Computer Systems Awarded to Students

The first in a series of computer distributions took place at Sequoia High School in Room 29 on Friday, December 16, 2005. Twenty refurbished computer systems were provided to Sequoia High School students in recognition of their hard work and academic achievement.

The project was made possible by the teaming together of local government, non-profit service and business. The County of San Mateo provided used surplus equipment in excellent condition.  Woodside Terrace A.M. Kiwanis Club provided the volunteer workforce to refurbish the equipment.  The Anagnostou family donated office space to store the computers allowing club members plenty of room to spread out and work. In addition, Sequoia High School, through Cameron Dodge's Computer Repair and Maintenance course offered to help students with hardware and systems issues.

San Mateo County Supervisor Rose Jacobs Gibson, who was in attendance said,  “Put together County surplus equipment with some very talented Kiwanis volunteers and you give Sequoia High School students their own computer and most importantly, endless opportunities to learn. In this season of giving, it gives me great pleasure to congratulate the Woodside Terrace A.M. Kiwanis Club and Sequoia High School for this innovative partnership with the County.”

“Donating time and talent to recycle computers is a precious gift that affords students the chance to excel.  Our community is indeed blessed.” Supervisor Rose Jacobs Gibson above: Supervisor Rose Jacobs Gibson, Superintendent Pat Gemma, and Principal March Fairbanks Pat Gemma, Superintendent of Sequoia Union High School District who was also in attendance said, “The Kiwanis Student Achievement Computer Awards Program has multiple benefits.  It provides deserving students the necessary computers at home to keep up with the increase use of computers in education and society in general.  It also uses the services of students and staff at Sequoia High School in a very meaningful way. This Kiwanis Program is brilliant in concept and result." Various club members provided time and technical expertise in configuring the computers with operating systems and software, testing and burning in each system, cleaning and even tying on oversized bows.  Maureen coordinated the overall project. December 2005 Spectrum Article

Lourdes help procure office space (and baked cookies). Rob, Randy, George Kerewicz, Ed Jaramillo , and Mike configured the systems and installed software.  Also providing invaluable help in planning and volunteering for a variety of tasks were Donna, Bill, Larry, Lynne, Carol, Roy, George Borg and Elizabeth.  Chuck Rigg contributed toward future needs. Tessa and Wilma, Kiwanis members who teach at Sequoia, along with Principal Morgan Marchbanks supported the event cheering on students as they were awarded certificates and computer systems.

The Kiwanis Club is also very grateful to the Anagnostou family who donated space to store and work on the computers, and the school technology department for providing ongoing computer support. Thank you, also, local media that covered the event.  Check out page 14 of the December 2005 Spectrum.  Publisher Steve Penna showed up in person to cover the event. The Redwood City Daily News also published an announcement.

Lourdes Carini, our club President reminds us that there are plenty of opportunities for service. “We’re still looking for printers and will be contacting the generous business community in San Mateo County to help complete this program.”

by Mike Akana  (with a lot of help from Jan Borg)

A special thank you to the San Mateo Credit Union for their continued support of WTAM Kiwanis programs and especially for office space for the computer project this year.