List of all Colt Crew Leaders

1 Alyssa Bolden
2 Ana Gonzales
3 Araceli Gonzalez
4 Arlin Gonzalez
5 Armon Mathis
6 Barbara Gonzales
7 Beatriz Ortiz
8 Bianca Munoz
9 Briana Salinas
10 Catherine Ann Dimapilis
11 Cerina Plopino
12 Christian Garcia
13 Clarsonelle Garcia
14 Daisy Vasquez
15 Danny Jimenez
16 Derrick Nubia
17 Diana Libiran
18 Fernanda Fernandez
19 Gabriela Rodriguez
20 Jennifer Lopez
21 Jessica Arzola
22 Justin Mobley
23 Karla Camarena
24 Katherine Prestegui
25 Kayla Thomas
26 Lizbeth Avila
27 Manuia Levi
28 Maria Bautista
29 Melissa Real
30 Monserrat Leal
31 Noemi Valdivia
32 Paulo Sapanza
33 Raul Jimenez
34 Romella Pol
35 Sofia Gonzales-Ponce
36 Yadira Garcia

Colt Crew Leader/Alumni/freshmen testimonials

I couldn't believe that this batch of young freshmen were so awesome!
I never expected that they were so COOL.
I called my freshmen last Tuesday and they were so nice. They shared me some experience on taking the registration.

I was so happy that my new freshmen were so OPEN when it comes to education.

I can hardly wait to start my FIRST semester of senior year with my CUTE, NICE, and RESPECTFUL freshmen.

Hope that they are ready to face the new TRIALS of their SCHOOL LIFE, and WE are here to help them...

PaU^o^PaU (Paulo, CC Leader 2009-2011)

So I am new to Colt Crew and I loovee it sooo much. I feel very honored that I can actually call myself a Colt CrewLeader. Colt Crew has helped me become a new person and I know by staying with Colt Crew better myself as well as the lives of my freshmen. Colt Crew has been a wonderful experience for me because I am the type of person that likes to help people in any way, and ifI cant help them then I'd like to at least put a smile on their face.

Freshmen orientation was amazing. I had so much fun with all my freshmen at orientation. Iloved seeing all of them have a good time. I know that this year with my freshmen will be perfect. I am looking forward to working with everybody this year. I am going to help my freshmen with whatever I can in order to make their freshmen year the best, because I didn't have anybody to help me during my freshmen year and it was really hard.
-Bianca, Colt Crew Leader 2010-2011


So far my experience with Colt Crew has been great. I have seen how we have progressed as a team and made it work. I'm glad that we are able to provide support and aid to all those freshmen, I think we have all made a difference. Orientation was good, and i think we work much better together this year. I liked my group of freshmen and I can't wait to see what awaits us this year.
--Arlin, Colt Crew Leader 2009-2011

I never expected for Colt Crew to impact my life in such a positive way. I can honestly say that it has been a true blessing to be a Colt Crew Leader. Ms. Dev, the leaders, and the freshmen have all been so kind and generous, it almost seems surreal to me. I truly enjoy being in Colt Crew and I am putting in all my energy and heart into the responsibilities that come with it as well.
However, never have I been so touched in Colt Crew, until I actually attended and participated in the orientation. My freshmen year was the worst year of my life due to many reasons, and being able to guide the freshmen to a positive start is truly an opportunity to cherish. While speaking to the freshmen, I began to analyze everything I’ve lived through, and I noticed that maybe, just maybe, these freshmen and this program in general is impacting me in a way I never thought was possible. All of my experiences as a Colt Crew Leader have been wonderful; Colt Crew is definitely a life changing experience for everyone. It is a win-win situation. Honestly, thank you Ms. Dev for allowing me to be part of this! --anonymous, Colt Crew Leader, 2010-2011


