DIVERSE GROUPS attending ...........

Among the guests of San Diego Asian American Repertory Theater to performances - Students of the Phoenix Academy and members of the National Charity League - San Diegutio Chapter:

PHOENIX ACADEMY: The Phoenix Academy of San Diego was established in 1987 as the area's first residential school and substance abuse treatment academy for teens. Originally located in Encinitas, the academy moved to a former ranch in Descanso and is now situated on a 90-acre campus.

The Phoenix Academy of San Diego is one of 11 Phoenix House residential schools and treatment programs throughout the nation, which are recognized nationally for their treatment effectiveness. The U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention selected Phoenix Academy as a model program for adolescents, and the RAND Corporation, in a study published in Psychology of Addictive Behavior, cited Phoenix Academy's program for having brought about marked reductions in drug use and unlawful behavior, while improving psychological status for youth in treatment, as compared to youth being cared for in similar residential programs.

NATIONAL CHARITY LEAGUE - SAN DIEGUTIO CHAPTER: Mothers and Daughters Working, Sharing and Serving Together National Charity League, Inc. (NCL) is a non-profit national organization of mothers and daughters who join together in community involvement within local chapters throughout the United States. Our goal is to foster a sense of community responsibility and strengthen the mother-daughter relationship. Daughters participate in a six-year program of philanthropic work, educational activities and cultural events.

Philanthropic Work - through the San Dieguito Chapter of National Charity League, Inc. supports several philanthropies in our local community. Support comes in the form of time and organizational skills donated to these services, and may involve fundraising. Educational Programs include grade level leadership and personal growth training among many activities.


OTHER GROUPS in attendance ....

ASIAN INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION at Sweetwater High School: In 1974, Mr. Carl Yamashiro created an organization known as B.A.D. (Brothers of Asian Descent) at Sweetwater High School in National City, CA. In 1982, Mr. Robert Ricasa took over and started what we all have come to love and know as the Asian International Association. It's been nearly three decades since then and AIA has grown into more than a simple school club. You'll find branches of AIA throughout the district known as API, PAC, and APSA. One thing we all have in common? We are a family. United by our roots, history, and culture. Our goal at Sweetwater Union High is to culturally empower our students, teach them to be leaders, and instill both confidence and school pride.

AIA consists six officers and over 80 members who are all involved in the following annual commissions/projects: Activities takes on such tasks as organizing fundraisers, finding sponsors for our four major events, and also setting up activities (cultural, social, community, school spirit). Arts & Publicity is responsible for creating unique backdrops for selected events, designing flyers for events, and also making AIA and our events known to the school. Pan Asian Assembly is the first major event for AIA. This all school assembly, over 2400 student audience, highlights and showcases the various cultures and traditions of Asia and the Pacific Islands. Culture Night is the first event/dance for AIA. Sweetheart's Ball is AIA's very own formal dance which is held in February, around Valentine's Day. Talent Show is the last major event for AIA

CHINESE STUDIES INSTITUTE, SDSU: Director: Dr. Li-Rong Lilly Cheng:
MISSION: The Chinese Studies Institute at San Diego State University exists to foster the understanding of greater China and the Chinese diaspora in all its manifestations: cultural, linguistic, political, economic, scientific, and interpersonal. For faculty it serves as a focal point for funding, information sharing, and the coordination of research. For students it seeks to provide scholarship support and funding, to facilitate exchange and research programs, and to create opportunities for internships in mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and other Chinese-speaking areas. For the community it sponsors and co-sponsors a wide range of lectures, presentations, and cultural events. As a goodwill ambassador, it coordinates visits of scholars, dignitaries, artists, and other visitors to San Diego State University.

ACTING PROFESSIONALLY: Actor and director Terry Ross brings over 20 years of stage and teaching experience to San Francisco and San Diego, providing screen acting classes for both adults and children. Actors of all ages benefit from years of theatre and screen experience as well as years of teaching in professional actor training programs. Some of "The Joy Luck Club" cast members are students of Terry Ross. www.actingprofessionally.com

PASACAT (Philippine Performing Arts Company): PASACAT is a Philippine folk dance, but in San Diego, it began as the acronym for the Philippine-American Society and Cultural Arts Troupe. Today, PASACAT's mission is to preserve and promote the Asian Pacific culture through the arts, thereby, extending goodwill and enhancing cultural understanding.

On September 7, 1969, during a salute to San Diego's 200th Anniversary by the Filipino-American Community Association of San Diego County, with Delfin Labao as president, San Diego witnessed the birth of this performing arts group in the first Philippine Cultural Extravaganza held at the Organ Pavilion, Balboa Park. Paz Marquez Uro and Dr. Bill Yumul choreographed and instructed fifty Filipino-American youths in Philippine dance for this three-hour tribute. The enthusiasm from this performance was tremendous as was the response to continue Philippine folk dancing. In November, 1970, PASACAT became the first formally organized Philippine Dance Company in San Diego.

ST. RITA'S FOLK CHOIR: St. Rita's Church, 5124 Churchward Street, San Diego