I had the wonderful opportunity to see Homestead High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) in action yesterday. I walked into the Homestead High School gym to attend a dodge ball tournament/fundraiser in support of teen space in the Sunnyvale Library of the Future, and to my complete surprise entered a room full of people!

Rohit and Max, as I have mentioned before, are the students in charge of the community service project for the Homestead High School FBLA. The FBLA students came up with a fundraising idea that was fun for everyone, fueled by school and team spirit, and a sense of commitment to their community. Every single high school in the Fremont High School District was represented by students, teachers, staff, and administration.

In the audience were approximately 1,000 people rooting for their school’s team of teachers. The students were a vision to behold. The teachers danced to the music and dodged the ball. In general, they showed off and made sure the crowd had a good time. Decked out in a black suit, Charles, the President of FBLA, was the emcee for the evening. If you’ve ever seen the announcer rally the crowd for a professional boxing match, then multiply that excitement times 2 for the way that Charles rallied the attendees at the dodge ball tournament!

It was amazing to see 1,000 students and family members having fun on a school night! It was awe-inspiring to watch 100 teachers, staff and administrators in action as they showed their support for current and future students by dodging that ball! I felt very proud and thankful also for the contribution from my colleagues in Public Safety, Chief Don Johnson and Neighborhood Resource Officer Jim Davis, who acted as the tournament referees.

I still feel overwhelmed with joy and excitement to know that FBLA took on a project in support of their community and delivered such outstanding results in such a short time. I want to give a “shout out” to students, teachers, staff, and administrators of the Fremont High School District, to Cupertino High School, Fremont High School, Homestead High School, Lynbrook High School, and Monta Vista High School! Go-o-o-o teams, and thanks to everyone!

The future is very bright in the hands of these young leaders.