I did not attend Orientation this year but I was a part of Colt Crew for two years while attending Carson High. I have watched Colt Crew progress from something good to something great with w/good intentions in both years but higher set goals in the second year. My experience in Colt Crew was wonderful. I can quite honestly say that this is the one community/club that I could truly give something back to by mainly guiding, assisting and comforting those who need help transitioning into a new environment. Even though this comment is most likely very cliche , it would've been highly appreciated having a welcoming group of people willingly prepare me for the journey of high school. But the true joy from Colt Crew is watching the freshmen that we once mentored go through their first year of high school with their heads held high and with that strong confidence knowing that they're going to be fine. They don't need us to hold their hands anymore. They just need us to be their back brace to fall on when they need information. I know in some way Colt Crew has helped many of our CHS kids whether it be the freshmen or the mentors, but it is a great support system. The main thing that I loved about Colt Crew is whether big or small, we always made it work and that is truly a success on its own.--Michelle King, Colt Crew Leader 2009-2010


I remember my freshman year like it was 5 seconds ago. My favorite parts of my freshman year was when I was at the colt crew orientations and i was officially known as a Marine Corps Junior Reserves Officers Training Corps (MCJROTC) cadet. When I first stepped foot onto the CHS campus, i was shaking like a leaf. When I met my colt crew leadersI learned about the high school life and find my way around the school and find certain offices if I needed help with anything. And the best thing about Colt Crew was that you already had sophomores, juniors, and seniors as friends that can help you with anything and answer any question you had. They were like big brothers and sisters in a way. And the ultimately best part about haveing a mentor is keeping in contact with them. And now, I can say this as a known fact, Colt Crew is there to help you and thanks to Ms Dev for being the Colt Crew Coordinator and my Colt Crew Leaders for showing me what my first day of high school would be like before I even started --Kenan Rhule, C/0 2013, Sophomore


Well, I remember myself going to orientation as a freshman and it felt pretty good just being there. to me it feels very different being the one helping make freshman orientation happen, rather than actually being in orientation itself. It was a great experience and if I had the chance to do it right now again i would :) I feel like Colt Crew is very different than any other group because its not for your benefit it really is for the benefit of others. By helping the freshman we leaders learn how to be a role model and a leader. Personally, I'm still learning what Colt Crew is about (: MAKE IT WORK (: --Gaby, Colt Crew Leader 2010-2011


Well, my experience with Colt Crew has been great so far and i know it will just get better(: I unfortunately did not have the opprtunity to go to my freshmen orientation, buti have volunteered for the past 2 years. I thought orientation was a great event, specially when it's high school students who contribute to making this event happen. Because freshmen may find this more relevant, with us Colt Crew Leaders sharing our own experiences and memories. Besides orientation i love the events Colt Crew does because, they're fun and involve a lot of communication, which means you make a lot of new great friends. It also helps you keep an open mind, being creative, outgoing, and supportive (:--Daisy, Colt Crew Leader, 2010-2011


Well, I don't even know where to start from! COLT CREW has made me a change in so little time. I've just started Colt Crew this year and I'm now more open to people. I've met significant people. They are so nice, friendly, and caring. So far Colt Crew has been fun. I've learned how to talk to a crowd of people with a mic., which is something I've never done before.
Now, the day of the orientations were exciting days because I've learned through my fun experiences with the freshmen.
The first day was a really fun day. The first thing we did was the gauntlet. I loved the gauntlet. Everyone was excited. Most of the freshmen's where also excited except a few, but that didn't stop us. Then we did the intro which I learned a lot from. Next we did the balloon relay race, didn't work the way we thought, but like Ms.Dev said, we made it work. So everything went well. As we were playing the game the crowd was more excited. Then, we got into our groups, my partner, Kathy and I were curious aboutthe freshmen's we were going to have. So, we went to the rooms we were assigned to and all got to meet each other. They were not shy and that was the good thing because they made the day fun and made everything work well. I was amazed because they actually solved the game of human knots. I think they are ready for high school. They met there challenges and accomplished every challenge together as a team.
Kathy and I were really impressed with a freshman named Tiana. She was so talkative and joyful. She helped us a lot. During the tour which was the next thing we did , Tiana acted the way we wanted all to be. Our them was Hawaiian she made others feel comfortable by being poem and screaming aloha when we bumped into other groups. The tour was another of my favorite activities we did. We went to show the freshmen the garden and there I saw a great Dane, it was the first time I ever saw one. That was something really cool. Next we went back to the gym and all the freshmen were twice as excited as when they first came. I was tired after all we did, but it was worth it.. Something cool that happened was that Tiana one of our freshmen came back the second day of orientation to spend the time with Kathy and I. That made us feel proud of ourselves because that made us think we did our job right. So yeah, everything went well. --Karla, Colt Crew Leader 2010-2011


