Altrusa International of Hermiston hosted its 18th annual gathering of eighth-grade girls at Hermiston High School on Friday, April 12.
The 53 girls – from Sandstone and Armand Larive Middle Schools – presented registration and contact information as they entered and were placed in groups and were then served a dinner of Obie’s sandwiches, fresh fruit, veggies, chips, and cookies.
The annual event is designed to get incoming freshman girls acquainted with high school.
After dinner, the girls gathered in small groups led by a high school leadership girl and rotated among a variety of stations, which were assisted by Altrusa members. Stations included fingernail painting, photos and scrapbooking, learning cheers from cheerleaders, rock painting, volleyball, and a giant Jenga game.
Each small group took a tour of the high school with their HHS leader. Midway through the stations, the girls gathered for a presentation by the HHS leaders , and the whole evening culminated in a fan-favorite fashion show with high school-aged girls depicting “what to wear” and “what not to wear” to both class and to prom.
The annual project has been spearheaded by members Karen Sherman and Ann Fialka, who volunteer behind the scenes to create a successful event for the girls. It is supported by donations from businesses in the community as well as Altrusans of Hermiston who donate goodies for each girls “goody bag” that she takes home with her.
