WHS students to ‘Rock the Arts’

By Michelle Knight knight@theacorn.com

BILL SPARKES/ Acorn Newspapers PROMOTERS--Pardeese Ehya, left, with the help of Kattarina Oswaks and about 150 student volunteers, has organized Rock the Arts, a fundraising event involving six bands, a fashion show, a student art gallery, and raffles and auctions. Advance tickets including dinner are $10; at the door without dinner, tickets are $5. The event will take place at Westlake High School. For further information, please e-mail rock_the_arts@hotmail.com.

Pardeese Ehya has always volunteered to help others.

According to her mother, the Westlake High School senior helped in soup kitchens and children’s hospitals as a younger girl.

"I think it’s in her blood to help in the community," said Shooreh Maleki Ehya of her 18-year-old daughter.

It was only natural that Pardeese (better known as "Q") would grow up compelled to help others.

One day late last fall, after Q and a chum had discussed how fortunate they were to attend a school with award-winning art and music programs, they decided to put what they’d learned to work. They wanted to help students at other schools who were without such programs or were in danger of losing them. The idea became "Rock the Arts," an event that weds music, art and fashion.

"I like fashion and music so this is right up my alley," said Q.

The show is scheduled for 6 to 10 p.m. this Saturday in the Westlake High School gymnasium. The event started as a small function, but as word spread, more teens, bands and businesses sought to be involved. The school’s art students will have their work on display and for sale, donating proceeds to the cause.

WHS students will model clothes, walking down a runway to the music of local rock and hip-hop bands, all of which are Conejo Valley groups. Many of the clothes were designed by students, and proceeds will be donated to an auction that night.

Local merchants are supplying many of the outfits for the fashion show, some of which will also be donated to the auction.

Q said that while students and local businesses have been responsive, school administrators, although supportive, are apprehensive about how large it’s become.

"It’s a big thing and we’re so proud of it that they’ll be proud of it, too," said Q. "It’s exciting seeing our entire school . . . unify and help out."

The event became so big that Q’s friend decided she couldn’t give it the time and effort it deserved. Enter Kattarina Oswaks.

The 17-year-old WHS junior said she made time between preparing for her SATs and schoolwork to help plan the event.

"It seemed like an awesome opportunity to get involved in the community," Kattarina said. "If I wasn’t involved in it, I’d be going to it."

Like Q, Kattarina is already a veteran volunteer. She helps through a national charity organization that assists other philanthropies, including local agencies like Many Mansions.

At press time, Q and Kattarina hadn’t decided on the specific schools that would benefit from the show. They’re considering donating to schools in Oxnard and/or Los Angeles.

Rock the Arts tickets can be purchased before the event for $10. The price includes food, a beverage and premium seating. Tickets are available through e-mail at rock_the_arts@hotmail.com and at the office at Westlake High School. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.