There is a lot of words that I can use to express my experience with Colt Crew, but two beats them all; LIFE-CHANGING. Same as other students, I went through freshman year without having a clue on what to do. Then, I found Colt Crew leaders that somewhat made me feel comfortable around others, as I was a really shy person back then. I then began to realize that I would love to help students too, that was when I decided to join Colt Crew. And to tell you what, I didn't regret joining this big "family"! On August 19 and 20 of 2010, I just had the best time when I joined the orientation to welcome those freshies at CHS. It was the EPIC! But what mostly made me happy was when one of my freshmen in my group said "I adore you", it was really touching and put a big smile in my face. Now, I know that I can make a difference by just giving a helping hand to others, and know that it would be returned with gratitude and respect.
-Clarsonelle Garcia, proud to be a 2010-2011 Colt Crew Leader!!! :))


My experience in the Colt Crew orientation was fun and also stressing at times .No wonder some teachers complain that it isn't easy teaching.Even though i was tired at times, I really enjoyed the experience.Every student had something different to talk about, express, and show. At first when I got there I was a bit nervous because I didnt know what to expect.I had an idea of how it was going to be like but it wasn't a I pictured.It was a bit complicated at first because i wassent sure what I had to offer to make everyone and myself comfortable sinceI didn't want any student to leave with a bad impression about me on the first day. But as time passed by i got more comfortable with myself and I treid my best to be open and urge everyone to leave their comfort zone as well. I'm really happy that I got that opportunity to share and instruct students in what and what not to do, so when the first day of school comes, they can say, "My Colt Crew Leader helped me." .Im glad i was able to help , even if it was as small as just in showing them where the bathroom is . :) --Ana,


Even though I just joined Colt Crew not so long along ago, it's already changed me. I have a major anxiety problem when it comes to talking to a big group of people but now I seem more positive that I can do it. Maybe it's because I know more people, or maybe because I'm just growing up, either way I know Colt Crew has something to do with it. I'm happier because I'm helping people, and at the same time being helped. At the Freshman Orientation I had a blast, watching the kids adjust from shy and quiet to loud and excited for the next challenge. My group of freshman are already opening up to me and that is a great feeling knowing that they trust me. I'm very serious when it comes to keeping my role as a leader. I love Colt Crew and everyone in it (:
-Araceli Gonzalez, Colt Crew Leader 2010-2011


I LOVE COLT CREW! One thing I will say first of all the things in my mind--it's been a short time with Colt Crew but i am looking forward a great year. My experience so far is GREAT. I've learned alot during this time and I love how everyone helps out each other, in addition to the freshmen. The Day of Orientation was a blessing. It was nice getting to know alot of new faces and see how they were so interested in high school. My favorite part was how they loved asking a lot of questions about everything to do with high school, even college. At first they were all shy but as soon as me and my partner started telling them things about us they opened up and became very comfortable with us. --Noemi, Colt Crew Leader 2010-2011

Pictures from Freshmen Orientation...more pics. and commentary to come Wednesday!

Important Info/Code of Conduct

Colt Crew is a yearlong commitment. Don’t fall off, because you will be letting a lot of people down. If you can’t make it, don’t just stop showing up. Be a man (or lady) and come talk to me personally about why you can no longer be a part of this organization.

You must call all the freshmen in your orientation groups by Monday the 23rd of August. Texting, Facebook and Myspace does not count—Colt Crew makes voice-to-voice, then in-person, face to face connections. I don’t want any excuses about you not being able to call them, because there are none. At the beginning of the year, I expect all freshmen to be called at least twice a week.

