A Small Community's Answer to Violence in Schools School District, Parents, Students and Faculty Join for Theatre Project.

LIVERMORE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 6, 1999--

The recent rise in incidents of school violence throughout the country has caused one Northern California community to seriously consider the root causes of such violence and take action. In an effort to create and enhance high school programs which involve the highest percentage of "at risk" students, Granada High School and the Livermore School District announce a project to renovate the Granada High School Theatre and Lecture Hall.

Deete Chatterton, Granada High School student body president for Y2K says, "next to good parenting social involvement in school is very important. It's always the kids who feel like outsiders who turn violent. A theatre is something that will benefit the whole school. A lot of kids have sports, but those of us who are in art or music or drama need a theatre. That's where we get involved." Mathew Moore, Granada Senior adds, "When you look at things like what happened at Columbine (High School, Littleton CO) you realize it could just as easily happen here. We have to do whatever we can to make sure it doesn't."

Parents, students and faculty members have joined to create a Granada High School Theatre Association. The Association has set for themselves the task of raising $85,000 to purchase the stage, seating, lights, sound system and curtains that will turn the School's English building into a working professional-style theatre.

Debbie Nelson, Granada High School ROP Marketing & Business Ownership Instructor says, "A new, professional theater could help encourage students to participate in school events and activities that would offer an opportunity to display their talents and skills in front of many people. This would bring a sense of pride and confidence to our kids that will assist them in achieving their future goals and dreams."

Along with the Livermore Valley Education Foundation, The Granada High School Theatre Association has already raised $15,000 since taking on the project at the beginning of July.

A presentation of the proposal, including a detailed scale model of the renovated theatre, is scheduled Tuesday, August 10th at 7:30 p.m. at Granada High School, 400 Wall Street in Livermore, California. Anyone interested is welcome to attend.

Granada High School's Principal, Livermore's Superintendent of Schools, many faculty, students and members of the Theatre Association will also be in attendance.