By Shelby Adair
Staff Writer
Mira Costa Night (formerly called “Why Costa Night”) took place Monday night Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. in the Manhattan Beach Middle School auditorium and gym to show what academics and extracurricular Mira Costa High School has to offer the incoming freshman class.
There were numerous tables lined up and down the auditorium, and each table represented a different activity offered at Costa. Surrounding the tables were teachers or students who are currently involved with the activity, including various sports.
“When I went to the Why Costa Night night as an eighth grader, it helped me feel more comfortable with joining the soccer program. I have now been on the Mira Costa soccer team all four years of high school, and I want to inspire the middle school students to participate,” senior Dana Eisenhauer said.
Various groups that participate at Costa also attended, like the cheer team, dance team, Foreign Language Department, girls/boys golf, basketball, Model United Nations, baseball, softball, ASB, and Friendship Circle. The robotics team had several hand-made robots made by hand on display.
“We won the World Championship first robotics competition. Since we lost several of our strong members last year when they graduated, we decided to attend Why Costa Night to try to get back members and defend our championship,” senior and Robotics team member Alex Davis said.
Several academic departments were also there to answer questions from parents and students.
“I think it is important to put Mira Costa’s best foot forward for future attendees. We advertise the strengths of our core curriculums and extracurricular activities. With the displays we have, we can afford students a greater selection of activities than could ever be possibly offered at a private high school. And it’s free!” statistics teacher Dan Debevec said.
Members of the English Department also attended.
“With an API score of 898, the only people here tonight who really matter are the sports, clubs, and electives, because the academics are proven,” English Chair Deborah Hofreiter said.
Principal Ben Dale feels that the event is an opportunity for students and parents to see what they will be offered at Mira Costa, but is not an attempt to convince anyone to attend the school.
“At Mira Costa, we shouldn’t feel like we’re in a position to sell our school. Our school sells itself,” Dale said.
The night was a success with a very full crowd along with a large amount of information.
“We’re always happy to provide this service for the incoming 9th graders, and it was another standing room-only crowd. It’s always nice to see former students come back to an event like Why Costa Night and be such wonderful ambassadors of these programs in high school,” MBMS Principal John Jackson said.
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