None of the freshmen in your group must be shown favoritism based on personality or ethnicity. Last year, one of the students in my class had a leader who never contacted her but would always contact another girl in the group. I don’t want anything like this to happen ever again.

You must learn all your freshmen’s first and last names and have their schedules written down. There will be a folder on one of the computers in C-27 where you will need to have entered this information by the end of the first week of school.

It is up to you to build a bond with your freshmen by telling them to meet you at lunch, nutrition, or after school and then being there on time. The best method is to get together with your partner and plan activities for your orientation group. Each group should have at least one activity a month.

If you are supposed to meet a freshmen in my room and you do not show up, you will be warned once and then dropped from Colt Crew. Colt Crew honors their commitments.

Don’t let your personal life (relationship troubles, breakups, friendships, etc) affect your attitude when it comes to Colt Crew. We need to be mature enough to leave all that behind once we step through the doors of C27, the meetings, or the events.

No one is perfect and once in a while, we may let a curse word slip, but we cannot EVER do so around the freshmen. I have never cursed around mine, and you can do the same. If the freshmen use bad language, it is the perfect time to talk to them about making the right choices in school and life.

Let the freshmen know right off the bat that you will be checking their grades, because you want them to succeed in school. If you are notified that a freshman is doing poorly in their classes, don’t bring it up right away. Instead, have a conversation about other stuff and then sneak it in at the end.

If a freshman does not seem interested in corresponding with you, try a few more times and then say, “Here is my contact information. I am always here to help you, so feel free to contact me whenever.” You may think about referring them to another leader. Please remember that not everyone warms up right away, so you need to be patient.

Do not joke around with your freshmen the same way you joke with your friends. Remember that you are not here to be their friends. They have upperclassmen friends already, but you shouldn’t be one of them. Think of yourself as a teacher and your freshmen as your students.

Do not ever end up in the tardy line. This is a HORRIBLE example for our freshmen. I will be doing regular checks. Leaders who are in the tardy line must help a freshman teacher clean their room for one hour after school. Think of it as detention, but more helpful. Four tardies equals a drop from Colt Crew.

Do not ever end up in the Dean’s office. Being in the Dean’s Office once equals two hours of cleaning a freshman teacher’s classroom, and twice equals a drop from Colt Crew.

Colt Crew Leaders are unlike other students in the way that you are always being watched and judged. Not by “Big Brother,” but by me, your teachers, and your peers. They know that you are leaders so they will expect certain behavior from you. Forget who you were last year, because this year you are someone new—a better and more knowledgeable person and student.

Colt Crew is a lot of work and sometimes we’ll be tired. However, it is important to stay energetic and positive at all times, whether it is during an event or during the class. This is what Link Crew students all over the country are known for, and here at Carson High School, it should be no different.

Never, ever hesitate to ask for help from me or your Colt Crew Leaders.

Treat your fellow leaders equally and with respect. Be warm and friendly. Always return their calls and don’t be standoffish.

Don’t ever talk back to a teacher or staff. It doesn’t matter what they said to you. In life, you will not be buddy-buddy with everyone, so you have to get ready for that now. Also, how much you like a teacher shouldn’t gauge how well you are doing in their class. You will get one warning and then be dropped from Colt Crew.

If your grades consistently fall below a 2.5, you will be required to go to tutoring, and if it does not improve, you will be dropped. You cannot be a role model if your grades are that low. In my book, even a C is a bad grade, because a C is just average, and my leaders all need to be way above average in every single way.

If you do not attend two or more events in a row, you will be dropped.

Any reports of drug use will equal a drop.

You must come to all meetings (Mondays after school) unless you have a good reason. If you miss more than three meetings in a row (except for sports or something academic, I need to know about this FAR in advance) you may be dropped.

If you have to keep missing Colt Crew events due to family issues, Colt Crew may not be right for you. Family issues may keep us from living up to our best potential and helping others in the best way we know how. So if this keeps happening, I might ask you to take a break and come back when things calm down in your personal life.

