Today, September 4th, the HHS yearbook staff held their first ever fundraising car wash. At 9:00 am, staff members gathered at the Exxon gas station across from Costco, equipped with signs advertising their services.

The goal of the day was to raise money for their publication and trips, specifically a spring 2011 journalism convention in Anaheim, California.

“It was Talia Baltazar, our Editor-In-Chief’s idea. She thought it was a good team building concept along with raising money to go to L.A.,” Yearbook advisor Mary Strickler said.

Pre-pay tickets were sold at school for four dollars. If a student sold a ticket, the money went towards their trip. At the end of the day, the money was divided amongst the participating yearbook staff members.

Students stood along the side of the road, waving their signs whole others washed and rinsed dirty cars. Some yearbook staff members had been working since the morning, while others had worked in shifts.

“We didn’t’ think we would have that much business this morning because it was cold and it was so early.  But people started showing up and they’re calling their friends, so it’s been good,” junior Brian Chicas said.

Stricker inspected the students work. If she saw a missed spot or a streaked window, she made sure the students fixed it. The money was donations and she wanted to make sure the customers were getting the best job possible.

“We’ve met a lot of very nice people, a lot of out-of-staters who have never seen a car wash done by students.  We’ve had people stop by and just give us donations because they’re alumni or they just appreciate a child who’s willing to work,” Strickler said.

One man, who wished to go by John, said he was happy to let the students wash his car.

“I was going to get it washed anyway and thought it would be better to give it to an organization than a corporation,” John said.

The yearbook staff say they appreciate the Exxon station letting them do their fundraiser at their gas station, which is a heavily trafficked area.

“We’d like to thank Exxon for being very generous and letting us use their water. We hope we’ve brought in a lot of customers for gas,” Stricker said.

The yearbook has yet to determine if they will do another car wash.  It depends on how successful today was and how much interest there is for another one.