyu
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What was your favorite part of The McKinley School Demo?
“I liked the fact that we were supporting a good cause.”
What did you get out of the experience?
“Well, I was very proud of my son and how much he’s advanced in his 3 years here.”
Ray Ramos
AKSB Kids’ Class Dad
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What was your favorite part of The McKinley School Demo?
“When I made that speech ‘cause I felt really happy in front of a lot of people.”
What did you get out of the experience?
“I got courage and understanding I thought I never had. And a lot of fun and having my picture in the paper.”
Spencer Glesby
AKSB Kids’ Class, Junior 4th Kyu
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What was your favorite part of The McKinley School Demo?
“My favorite part was seeing all the kids demonstrating various disciplines: the flamenco dancers, the fencers, etc. And of course I was blown away by how competent Lia Sensei and the other members are.”
Denise Wior
AKSB Kids’ Class Mom
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What was your favorite part of The McKinley School Demo?
“All of it!”
Owen Thames
AKSB Kids’ Class, Junior 9th Kyu
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What was your favorite part of The McKinley School Demo?
“The bokto (wooden sword) demonstration.”
What did you get out of the experience?
“A lot of fun.”
Ella Thames
AKSB Kids’ Class, Junior 7th Kyu
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What was your favorite part of The McKinley School Demo?
“I liked that the kids showed up in full force to support a good cause. I was impressed with their poise, for example Spencer’s speech. I was also impressed with how comfortable they are in leadership roles and how they’re growing in that area, too.”
What did you get out of the experience?
“That we as a dojo helped the community.”
Siobhan Thames
AKSB Kids’ Class Mom
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