If you keep “forgetting” about Colt Crew meetings and events or keep letting me know at the last minute that you will not make it, you will be dropped.

Get to know and talk to your freshmen’s teachers on a regular basis.

Respect yourself by dressing appropriately. No clothing with drug, tobacco, alcohol or sexual references, period. Guys, no boxers showing and girls, cover up that chest and stomach and keep your shorts and skirts a decent length.

No electronic device usage during meetings, class, or events. I will drop people who consistently break this rule, as it shows disrespect.

No PDA, especially kissing for extended periods of time, sitting on laps, or roaming hands. It’s distasteful and sets a bad example, especially for our freshman girls who are already getting so many mixed messages about sexuality from the media and upperclassmen girls. Keep it to tastefully holding hands.

If I hear something negative about a leader from a teacher, that leader will have to clean a freshmen class for one hour. If I hear something positive, that leader will be rewarded, big time. J

If someone badmouths Colt Crew it’s usually because they don’t understand what we are all about. Don’t be offended. Instead, please let those people know what we stand for and how hard we work.

Don’t ever forget that Colt Crew and Ms.Dev loves you!


I understand the Colt Crew Code of Conduct and promise to abide by it:


________________________ _____________________________
(name) (date)

Colt Crew Courier, Issue 1

The Colt Crew Courier:
Issue I.
(All the info that you should know, but may have missed)
Issue written by Kayla, Danny, Maria, and Paulo

***Ms.Dev’s Contact Info***
310-283-7243
nxd2974@lausd.net
www.facebook.com/mysdev or search by email
Please do not contact after 9 pm

***COLT CREW T-SHIRT DESIGNS***
Email to nxd2974@lausd.net, by July 1st, 2010, by midnight. Must have a facebook or email in order to vote, as entering designs will be posted on FB (www.facebook.com/mysdev) May the best design win!

***NEXT YEAR’S GOALS***
Goal #1: One of our goals is to have ALL leaders stay the entire time during a meeting or activity. We appreciated the number of leaders that showed up and were on time to the mandatory meeting, but there were a lot of people who left early. Let’s try to aim for all leaders staying the entire duration of the meeting. We are a small staff (most staffs at Link Crew schools are 100+) so need 200% commitment from EVERY SINGLE LEADER! Make it work, CC Leaders!

Goal #2: We want all leaders to stay with us the entire year. Let’s make this happen!

***INFO***
If you have questions regarding the student summer trip on June 19th, you can call any of the following leaders in advance (some of next year’s CC Seniors or Alumni.) Here are our #s and emails, and you can type in our names and email in order to find us on Facebook:

Kayla Thomas:
(310) 414-7031
newborn_kaka@yahoo.com

Danny Jimenez:
(310)756-9370
(310)952-0090
djimenez93@gmail.com
devildanny93@yahoo.com(FB)

Paulo Sapanza:
(310) 783-0994
paulo4realpinoy10@gmail,com
paulosapanza10@gmail.com

Maria Bautista:
(310) 518-4954
nenita_9316@yahoo.com

Nelly Guiterrez:
(310) 961-0572
gutierreznelly@rocketmail.com
(CC alumni)

***Mandatory Dates for summer***
DO NOT MISS, BE LATE, OR LEAVE EARLY ON ANY OF THESE DATES, UNLESS YOU WANT TO FACE THE WRATH OF MS. DEV J

1. ORIENTATION TRAINING DATES: August 4th and 5th from 1-5 pm

2. ORIENTATION SET-UP: August 18th, hours to be arranged through Ms.Dev via phone call, FB, or email

3. ORIENTATION DATES: August 19th and 20th from 7-3


***Info. for Next Year***
*Next year, all leaders are required to contribute one hour of tutoring time to Colt Crew per week. You can split the time up any way that you want, and you can bring your own freshmen or come prepared to tutor freshmen sent by teachers.

*Starting next year, all meetings will take place on Mondays from 3:15-4:15. Location TBA. Clear your schedule and let your parents know to pick you up after this time.