On Sept. 5, the Aragon Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO) held the first ever Tailgate from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. The tailgate was held on the Aragon lower basketball courts between the first junior varsity and varsity football games of the season against Jefferson High School. Two trucks were at the tailgate, as well as tables from Music Boosters and Leadership. The Leadership table sold pom poms and eye black. By the end of the tailgate, the PTSO sold approximately 500 hot dogs and hamburgers. Approximately 600 people attended the tailgate.
The tailgate had numerous school organizations and booster sponsors. Athletic Boosters coordinated the food for the tailgate and the Aragon Excellence Fund, Drama Boosters, Music Boosters, Latino Parent Organization and Asian Parent Group all contributed in staffing the event.
PTSO president Cheryl Westmont says, “We wanted to do a community event that involved all Booster and Parent Groups that was fun and was not a fundraiser. Julia Savage came up with the idea for the tailgate. We just [wanted] to encourage everyone to come out and bring the whole family.”
Lori Tamura-Chinn, co-chair of the Aragon Excellence Fund, wanted to boost spirit within the school. “We are absolutely committed to building our Aragon community,” she says. “This is not a fundraising event; this is for fun. Plain, good old fun. We are all united and support the school.”
The tailgate was open to all parents, students and game attendees. Hot dogs or hamburgers, drinks, chips and dessert were sold for five dollars.
Members from the Aragon Jazz Combo played music at the event. Sophomore and bassist Derek Kinsella says, “I love [the tailgate.] I feel like it could be a bigger event than it is but it’s still good for start.”
Tenor saxophone player and sophomore George Marshall said, “[The music is] funky. It’s getting them pumped up. People seem to be having a good time.”
Aragon alumni also attended the tailgate, stopping by in between football games to join in on the event. Aris Payan, who graduated in 2013, says, “There’s music and everyone is united. It’s nice to see everyone here and more people being brought out to the football game.
Senior Kevin Ruttenberg, one of the two Don mascots, sees the event as a great way to build spirit. “I think it’s going to turn over a new leaf,” he says. “Aragon hasn’t been known for our spirit. I think this is a good attempt and it will get the ball rolling, make Aragon a little more spirited, a little more into the community, and a little bit more into the school itself.”
